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Trending Middle East

The National News

We bring you the top news stories, field reports and in-depth insights from the Middle East and beyond

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#1625
Friday · 2 min
Rifts widen in Iran, Houthis expand smuggling network to Africa and the UAE pledges Nepal flood aid
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has been accused by a prominent ultraconservative figure of going soft over his support for negotiations with the US. The public rift highlights growing divisions in Iran over how to approach the next phase of the war. The US military says it has cleared sea mines laid by Tehran in the Strait of Hormuz and helped nearly 1,500 commercial vessels pass through the waterway. A Yemeni security source tells The National that the Iran-backed Houthi rebels have turned isolated smuggling operations into a sprawling network across the Horn of Africa. The Houthis have developed links with Al Shabab in Somalia and expanded into Sudan. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and Syria form a joint bank to make investment and money transfers between the countries easier. And in response to the devastating floods in Nepal, the UAE has announced a $10 million humanitarian aid package, directed by President Sheikh Mohamed. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans
#1624
Thursday · 3 min
Qatar PM to visit Tehran, US signals possible Hezbollah talks and UAE-Lebanon investment ties grow
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman heads to Tehran to push for de-escalation between Iran and the US and renewed dialogue, with talks also focusing on restoring navigation through the Strait of Hormuz to the situation before February 28. We also examine comments from the US ambassador to Lebanon that negotiations with Hezbollah are possible if the group is serious and has something to offer, while President Joseph Aoun defends direct talks with Israel as “much better than war”. More than 160 people have died and hundreds are missing after catastrophic floods hit Nepal and Tibet. And the UAE and Lebanon are seeking to strengthen economic ties with a new business council aimed at opening up investment opportunities. Meanwhile, UAE public schools are scrapping homework for pupils from kindergarten to year 2 and cutting screen use for year 6 pupils in key subjects. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.
#1623
Wednesday · 3 min
Iran suffers from fuel shortages, Syrian Kurdish force dissolves and Dubai airport traffic expected to recover
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Iran struggles with fuel shortages and long queues at petrol stations as motorists rush to fill their tanks following new US sanctions. We also look at the dissolution of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces as its fighters are integrated into Syria’s state institutions. Meanwhile, Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi is hopeful arrangements to restore safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz will soon be announced. Tehran, however, says the arrangement would not constitute a full reopening of the strait. And Dubai International Airport expects passenger traffic to strengthen in the second half of the year after the Iran war sharply reduced travel demand, while parts of the UAE face more rain, strong winds and temperatures reaching 48°C in Al Ain. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.
#1622
Tuesday · 3 min
US expects more countries to cut Iran trade, Syria clears major economic hurdle and Parkin expands regionally
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the US has announced sweeping new sanctions against Iran, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he expects other countries to take similar action as Washington steps up its campaign to economically isolate Tehran. We also look at the US decision to remove Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, clearing a major obstacle to Damascus's economic recovery. And leading Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour has died, aged 79, after more than five decades shaping a visual language of Palestinian identity. Abu Dhabi’s Lulu Island is set for a major transformation under developer Eagle Hills Properties, while Dubai’s public parking operator Parkin is expanding its smart parking services into Bahrain and Egypt. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.
#1621
August 24 · 3 min
US prepares ‘economic D-Day’ for Iran, Syria-Israel talks resume and Emirates airline returns to Kuwait
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says Washington is preparing an “economic D-Day” against Iran, aiming at the country's oil exports, financial transactions, aviation, shipping and banking. In Iran, citizens fear further isolation and hardship as inflation exceeds 80 per cent and the rial continues to weaken. We also examine high-level talks between Syria and Israel in Jordan, brokered by the US and aimed at stopping Israeli attacks and reviving negotiations on a security agreement. Emirates airline has also resumed limited flights between Dubai and Kuwait after an extended suspension. And Formula One says it remains committed to holding its 2026 season finale in Abu Dhabi, while Dubai has introduced an AI-powered system to track productivity across 32 government departments. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.
#1620
August 21 · 3 min
Iran war enters a new phase, Israel and Turkey clash over Syria, and UAE schools prepare to reopen
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the US says economic pressure on Iran could prevent a return to large-scale fighting, with Vice President JD Vance describing the war as entering a “new phase” and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent promising further measures on Monday. We also examine escalating tensions between Israel and Turkey over their military presence in Syria, after Israel accuses Ankara of planning to station troops at an airbase struck by Israeli warplanes. In Gaza, aid deliveries rise sharply, but shortages of engine oil and spare parts are putting more lorries out of service and making it increasingly difficult to get supplies to Palestinians. And investment in completed Dubai property projects jumps 52 per cent to Dh111 billion in the first half of the year, while UAE schools prepare to welcome more than a million pupils back to classrooms with existing safety measures remaining in place after this week’s missile alert. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans
#1619
August 20 · 2 min
Trump escalates pressure on Iran, Israel opens Hind Rajab investigation, and Abu Dhabi power demand rises
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, US President Donald Trump announces what he calls the “most crushing economic operation ever taken” against any country after Iran failed to reach a deal with Washington. He also threatens economic consequences for countries that support Tehran, while saying alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz could reduce the waterway’s importance. We also look at Israel’s decision to open a criminal investigation into the killing of five-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab and members of her family in Gaza, as fresh Israeli attacks kill nine people in the city. France and Iran also move to expel each other’s diplomats as relations deteriorate. And Abu Dhabi expects its power demand to double by 2050, with more than Dh300 billion planned for utility infrastructure, while new UAE tax rules are set to make some e-cigarette and vape liquids more expensive from September. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans
#1618
August 19 · 2 min
UAE suspends trade with Iran, US-Iran talks stall, and Israel strikes Syria
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the UAE suspends all activities, trade exchanges and financial transactions with Iran, following the latest escalation in the conflict, marking a significant shift in their economic relationship. We also examine US President Donald Trump’s insistence that there are no talks with Iran as the dispute over the Strait of Hormuz continues, while Tehran maintains the waterway will remain closed until its conditions are met and the US warns Oman against interfering in its efforts. And US envoy Tom Barrack criticises Israeli air strikes on Syria as an unnecessary escalation, anti-Muslim hate crimes in London reach record levels, and Dubai’s paid parking operator says regulated parking will continue expanding as the city grows. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans
#1617
August 18 · 3 min
Trump warns Oman, new Gaza working groups, and Iraq considers dinar reform
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, US special envoy Jared Kushner says Iran is refusing to make the concessions needed for a longer-term agreement after the latest negotiation deadline expired, while Tehran says it has reached an understanding with Oman on a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz. We also look at US President Donald Trump's warning to Oman as diplomacy over the strategic waterway continues. We also examine Israel's agreement with the US-backed Board of Peace to establish two working groups in Gaza, one focused on disarmament and the other on reconstruction and public health, following Mr Kushner's meetings with Israeli leaders, Hamas and regional mediators. And Iraq is considering removing zeros from its currency as it grapples with a budget squeeze, Dubai moves ahead with a rail link connecting its two international airports, and Kevin Lamour, Fifa's chief operating officer, is sacked after criticising Gianni Infantino's controversial commercial rights proposal. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans
#1616
August 17 · 2 min
Arab nations back Gaza peace plan, Hormuz shipping slows, and Iraq corruption crackdown continues
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the UAE joins seven other Arab and Islamic nations in condemning Israel for rejecting renewed efforts to implement US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, as Jared Kushner holds talks with Hamas and regional mediators in Egypt. We also examine a sharp slowdown in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz as attacks on tankers and stalled US-Iran talks continue to disrupt maritime traffic, while Iran resumes crude loading through alternative export routes. We look at Iraq’s seizure of more than $26 million in cash and 60kg of gold as part of a widening anti-corruption campaign. And Abu Dhabi’s sovereign fund launches a bid to take full ownership of AD Ports Group, while the UAE encourages motorists to drive safely ahead of the new school year with its annual Accident-Free Day campaign. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans
#1615
August 14 · 3 min
Adnoc ship attacks condemned, Centcom denies aircraft carrier deaths, and UAE sends aid to Colombia
The UAE has strongly condemned a hostile Iranian attack on two Adnoc-linked ships as they crossed the Strait of Hormuz. The Foreign Ministry called it a flagrant violation of a UN Security Council resolution protecting freedom of navigation. US Central Command has denied reports from mostly Iranian media outlets that seven Navy personnel died aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. It comes after unconfirmed accusations of poor conditions on the carrier, which has been deployed in the Middle East since January. The UN envoy to Yemen has warned the country faces its greatest risk of a return to large-scale war since a 2022 truce. His statement comes as the Houthis escalate attacks in the Red Sea. Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces say they have captured the town of Al Kurmuk in Blue Nile state near the borders with Ethiopia and South Sudan. It's the second town they have seized in the region this week. The UAE is providing $10 million in aid to Colombia after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake killed at least 265 people. It’s being allocated under the directive of President Sheikh Mohamed as part of the country’s commitment to strengthen international relief efforts. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.
#1614
August 13 · 3 min
Oil slick nears Omani beaches, anti-ISIS force to leave Iraq and Perseid meteors in sky over UAE
An oil slick off Oman has begun contaminating beaches as it edges closer to shore. It came from the Russia-linked tanker, Caroline Bezengi, which was under sanctions and disabled by an explosion in June. Environmentalists are also warning about the long-term impact of pollution to the region caused by the Iran war. Iraq and the US have reached a final agreement on the withdrawal of the international force set up to fight ISIS. The move comes as Baghdad also seeks to disarm militia groups and shift its relationship with the US towards economic and security co-operation. Lebanon’s parliament has passed a contentious amnesty law aimed at easing overcrowding in the country’s prisons. But some critics fear that it would spare prisoners convicted of attacking or killing members of the Lebanese army, allowing them to escape their full punishment. Syria has formally protested to the UN after Colombia recognised Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights. New Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella – a staunch supporter of Israel – made the announcement days after being sworn in. And in the UAE, stargazers headed for the desert early on Thursday morning to watch the Perseid meteor shower light up the sky. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.
#1613
August 12 · 2 min
Assad sentence celebrations, Houthi attack kills six and UAE businesses to pay music copyright fee
Syrians in the city of Deraa, where the 2011 uprising began, celebrated after a court sentenced Bashar Al Assad to death in absentia. Damascus also sentences his brother Maher, security official Atif Najib and other officials on charges of murder and torture. The Yemeni government says that six people have been killed in a Houthi missile attack on a cargo ship in the Red Sea. The Iran-backed group has also claimed an attack on a Saudi ship carrying military equipment. In the Strait of Hormuz, shipping has fallen to just seven commodity vessels in a day, down from a 10-day average of about 12. Traffic had recovered in June as hopes of a US-Iran deal grew, but has fallen sharply since talks broke down. Lebanon’s parliament has approved a law to abolish the death penalty, making it the first country in the Middle East to end capital punishment. The move formalises a moratorium that has been in place since 2004. In the UAE, businesses including cafes, restaurants and hotels will soon have to start paying an annual fee to play copyrighted music. The Ministry of Economy said 10 per cent of the money collected will go to a fund that supports musicians. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.
#1612
August 11 · 3 min
Trump secretly switches planes, Houthis seek regional role, and Lebanon inks World Bank deal
US President Donald Trump secretly switched planes in Turkey last month during the Nato summit after US intelligence identified a credible Iranian assassination threat, according to a new report by The Washington Post. The White House did not disclose the switch publicly, raising questions about transparency. Sources have told The National that the Houthis are seeking to widen the Yemen conflict to take on a more powerful regional role in support of Iran and maximise leverage. In Syria, the return of more than 400 Kurdish families to the country's north-east was marred by reports of attacks on their convoy. The process was part of an agreement to integrate the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces into the state and facilitate the return of displaced residents. Meanwhile, Lebanon and the World Bank have signed a $150 million loan deal to help modernise the country’s digital infrastructure and make government services easier to access. And in the UAE, Indian visitors can now get free entry visas when visiting Abu Dhabi as part of the emirate's drive to encourage tourism. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans
#1611
August 10 · 2 min
Inflation pressures Tehran, Houthis attack Mokha port, and Netanyahu rejects Gaza plan
US President Donald Trump said inflation in Iran is starting to force the hand of the country’s rulers, and he believes that could benefit the US. It comes as the US military blockade puts more pressure on Tehran. In Yemen, three civilians were among seven people killed in the latest Houthi attack on Mokha port. The Iran-backed rebel group has also claimed an earlier drone attack on a Saudi Aramco refinery in Jazan. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, has rejected a 15-point proposal to advance Mr Trump's Gaza peace plan. Speaking during a cabinet meeting, he said the Israeli military would not withdraw until Hamas is fully disarmed. Syria and Russia have agreed to transform two Russian military bases into joint training and rehabilitation centres, marking a significant shift since the Assad government was toppled. In Dublin, alleged crime boss Daniel Kinahan has appeared in an Irish court after being extradited from the UAE. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.
#1610
August 7 · 2 min
Houthis hit Saudi Arabia, Iran makes demands in Hormuz talks and Dubai foils gold smuggling plot
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Houthi attacks injure 11 civilians in southern Saudi Arabia and kill dozens of government troops in Yemen, as Riyadh pledges to strengthen security co-operation with regional allies. We also examine Tehran’s push for sanctions relief in exchange for toll-free shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, with Pakistan expressing hope that progress on maritime routes could pave the way for renewed US-Iran peace talks. We also look at a deadly bus explosion near Damascus. And Dubai Customs foils a sophisticated attempt to smuggle 24-carat gold through the city's international airport, while the UAE introduces new excise tax rules for vape liquids that are to take effect next month. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.
#1609
August 6 · 2 min
Lebanon violence, Hormuz breakthrough hopes and Salah's Trabzonspor move
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, renewed fighting between Israel and Hezbollah threatens a US-mediated framework aimed at ending the conflict in southern Lebanon, as Israeli strikes and forced displacement orders raise concerns over the future of negotiations. We also look at growing hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with US, Iranian and regional mediators reporting progress on a proposed agreement. Oil prices fall below $80 a barrel as markets react to the prospect of easing supply disruptions, while gold climbs to a seven-week high. And Egyptian football star Mohamed Salah is set to complete his move to Turkish side Trabzonspor, while Dubai unveils a $22 million project to transform its historic Creek into a major night-time destination. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.
#1608
August 5 · 3 min
US-Iran talks continue, Strait of Hormuz proposal and UAE economy picks up
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, President Donald Trump says the US and Iran are holding “very good discussions” but warns Tehran it will face severe consequences if it walks away from a potential deal, while Iranian officials accuse Washington’s threats of slowing progress. We also examine a proposal for a new shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz as mediators from Qatar, Oman and Pakistan continue diplomatic efforts. Pressure is also growing on Fifa president Gianni Infantino after Jordan’s football chief accused him of “blackmail” and several European associations withdrew support for his re-election. And the UAE’s non-oil private sector expands at its fastest pace in four months, while Dubai’s population rebounds after declining during the height of the Iran war. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.
#1607
August 4 · 3 min
Trump warns Iran, Gulf diplomacy intensifies and regional flights remain disrupted
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, US President Donald Trump says Iran is facing its "last chance" to reach a deal, while Tehran warns American forces would be at serious risk if Washington maintains its blockade of Iranian ports. We also look at Qatar's diplomatic push to ease regional tensions through talks with Gulf leaders, while flights remain disrupted between the UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait amid the instability in the Middle East. Meanwhile, we take a look at Mubadala's commitment to invest $170 billion in the US across sectors including artificial intelligence, semiconductors and energy. And the UAE is preparing for several days of rain, hail and strong winds, as authorities issue weather warnings. The National Centre of Meteorology says it has carried out 110 cloud-seeding operations so far this year. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.
#1606
August 3 · 3 min
Trump revives Iran talks, Egypt earthquake and UAE approves cholesterol pill
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, US President Donald Trump says new negotiations with Iran will begin after he halted a planned military strike. Diplomacy is expected to focus first on reopening the Strait of Hormuz before addressing Tehran’s nuclear programme. We also look at falling oil prices as markets react to renewed hopes for diplomacy. We examine a magnitude-5.6 earthquake near Suez, Egypt that was felt across several countries in the eastern Mediterranean. In this episode, we also find out more about the UAE becoming only the second country to approve a new daily pill to treat high cholesterol. We explore Dubai reporting a 12 per cent drop in public transport journeys during the first half of the year, with the Iran war affecting tourism and commuting patterns across the emirate. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

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