The Daily Update

Israel weighs occupying Gaza. Lebanon votes to disarm Hezbollah. Egypt's Rafah border crossing has been revived. This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem correspondent; Jamie Prentis, Beirut correspondent; and Kamal Tabikha, Cairo correspondent. On this episode of Trending Middle East: Netanyahu seeks full control of Gaza under Israeli plan to force half its population south Lebanese government approves Hezbollah disarmament as Shiite ministers storm out of talks Gaza aid trucks return to Rafah crossing as Egypt seeks to ease humanitarian strain  

Lebanese security officials fear Israel may attempt to infiltrate its eastern region. Syrian leadership questioned the July operation in Sweida. At least 20 people have been killed after an aid lorry overturned on a crowd in Gaza. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Lebanon fears Israeli ground incursions from Syria into eastern region The full story of the Sweida operation: How a lightning offensive became a war Aid lorry overturns and kills 20 in Gaza as UN blames Israel for starving Palestinians This episode features Mohamad Ali Harisi, Foreign Editor; and Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan correspondent. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

New details reveal how Gazans are lured to their deaths in aid queues. Lebanon's government failed to vote on a motion to disarm Hezbollah. Israel is divided over reported plans for a full military occupation of Gaza. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Startling new details reveal how Gazans are lured to their deaths in aid queues Israel divided as reports indicate plans for 'full occupation' of Gaza Lebanon's cabinet fails to vote on disarming Hezbollah in stormy meeting This episode features Nada AlTaher, senior foreign reporter; Jamie Prentis, Beirut correspondent; and Thomas Helm, Jerusalem correspondent. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Five more people have died from hunger in Gaza. Hamas says it's open to negotiating a ceasefire deal that would end the war. A man has been charged with the murder of a student from Saudi Arabia in the UK. On this episode of Trending Middle East: 'This war left us with nothing': Gazan father who lost half his body weight pleads for end to conflict Hamas open to shift by Israel and US towards comprehensive Gaza deal, sources say Family of Saudi student stabbed to death says UK is not safe for visitors This episode features Hamza Hendawi, Cairo Correspondent; and Tariq Taher, Senior Investigations Correspondent. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir is drawing backlash after praying at the Al Aqsa Mosque compound. Today marks five years since the explosion that rocked Beirut. New clashes arise in Syria's north-east. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Saudi Arabia and Jordan denounce Itamar Ben-Gvir's 'provocative' visit to Al Aqsa Mosque 'No accountability' for Beirut port blast as businesses reopen after self-funded rebuild Syrian army and Kurdish-led SDF clash after talks falter This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent; Jamie Prentis, Beirut Correspondent; and Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan Correspondent. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

The US has imposed sanctions on officials of the Palestinian Authority and members of the Palestine Liberation Organisation. A senior Syrian official has visited Russia for the first time since the fall of the Assad regime. The US is turning to the UAE for energy. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: US 'punishes' Palestinian leadership for seeking recognised state Syria seeks closer Russian ties as Moscow calls for healing country's divisions US Interior Secretary confident that AI's demand for power will drive energy markets This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem correspondent; and Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan correspondent. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

New settlements in East Jerusalem could further threaten prospects of a Palestinian state. Lebanon is on the cusp of a move to disarm Hezbollah. At least five people were killed by Israeli troops while waiting for aid in Gaza on Wednesday. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Lebanon approaches critical juncture in push for Hezbollah disarmament Hunger and heartbreak as families struggle to survive war in Gaza This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem correspondent; and Jamie Prentis, Beirut correspondent. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

The UK is close to recognising a Palestinian state. Gaza's mothers are dying in childbirth at an accelerated rate. Lebanon has sentenced a man to death over the killing of a UN Irish peacekeeper in 2022. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Keir Starmer pushes Gaza peace plan and recognition of Palestinian state Lebanon sentences man to death for killing Irish UN peacekeeper Sean Rooney This episode features Thomas Harding, Security and Policy Editor; and Jamie Prentis, Beirut Correspondent. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Food and medicine levels are critically low in Sweida, Syria. Deadly clashes in Iraq have fuelled anger across the country. Wildfires rage in Turkey, Greece and Albania. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Sweida running out of supplies under Syrian government siege Public fury in Iraq after clashes between militia and security forces Ten killed in Turkey as forest fires rage in soaring heat This episode features Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan correspondent; and Sinan Mahmoud, Baghdad correspondent. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Israel has begun allowing aid to be dropped into Gaza by parachute. In Israel, far-right figures are objecting to permitting aid into Gaza. Syria, France and the US have agreed to meet on Kurdish integration. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: UAE and Jordan planes drop food and humanitarian aid into Gaza Israel claims aid trickling in after widespread condemnation of blockade Paris to host Syria talks on integrating Kurds This episode features Hamza Hendawi, Cairo correspondent, and Thomas Helm, Jerusalem correspondent. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Israel's government has called for the annexation of the occupied West Bank. Blazes continue to burn across Turkey. An explosion rocks Syria's Idlib province. Arab and Islamic nations condemn Israeli Knesset's approval of motion on West Bank annexation Ten killed in Turkey as forest fires rage in soaring heat Several dead and dozens injured in 'arms depot' explosion in Syria This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem correspondent, and Lizzie Porter, Turkey correspondent. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Syria is investigating violence that erupted in Sweida this month. US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee visited the occupied West Bank on Wednesday. Saudi Arabia invests in Syria. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: US ambassador meets Palestinian official on first Ramallah visit Syria's Defence Ministry to investigate claims of 'shocking violations' in Sweida Saudi Arabia expected to sign $4bn worth of deals as it holds investment forum in Syria This episode features Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan correspondent; Thomas Helm, Jerusalem correspondent; and Dana Alomar, Future Editor. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Starvation is on the rise in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli army launched a drone strike against pro-government troops in southern Syria on Tuesday, sources in Jordan said. Iran is saying it will not abandon its nuclear programme, including uranium enrichment. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Children starve to death in Gaza as doctors faint from hunger amid Israeli aid blockade Four children among 15 dead due to starvation in Gaza Israeli army resumes strikes on southern Syria Europe takes snapback leverage to Iran talks in Istanbul This episode features Rakan Abdelrahman, Correspondent; and Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan Correspondent. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

The Syrian government has evacuated Bedouin families from Sweida. Turkey is ending an oil export agreement with the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Israel is continuing its offensive on Houthi targets in Yemen. On this episode of Trending Middle East: Syrian authorities evacuate Bedouin civilians from Sweida as fragile truce holds Turkey to end oil pipeline deal with Iraqi Kurdistan Israeli army strikes Houthi targets at Yemen's Hodeidah port This episode features Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan Correspondent; Fareed Rahman, Senior Business Reporter; and Vanessa Ghanem, Arab Affairs Editor. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Israel has launched a new ground operation in Gaza. Hamas has given an ultimatum for ceasefire talks. Iran has agreed to hold nuclear talks with Europe's big three. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Israel launches Deir Al Balah ground operation and attacks areas of Gaza for first time Hamas considering quitting Gaza ceasefire talks unless deal reached by end of week, sources say Iran agrees to hold nuclear talks with Europe's big three This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem correspondent; and Hamza Hendawi, Cairo correspondent. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.  

A fatal fire in Iraq is once again raising questions about accountability. Lebanon is seeking a treaty to extradite Syrian convicts. Analysts comment on Israel's claim to protect the Syrian Druze. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: At least 61 people killed in fire at Iraq hypermarket What is Israel's intention behind 'protecting' Druze in Syria? This episode features Sinan Mahmoud, Iraq Correspondent; Jamie Prentis, Beirut Correspondent; and Nada AlTaher, Senior Foreign Reporter. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

The Syrian government and Druze leaders reached a ceasefire agreement. US President Donald Trump says he's in “no rush” to talk to Iran. Israel has told Gaza mediators it plans to create a security zone and evict Palestinians in the north. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Israel strikes central Damascus as Syrian government widens attack on Sweida Trump says he is in 'no rush' to strike nuclear deal with Iran Israel tells Gaza mediators it plans to create security zone and evict Palestinians in the north Israel opens new military corridor in southern Gaza This episode features Danny Makki, reporting for The National from Sweida; Nada AlTaher, Senior Foreign Reporter; and Hamza Hendawi, Cairo Correspondent.

France is threatening Iran with UN sanctions if a deal is not reached on its nuclear program. Lebanese officials have received a response to their proposal to US special envoy Thomas Barrack over the disarmament of Hezbollah. An Ultra-Orthodox political party quit the Israeli government. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: France threatens Iran with UN sanctions by end of August Lebanon receives US response over Hezbollah disarmament as 12 killed by Israeli attacks on Bekaa Valley Blow for Benjamin Netanyahu as ultra-Orthodox party quits coalition This episode features Sunniva Rose, Europe Correspondent; Jamie Prentis, Beirut Correspondent; and Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent.

Israel has launched strikes on tanks in southern Syria. The Palestinian ambassador to the EU has urged the bloc to take action as the Gaza war rages. Lebanon is tackling demining efforts. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Israel strikes tanks in Syria after 38 Druze killed in fighting in Sweida Lebanon faces existential threat unless it addresses Hezbollah weapons, US envoy warns This episode features Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan correspondent; and Jamie Prentis, Beirut correspondent. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Funerals were held for two Palestinians, one a US citizen, killed in the West Bank, over the weekend. Syrian authorities have closed a border crossing with Turkey after forest fires spread close to the coastal area north-west of the country. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Tehran is "not afraid" of returning to negotiations on its nuclear programme. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Palestinian-American man beaten to death by Israeli settlers, authorities say Syria shuts land crossing with Turkey after forest fires spread near border Iran 'not afraid' of nuclear negotiations but needs to be certain of US commitment This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem correspondent; and Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan correspondent. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Opec raised its forecast for world oil and energy demand. The Syrian government has accused the SDF of delays in implementing an integration deal. Saudi Arabia is updating its rules to allow foreigners to buy property in specific zones. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Opec raises 2050 oil demand outlook amid expansion of global economies Relax, it's ‘chill, baby, chill': Opec assures inventories stay tight Syria blames US-backed Kurds for instability after failed meeting Saudi foreign property ownership rules will be 'transformational' for long-term expats This episode features Manus Cranny, Geo-Economics Editor; and Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan Correspondent.  

Many in Gaza believe there is an unseen, pervasive AI presence that is watching, listening and waiting for those on its target list to show their faces. Lebanon is considering a road map to disarm Hezbollah. Hamas on Wednesday said Gaza ceasefire talks with Israel in Doha were progressing due to US President Donald Trump's involvement in the process. Data-driven deaths: How Israel's AI war machine pinpoints Palestinian victims Hamas credits Trump for progress in Gaza ceasefire talks This episode features Damien McElroy, London bureau chief; and Jamie Prentis, Beirut correspondent.

Forced displacement of Palestinians is back in the spotlight. The Houthi rebels in Yemen have stepped up their attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) will begin the process of disarming with a ceremony this week. On this episode of Trending Middle East: Backlash grows over Israel's proposal for prison-like city in Gaza Houthis' tactical upgrade in Red Sea attacks and what it means PKK expected to destroy weapons at disarmament ceremony this week This episode features Nada AlTaher, Senior Foreign Reporter; and Chris Maxwell, Deputy National Editor. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

US special envoy Thomas Barrack said he was satisfied with Lebanon's response to a US call for Hezbollah to disarm. Yemen's Houthi rebels said they retaliated after an Israeli strike. Brics leaders condemned US and Israeli attacks on Iran. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: US envoy 'unbelievably satisfied' with Lebanese response to proposal on Hezbollah disarmament Israel strikes Yemen ports after ship attack by Houthis in Red Sea Brics leaders condemn attacks on Iran and tell Israel to leave Gaza This episode features Nada Homsi, Lebanon Correspondent; and Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.  

Parties are back at the negotiating table for a potential ceasefire in Gaza. Hezbollah is reviewing a US proposal urging the group to disarm within a few months. Lebanon marked Ashura for the first time since Hezbollah lost significant power. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Crucial Gaza ceasefire talks resume in Doha ahead of Netanyahu's US visit Hezbollah 'divided' over whether to scale back its arsenal amid US pressure to disarm Lebanon's Shiite Muslims mark Ashura amid calls for Hezbollah to disarm and security threats This episode features Mohamad Ali Harisi, Foreign Editor; and Jamie Prentis, Beirut Correspondent. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Authorities in Damascus are capturing high-profile figures from Syria's former Assad regime. US contractors guarding aid distribution sites in Gaza are firing live ammunition and stun grenades at Palestinians rushing to get food near the deadly distribution centres. And business activity in the UAE's non-oil private sector grew in June but was hindered by the Iran-Israel war. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: US contractors guarding Gaza aid sites admit to firing live ammunition at hungry Palestinians UAE non-oil private sector grew in June but Israel-Iran war weighs on demand This episode features Jihan Abdallah, Senior Correspondent; Deena Kamel, Senior Business Reporter — Aviation; and Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan Correspondent. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has approved a law suspending co-operation with the UN's nuclear watchdog. US President Donald Trump said Israel has taken a significant step towards finalising a ceasefire in Gaza. The Kurdistan Workers' Party could begin disarming within days. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Trump says Israel has agreed on conditions to finalise 60-day Gaza ceasefire IAEA in dark as Iran's president approves law to sideline agency PKK disarmament could begin in days, Turkey confirms This episode features Senior Foreign Reporter Mina Aldroubi, Cairo Correspondent Hamza Hendawi and Turkey Correspondent Lizzie Porter. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Criminal gangs are thought to be behind the disappearance of a growing number of Alawite women in Syria. Members of what has been described as a terrorist cell were arrested in Beirut. Hamas officials have said the group is positively engaging with mediators for a ceasefire. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: 'Get the money fast if you want her alive': Syria's Alawite women and girls disappear in abductions Beirut 'terrorist cell' plotted day of attacks mirroring shock of Israel's pager assault, security sources say Hamas says it is 'positively engaging' but fate of Gaza ceasefire lies in US-Israel talks This episode features Nada Maucourant Atallah, Beirut Correspondent; and Mohamad Ali Harisi, Foreign Editor.

Lebanon is facing pressure from the US to disarm Hezbollah as soon as possible. Israel's security service has clamped down on what it says is a network of Hamas militants in the occupied West Bank. Abu Dhabi's population has crossed four million for the first time. This episode features foreign editor Mohamad Ali Harisi, Jerusalem correspondent Thomas Helm, and assistant features editor Evelyn Lau.

Israeli strikes killed several people in southern Lebanon. US President Donald Trump said a Gaza ceasefire could be close. The UAE welcomed the signing of a peace deal between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Israeli air strikes kill three in south Lebanon despite ceasefire Gaza ceasefire talks intensify as Trump suggests a deal may be within reach Trump says ceasefire in Gaza possible within 'next week' This episode features Mina Aldroubi, Senior Foreign Reporter; and Hamza Hendawi, Cairo Correspondent.

Iran has made its conditions for a return to nuclear talks clear. Conflicting reports blur the scope of damage to Iran's nuclear assets. The World Bank is extending about $400 million to Lebanon and Syria. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: How Iran views a return to nuclear talks Donald Trump announces new talks with Iran as hopes rise for Gaza truce War of words rages over Iran nuclear damage reports World Bank allocates $400m for war-devastated Lebanon and Syria reconstruction This episode features Lizzie Porter, Turkey Correspondent; Sarmad Khan, Assistant Business Editor; and Thomas Harding, Security and Policy Editor. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

A new militant group claims responsibility for a Damascus church attack. US President Donald Trump says Iran and the US will talk next week. Seven Israeli soldiers have been killed in recent fighting in Gaza. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: How Iran views a return to nuclear talks Seven Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza as Palestinian death toll mounts Newly-emerged militants claim responsibility for Damascus church attack This episode features Mina Aldroubi, Senior Foreign Reporter. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran proved fragile just minutes after it took effect. Violence continues to plague aid distribution in Gaza. Today is the second day of the NATO summit. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Israel ponders next move in Gaza after Iran ceasefire Qatar reveals it helped broker Iran ceasefire Hungry Gazans killed while waiting for food as NGOs warn US-Israel aid group of war crime complicity Trump's focus on the Middle East could translate to less US involvement in Nato This episode features Vanessa Ghanem, Arab Affairs Editor; and Sunniva Rose, Europe Correspondent. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Iran launched missiles at the Al Udeid airbase in Qatar. An attack on a church in Syria has left the Christian community reeling. Egypt is facing unique implications of a dominant Israel in the case of Iran's defeat in the conflict. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Egypt faces prospect of Iran defeat further empowering Israel in region US attack on Iran could spark 'rat hole of retaliation', UN Secretary General warns Damascus church bombing threatens political gains of both Christians and new Syrian state This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent; Nada Atallah, Beirut Correspondent; and Hamza Hendawi, Cairo Correspondent. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

The UN's nuclear watchdog will today hold an emergency meeting after the US launched strikes on three nuclear sites in Iran. Gulf countries and Iraq are monitoring radiation levels in the region as the conflict escalates. Meanwhile, Israel is dealing with the aftermath of retaliatory strikes from Iran. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Timeline: How Iran nuclear stand-off escalated into war Iran vows payback for US strikes but leaves door to diplomacy open Gulf countries and Iraq on alert for radiation levels as Israel-Iran war rages Iran attacks Israel after US bombs nuclear facilities Iran and Israel trade more strikes as air war enters second week This episode features Cody Combs, Technology Policy Editor; Aarti Nagraj, Deputy Business Editor; and Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Iran's Foreign Minister has confirmed he will travel to Geneva today. What we know about Israel's nuclear weapons programme. An Assad-era military figure seeks support from Iran. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to head to Geneva for talks with European ministers Confusion over Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant after mixed messages from Israel on strikes Explained: Israel's secretive nuclear weapons programme Assad-era general asks Iran for funds to launch anti-Israel front in Syria This episode features Mina Aldroubi, Senior Foreign Reporter; and Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan Correspondent. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Iran says it won't surrender to US threats. The National tours Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon. Algerian gang leaders are convicted over smuggling migrants into France. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Khamenei says Iran won't surrender and warns Trump of 'irreparable' damage if US joins Israel war Algerian ringleaders of smuggling gang convicted over cramming migrants into lorries to France Israel says no calm in Beirut until Hezbollah is disarmed This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent, and Jamie Prentis, Beirut Correspondent. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Neighbours of Iran and Israel are denouncing the conflict. The G7 summit closes out. The UAE Coast Guard evacuates crew after a tanker collision in the Gulf of Oman. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Regional governments on high alert to de-escalate Israel-Iran conflict Israel-Iran conflict dominates G7 summit in Canada as Donald Trump leaves early UAE Coast Guard rescues 24 crew members after oil tanker collision in Gulf of Oman This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent; and Willy Lowry, Senior Correspondent. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Death tolls in both Iran and Israel continue to climb. Israel's move to cancel a waiver that allows Israeli banks to transact with their Palestinian counterparts risks the emergence of a black market. The four main Israeli company stands at the Paris Airshow have been shut down by organisers on the opening day, according to Israel's defence ministry. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Who are the key figures killed in Israel's strikes on Iran? Israel's move to isolate Palestinian banks will give rise to black market Paris Air Show: Saudi Arabian lessor AviLease orders up to 77 Airbus planes This episode features Hadya Al Alawi, Assistant Foreign Editor; and Sarmad Khan, Company and Markets Editor. Editor's Note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Conflict between Iran and Israel is escalating. Oil prices spiked and stocks fell in reaction to developments in the Middle East. Activists trying to break through to Gaza are resisting Egypt's attempts to block them. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Oil prices spike as Iran strikes back at Israel What Iran's next potential move will mean for energy security Egypt puts military on high alert and tests air defence systems amid rising regional tensions This episode features Lizzie Porter, Turkey Correspondent; Aarti Nagraj, Deputy Business Editor; and Kamal Tabikha, Cairo Correspondent. Editor's Note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Tension is escalating in the Middle East after the UN's nuclear watchdog found Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations. Hundreds were killed in a plane crash in India. Activists heading to Gaza through Egypt are facing arrest and deportation.  On today's episode of Trending Middle East: UN nuclear watchdog finds Iran in breach of non-proliferation duties Timeline: Diplomacy and confrontation over Iran's nuclear programme 'No survivors' after Air India flight from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick crashes into city Boeing shares drop after Air India crash Activists face arrest and deportation from Egypt as symbolic Global March to Gaza stalls This episode features Aveen Karim, Assistant Foreign Editor; Paul Carey, London Deputy Bureau Chief; and Kamal Tabikha, Cairo Correspondent. Editor's Note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Israeli and Palestinian banks are no longer able to work together. A new Syrian dress code is drawing mixed reactions. The US and China say they have agreed to a plan for de-escalating trade tensions. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Bezalel Smotrich blocks Israeli and Palestinian banks from working together Syria tells women to dress modestly on public beaches A fragile truce reached during US-China trade talks This episode features Mina AlDroubi, Senior Foreign Reporter; and Manus Cranny, Geo-Economics Editor. Editor's Note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

The UK sanctioned two senior members of the Israeli Cabinet. Iran says it could strike back in the event of an Israeli attack. A candidate for New York City mayor could become the first Muslim to hold the office. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Israeli hardliners Ben-Gvir and Smotrich targeted in UK-led sanctions Iran warns Israel it has intelligence to respond to an attack on nuclear sites Could Zohran Mamdani become New York City's first Muslim mayor? This episode features Thomas Harding, Security and Policy Editor; Hadya AlAlawi, Assistant Foreign Editor, and Cody Combs, Technology Policy Editor.

The UN's nuclear watchdog has accused Iran of concealing three nuclear sites in the early 2000s. There's new fighting in Gaza, now between Hamas and an Israel-backed gang in the south of the strip. A Lebanese official has denied reports that Israel and the United States have agreed to end Unifil. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Iran operated three secret nuclear sites until early 2000s, UN watchdog says Lebanon denies reports of US-Israel deal to withdraw UN peacekeepers Daily killings as Hamas and Israel-backed gang engage in battle of attrition in Gaza Who are the activists on board the aid yacht intercepted by Israel? This episode features Lemma Shehadi, Senior Communities Correspondent, UK bureau, and Jamie Prentis, Beirut Correspondent.

Aid distribution points run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation are set to reopen today following a temporary closure. There's a new rift in Israel that's threatening to collapse the government. Iran is rejecting a recent nuclear deal proposal from the Trump administration. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Gaza aid sites run by US and Israel-backed group closed after bloodshed Iran's supreme leader rejects US proposal and vows to continue enrichment Trump rules out 'any' uranium enrichment under Iran nuclear deal This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent. Editor's Note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

There has been more deadly violence near an aid distribution site in Gaza. Syria has recruited half of its planned national army. The Hajj pilgrimage begins today. On this morning's episode of Trending Middle East: At least 27 killed and 90 injured near Gaza aid distribution centre in Rafah UN calls for investigation into Palestinian deaths near Gaza aid site as Israel pushes back Syria has recruited half of planned 200,000-strong army, military sources say Under pressure, Kurdish militia resumes integration talks with Damascus Mapping the global gathering of Hajj This episode features Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan correspondent, and Ali Al Shouk, senior news reporter.

Hamas says it's ready to begin indirect talks on “points of contention” in a US ceasefire proposal. Iran and Egypt are in talks in Cairo. Emirates airline will resume flights to Damascus next month. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Iran makes nuclear peace pledge in 'fruitful' talks with Egypt and IAEA Hamas says it is ready for indirect Gaza truce talks to resolve 'points of contention' in US proposal Emirates to resume flights to Damascus from July This episode features Aveen Karim, Assistant Foreign Editor; and Kamal Tabikha, Cairo Correspondent.  

Aid handouts in Gaza are under new scrutiny after a deadly shooting. The US has sent Iran a proposal for a nuclear deal. Saudi Arabia and Qatar are offering financial support to state employees in Syria. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: 'This is an ambush': Gazans walk into gunfire at US-backed food banks Iran's Araghchi says nuclear programme within framework of agreements in call with IAEA chief Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister pledges financial support for Syria state staff This episode features Hamza Hendawi, Cairo correspondent; and Mina AlDroubi, senior foreign reporter.

Israel has approved 22 more settlements in the occupied West Bank. Authorities in Saudi Arabia are making arrests for abetting unauthorised pilgrimages this Hajj season. Syria has signed billions of dollars worth of energy deals with international companies led by the Qatari UCC Holding. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Israel approves 22 West Bank settlements in major blow to prospect of Palestinian state Saudi Arabia arrests 26 people for transporting illegal Hajj pilgrims Syria signs $7bn Qatari-led deal to double power supply This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent, and Nada Maucourant Atallah, Beirut Correspondent.  

Israel launched strikes on Yemen on Wednesday, a day after Houthi militants fired several missiles towards it. Pro-government militias have killed six people in an attack on a tribal farming community in Syria. British broadcaster Piers Morgan has called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to allow international journalists into Gaza, and Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam says normalisation with Israel is conditional. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Sanaa airport runway in flames after Israeli strike Six killed in attack by pro-government militias on tribal area in Syria's north-east Piers Morgan urges Benjamin Netanyahu to let journalists into Gaza to ‘establish the truth' This episode features Jerusalem Correspondent Thomas Helm, Jordan Correspondent Khaled Yacoub Oweis and Foreign Editor Mohamad Ali Harisi.  

The US-Israeli Gaza Humanitarian Foundation said it started distributing aid. Iraq's Oil Ministry is suing the semi-autonomous Kurdish region. Negotiations in Cairo and Doha for a Gaza ceasefire are "not leading" to a deal yet. On this episode of Trending Middle East: US-backed Gaza aid foundation is distraction from what is really needed, UN says Head of US-Israeli aid agency for Gaza resigns over lack of 'humanitarian principles' Gaza ceasefire talks not leading to a deal yet, source says Iraqi Oil Ministry files lawsuit against Kurdish region over unilaterally signed energy deals This episode features Nada AlTaher, Senior Foreign Reporter; Hamza Hendawi, Cairo Correspondent; and Sinan Mahmoud, Baghdad Correspondent.