Trending Middle East

Osad

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  Iran hardens Hormuz position, Trump hosts Xi, and celebrities detained at pro-Palestine protest 25.09.2026 3min

  In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Iran hardens its position on the Strait of Hormuz, insisting Washington must meet its conditions before formal negotiations can resume. Diplomacy at the UN General Assembly has yet to produce a breakthrough, while about 80 countries have backed a call for the urgent reopening of the waterway. Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey arrange an urgent meeting of their military chiefs to discuss support for the kingdom, as Saudi forces intercept six ballistic missiles launched by the Houthi rebels. US President Donald Trump welcomes Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House for a state visit, with technology, trade, Taiwan and the Iran war among the key issues. The UAE suspends all flights operated by Iranian airlines to and from the country until further notice. And Hacks star Hannah Einbinder and Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon are detained during a pro-Palestine protest outside the UN as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the General Assembly. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans
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  Iran proposes ceasefire road map, $2.45 billion pledged for Gaza, and Syria tourism doubles 24.09.2026 2min

  Today on Trending Middle East, Iran has presented the US with a proposed road map to end the war. Sources told The National that it includes a region-wide ceasefire of up to 60 days, the gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to the US blockade of Iran. The US-backed Board of Peace has proposed a six-month, $2.45 billion plan to begin rebuilding Gaza and restoring basic services. The UAE Central Bank has barred Bank Melli Iran from carrying out financial transactions between its branches in the Emirates and in Iran, after investigations found the lender failed to comply with the UAE's anti-money laundering regulations. In Syria, visitor numbers more than doubled in the first half of this year compared with the same period in 2025, as tourism picks up. And on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, the Emirates Foundation has partnered with the Responsible AI Future Foundation to use artificial intelligence for social good in the UAE and around the world. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.
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  US-Iran talks resume, Syrian President considers election and digital dirham symbol adopted 23.09.2026 2min

  Today on Trending Middle East, both Iran and the US have confirmed they held talks through mediators during the UN General Assembly. This marks the first known negotiation between both sides since an interim agreement broke down in July. Also on the sidelines of the event, Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara told The National he may run in a future election if he is needed, but that he was focused on governing during the transitional period for now. The Houthis are battling Yemeni pro-government forces for control of the strategic Kahboub mountain range in the country’s south-west. In the UAE, President Sheikh Mohamed and the Rulers and Crown Princes of the Emirates gathered in Dubai to offer condolences to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, following the death of his brother, Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid. Sheikh Ahmed was laid to rest on Tuesday. The dirham symbol has officially been added to Unicode, the leading organisation that standardises emojis and digital characters. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.
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  World leaders gather at UNGA, UK backs Saudi defence, and UN ready for Sudan chemical weapons probe 22.09.2026 3min

  In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, world leaders are arriving in New York for the UN General Assembly, with some of the planet's most pressing issues set to dominate discussions. G7 foreign ministers call on Iran to end its support for the Houthis, while Britain prepares to provide Saudi Arabia with defensive air-to-air refuelling amid Houthi attacks. Major US television networks suspend pooled coverage of President Donald Trump after the White House bars CNN from carrying out its scheduled duties. Meanwhile, the UN says it is ready to investigate the Sudanese Armed Forces’ alleged chemical weapons programme if it receives a mandate. Unifil says Israeli forces are operating from nearly 30 military positions across southern Lebanon, including eight fortified bases. And funeral prayers for Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid will be held in Dubai as the emirate continues a 10-day mourning period. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans
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  Trump plans high-level Arab talks at UNGA, Egypt seeks end to Iran war, and Dubai cuts road journey times 21.09.2026 2min

  In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, US President Donald Trump will meet Gulf and other Arab officials in New York during UN General Assembly Week, with Iran, its proxies and the future of the US-Iran conflict expected to be key issues. Dr Anwar Gargash, adviser to President Sheikh Mohamed, also calls for a “new mindset” in relations with Iran, saying diplomacy is the way forward. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi met CIA director John Ratcliffe, while sources say Cairo is passing messages between the parties and holding separate talks with them. Ed Sheeran addresses the conflict in Gaza after controversy surrounding his North American tour and Macklemore’s removal from the line-up. And Dubai has completed a major expansion of Oud Metha Road and Al Asayel Street aimed at cutting the average journey time from 20 minutes to five minutes. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans
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  Iran to attend UNGA, Houthis assure US over American shipping, and UAE arrests Swedish fugitive 18.09.2026 3min

  In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, an Iranian delegation will be allowed to attend the UN General Assembly in New York next week, while Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has been denied entry to the US. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is expected to attend, while Mr Abbas will be allowed to address the gathering by video. The Houthi rebels have been communicating indirectly with US officials to assure Washington that their takeover of Yemen's Red Sea coast overlooking the Bab Al Mandeb strait will not lead to attacks on American ships, sources in Sanaa said. Meanwhile, Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to President Sheikh Mohamed, said keeping lines of communication open with Iran is important, while stressing that attacks must stop before a new future can be negotiated. The UAE has arrested a Swedish fugitive wanted by Interpol on suspicion of leading an international money-laundering network. And visitors to Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque must now pay an entry fee of Dh5 for Emirates ID holders and Dh10 for tourists, while the mosque remains free for worshippers. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans
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  Trump's postwar plans, UAE raises interest rates and Houthi weapons experiments 17.09.2026 3min

  In this episode of Trending Middle East, US President Donald Trump is expected to meet Gulf leaders in New York next week during the UN General Assembly to discuss a postwar strategy for Iran, Axios has reported. The UAE Central Bank has raised interest rates after the US Federal Reserve increased its rates by 25 basis points in response to geopolitical developments. The move is intended to help control inflation by reducing spending, but makes borrowing more expensive. The Houthis are experimenting with new weapons, including so-called “loitering torpedoes” that could extend their ability to attack ships, according to new findings by Conflict Armament Research. Security chiefs in Iran accused of violent crimes during a 2022 crackdown on women's rights protests continue to consolidate their power and rise through the ranks, Amnesty International says in a new report. And Dubai has approved a new 12-lane motorway that will eventually connect Sharjah and Abu Dhabi through the emirate in an effort to ease congestion. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.
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  Houthis condemned for Makkah attack, UAE and Syria hold talks and ransomware activity rises across region 16.09.2026 3min

  In today's episode of Trending Middle East, Saudi Arabia has warned that the security of Makkah is a “red line” after the kingdom's air defences destroyed a Houthi drone south of the holy city. The Organisation of Islamic Co-operation condemned the attack, saying it breached the sanctity of Islamic holy sites and threatened civilians. In Abu Dhabi, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed and Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara have discussed plans to deepen economic ties between their countries. Meanwhile, an investigation by The National has found that one of Lebanon’s biggest fuel scandals can been traced to sanctioned Russian oil associated with a shadow maritime network. Researchers say ransomware activity is rising sharply across the Middle East, with criminal groups increasingly attacking businesses and infrastructure in the Gulf. And Abu Dhabi is planning a direct transport link between its main Etihad Rail station and Zayed International Airport. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.
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  Saudi-Houthi attacks intensify, TotalEnergies seeks Iraq-Syria pipeline stake and Widow’s Bay wins 14 Emmys 15.09.2026 3min

  In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebels intensifies, with strikes reported in the kingdom and Yemen. Saudi authorities on Tuesday morning issued shelter warnings across several cities, a day after 13 people were injured in Houthi attacks on civilian areas. The Houthis said Saudi warplanes carried out 54 strikes across Yemen. US President Donald Trump says Iran wants to reach a deal with Washington “quickly and badly”, adding that the US is open to engagement. Meanwhile, TotalEnergies is seeking a stake in a proposed $15 billion pipeline that would carry Iraqi oil to Syria’s Mediterranean coast and provide an alternative export route to the Strait of Hormuz. Apple TV’s Widow’s Bay makes Emmy history with 14 awards, the most for a comedy series in a single year. And Abu Dhabi and Dubai are named among the 28 “cities to watch” in Oxford Economics’ latest Global Cities Index. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.
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  Iran talks in Oman postponed, Houthis suffer losses in Yemen and oil price nears $108 14.09.2026 2min

  In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, a meeting between Iran and Gulf states in Oman is postponed, after the sultanate said the appropriate conditions were not in place. Tehran and Muscat jointly agreed to reschedule the talks, which had been set to take place in Salalah. Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels suffer heavy losses in clashes with government forces in Taiz, after making major gains along the Red Sea coast. Meanwhile, oil prices surge towards $108 a barrel after Saudi Arabia shut its East-West pipeline following attacks, removing a key route for crude exports that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz. Dubai has recorded its strongest month for international tourism since the Iran war began, welcoming 869,000 overnight visitors in August. And Abu Dhabi’s new off-plan mortgage framework is expected to make financing easier for buyers and boost confidence in the emirate’s property market. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.
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  UAE-Germany investment deepens, AI used in Houthi weapons projects, and Brics summit to start 11.09.2026 3min

  In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the UAE announces plans to invest 40 billion euros in Germany across sectors including industry, advanced technology, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and energy. The announcement comes as President Sheikh Mohamed meets German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin. Israel says it has blown up Hezbollah tunnels under Ali Al Taher ridge, completing what it calls a security zone in southern Lebanon. The UAE says it hopes Algeria’s decision to cut diplomatic ties will be temporary, after Algiers asked the Emirati ambassador to leave. Anthropic says it disrupted the use of its AI models in missile development projects in Houthi-held Yemen, including work on a guided rocket, a long-range ballistic missile and a proposed hypersonic glide vehicle. And Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, will lead the UAE delegation at the Brics Summit in New Delhi this weekend. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National, and curated and edited by humans
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  Sheikh Mohamed meets German President, Houthis seize Mocha, US-Iran tanker conflict escalates 10.09.2026 3min

  In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, President Sheikh Mohamed begins a state visit to Germany aimed at strengthening ties, with the two countries expected to sign agreements on artificial intelligence, energy and investment. Iran-backed Houthi militants seize the strategic Yemeni port city of Mocha after days of fighting with pro-government forces, as the group also escalates attacks on Saudi Arabia. US President Donald Trump says the war with Iran will end after the American midterm elections, as the conflict over oil tankers intensifies. His comments come as attacks on oil tankers and shipping around the Strait of Hormuz escalate. An AI researcher resigns from Anthropic over concerns about the development of powerful self-improving systems, and Wizz Air announces plans to return to Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans
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  US-Iran tanker conflict escalates and new arrangement for Israel-Lebanon talks 09.09.2026 2min

  In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the tanker conflict around the Strait of Hormuz intensifies as the US and Iran trade attacks on oil vessels. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says it struck two US vessels, eight oil tankers and 10 other ships, while also warning tanker crews in Bahrain and Kuwait to leave their vessels. US Central Command also said American forces destroyed five Iranian crude oil tankers. Jordan says it intercepted 18 of 20 ballistic missiles fired from Iran towards the kingdom, while the IRGC says it attacked US military sites in Al Azraq. Israel, meanwhile, says it will close the UK consulate in East Jerusalem after Britain imposed sanctions on Israeli settlements. And US-brokered talks between Lebanon and Israel are expected to continue in Rome and Florida, with no breakthrough expected before Israeli elections next month. Dubai conglomerate Majid Al Futtaim reports a 25 per cent rise in first-half profit and says it remains confident about its outlook for 2026. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.
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  Saudi Arabia hit by Houthi attacks, UAE flights disrupted, and Dubai property market faces adjustment 08.09.2026 3min

  In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, attacks by Houthi rebels targeting Saudi Arabia have wounded 73 civilians, including women and children. The Saudi Energy Ministry said several energy sites in the south were struck, causing injuries and fires, and temporarily halting some operations. Qatar says the Strait of Hormuz will remain vital to international trade despite efforts to develop alternative routes. Meanwhile, flights to and from the UAE face disruption as volcanic ash from Indonesia’s Mount Anak Krakatau continues to affect air travel, with Emirates airline and Etihad Airways cancelling services to Jakarta. And Emaar founder Mohamed Alabbar says Dubai’s property market could see an adjustment of 5 to 10 per cent because of the Iran war. In Sharjah, a new plan will allow senior citizens, their spouses and retired people to return to public-sector jobs on a part-time basis. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans
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  Iran plans new Hormuz zone, deadly Israeli strikes on Lebanon, and Sudan chemical weapons dossier 07.09.2026 3min

  In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Iran says it will establish a restricted zone around the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran and Oman prepare to announce a new international shipping corridor. Commercial shipping through the waterway has fallen to its lowest level since May after the latest US and Iranian strikes on tankers. Recent evidence details an alleged secret chemical weapons programme run by Sudan’s military, including the reported production of nearly 300 chemical munitions. We also look at renewed fighting in Lebanon, where at least seven people were killed and 20 injured in Israeli strikes on Sunday. Elsewhere, at least five people were killed after an Amazon Prime Air cargo plane overran a runway and crashed at Miami International Airport. Meanwhile, Emirates and Etihad have cancelled flights to Jakarta as volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau forces airports across Indonesia to close. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans
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  Israel to release detained Lebanese, EU backs economic pressure on Iran and Syria destroys chemical weapons 04.09.2026 3min

  In today's episode of Trending Middle East, Israel is to release five civilians detained in occupied areas of southern Lebanon, as part of a renewed diplomatic push between the two countries. But it comes as the Israeli military abducts three other Lebanese. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has welcomed a move by the EU to join Washington's campaign to increase economic pressure on Iran. He called for nations to offer support during a G20 meeting this week. A UN report has found that the Sudanese Armed Forces are using foreign-supplied drones in attacks that struck civilian areas. Some of the attacks may amount to war crimes. Syria has begun destroying Assad-era chemical weapon materials, marking the first such process since the downfall of the former regime and the first to be carried out on Syrian territory in more than a decade. Meanwhile, the UAE’s non-oil private sector has grown at its fastest pace in more than 18 months, showing signs of a stronger recovery despite the effects of the Iran war. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.
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  Iran attacks Kuwait, Israel advances further into Lebanon and UAE announces AI curriculum 03.09.2026 3min

  In today's episode of Trending Middle East, Kuwait says its air defences are repelling what its military called a “heinous Iranian aggression”, involving hostile missile and drone attacks. It comes as Tehran escalates its attacks on other countries across the region. An investigation by The National has found that Israel’s army is gradually expanding its self-established security zone in southern Lebanon, crossing its “yellow line” into at least three villages. The expansion comes despite a ceasefire agreed in June. France is pushing for an international mission to monitor Palestinian elections scheduled to begin in November, the first in two decades. Elections are planned for November 28, after having been previously postponed in 2021. Egypt and China have backed each other on key political priorities following talks between President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and President Xi Jinping in Cairo. They discussed Egypt's right to water security and the need to uphold the Gaza ceasefire. In the UAE, the Cabinet has approved plans to give artificial intelligence a greater role across government and the country’s education system, with a new AI curriculum to be introduced across all public and private schools. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.
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  US-Iran war escalates again, Syria explosion kills five and Jordanian toddler arrives in Dubai for treatment 02.09.2026 2min

  Today on Trending Middle East, the US and Iran have traded another round of strikes, raising fears that a weeks-long lull in the war has come to an end. Several people were killed in US strikes on southern areas in Iran, while Jordan and Kuwait intercepted Iranian attacks early on Wednesday. In the Idlib province of Syria, five people were killed after munitions exploded while being unloaded at a warehouse. The incident reflects the dangers posed by the proliferation of weapons after almost 14 years of civil war in the country. The World Food Programme is halving the number of people receiving food assistance in the occupied West Bank because of a lack of funding. Despite the regional challenges caused by the Iran war, the UK could be ready to sign a long-awaited trade deal with the Gulf within weeks, Trade Minister Anas Sarwar told The National. And a Jordanian toddler with a rare genetic disorder has arrived in Dubai to begin $2.4 million medical treatment funded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. Her family had previously launched an online fundraising campaign that went viral. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.
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  Trump plans to hit back against Iran, Algeria seeks wildfire death penalty and UAE residents face scam alert 01.09.2026 3min

  In today's episode of Trending Middle East, US President Donald Trump vows to retaliate after Iran launches missiles at American military bases in Jordan. Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urges G20 finance ministers to join Washington’s campaign to cut off Iran’s financial lifelines. The EU backs the move, while the UAE has already severed trade and financial ties with Iran. In Iraq, a court has sentenced a member of the Kataib Hezbollah militia to 15 years in prison over the kidnapping of American journalist Shelly Kittleson in March. Baghdad is intensifying efforts to bring Iran-backed armed groups under state control. Wildfires that killed 12 people in Algeria have prompted President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to seek the introduction of the death penalty for arsonists. Several people have been arrested over the fires. And in the UAE, Indian and Lebanese residents have been warned about scammers posing as officials and agents in an attempt to steal personal information. Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.
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  Jordan intercepts Iranian missiles, 'co-ordinated' settler attacks in West Bank, and Iraqi officials sentenced 31.08.2026 2min

  Today on Trending Middle East, Jordan has intercepted eight Iranian missiles following a US strike on Iranian forces near the Strait of Hormuz. The exchange marks the first direct fighting between the two countries in more than a month. In the occupied West Bank, residents told The National that a pattern of settler violence and land seizures point to a co-ordinated campaign. It comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed recent attacks on a “handful of rioters”. Iraq has sentenced a deputy oil minister and a former MP to seven years in prison in separate corruption cases and ordered them to repay millions in illicit gains. Libya’s rival political factions have signed a UN-backed agreement that paves the way for long-delayed national elections. And the UAE has sent 83 tonnes of food and shelter supplies to Nepal after devastating flash floods killed hundreds of people. Thousands remain missing but heavy rain and fears of more flooding have disrupted search efforts. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.