The Daily Update

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.

Syria is about to overhaul its financial system. Palestinian residents, activists and journalists were the targets of attacks by extremist Israelis in Jerusalem yesterday. Nuclear talks between the US and Iran appear to have reached a stalemate, but are expected to continue. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Golden window: Syria to overhaul financial system after sanctions relief, says central bank chief Palestinians brace for show of Israeli ultranationalism on Jerusalem Day Far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir breaches Al Aqsa Mosque compound on 'Jerusalem Day' Iran 'won't die of hunger' if US nuclear talks fail, President says This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent; Mohamad Ali Harisi, Foreign Editor; and Hadya AlAlawi, Assistant Foreign Editor.

Voters in southern Lebanon cast their ballots on Saturday in municipal elections. UNRWA said that at least 500-600 aid lorries are needed every day in Gaza. An Iraqi filmmaker made history with a win at the Cannes Film Festival over the weekend. On this episode of Trending Middle East: South Lebanon voters defy Israeli bombings to vote in region's first elections for years First Iraqi director at Cannes wins top prize with The President's Cake Gaza aid looting being carried out by 'desperate' people, UNRWA says This episode features Jamie Prentis, Beirut Correspondent.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday he has no interest in being re-elected. A doctor describes the horrendous state of children in Gaza. Abu Dhabi artificial intelligence company G42 has teamed up with tech giants on Stargate UAE. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Turkey's Erdogan says he has 'no interest in being re-elected' 'Skeletons draped in skin': Doctor describes the state of children in Gaza Abu Dhabi's G42 teams up with Big Tech companies to build Stargate UAE This episode features Alvin R Cabral, Business Reporter – Consumer and Technology; and Lizzie Porter, Turkey Correspondent.

Iran says it has opened “indirect” communications with the new regime in Syria. Israeli protesters are attempting to block aid deliveries to Gaza through the Karam Abu Salem crossing. US President Donald Trump has selected a design for America's Golden Dome missile defence shield. On this episode of Trending Middle East: Iran talking 'indirectly' to new Syrian regime Israeli civilians try to stop aid lorries from entering Gaza Donald Trump announces plan to introduce 'Golden Dome' air defence system in less than three years This episode features Lizzie Porter, Turkey Correspondent; and Nada AlTaher, Senior Foreign Reporter.  

The UK announced sanctions against prominent settlers in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday. The European Union announced on Tuesday it would begin lifting sanctions on Syria. The UN's leading humanitarian affairs official has warned that 14,000 babies in Gaza are at risk of death. On this episode of Trending Middle East: EU begins lifting sanctions on Syria UK ends Israel trade talks after 'indefensible' new Gaza offensive Israel steps up row with UK, France and Canada after sanctions threats over Gaza war Thousands of babies in Gaza could die within 48 hours without aid, UN official warns This episode features Thomas Harding, Security and Policy Editor; and Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan Correspondent.  

Aid is once again entering Gaza but with Israeli-imposed limitations. Syrian security troops have begun operations to “eradicate” ISIS from urban centres. Egypt has repatriated ancient artefacts from Australia. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Netanyahu says Israel will control all of Gaza while allowing 'minimal' aid Syria cracks down on ISIS as authorities seek closer US ties Australia and US return ancient artefacts to Egypt as repatriation campaign gathers pace This episode features Kamal Tabikha, Cairo Correspondent, and Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan Correspondent.

Gaza ceasefire talks are continuing in Qatar. The Prime Minister of Libya's UN-backed government has told armed groups to "stand with the state”. Armed groups in Syria who have not joined state ranks have been given 10 days to do so. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Gaza talks focus on plan for 70-day truce and the release of up to nine hostages 'Stand with the state', Libya Prime Minister tells armed groups after clashes Syria's remaining armed rebel groups given 10 days to join state forces This episode features Hamza Hendawi, Cairo Correspondent.

Donald Trump is wrapping his visit in the UAE today; he arrived in Abu Dhabi yesterday, becoming the second serving US president to visit the country. Turkish-hosted talks to end the conflict in Ukraine appeared uncertain on Thursday. Israel's army stepped up attacks on Gaza. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Sheikh Mohamed vows to work with Trump on advancing peace US President Donald Trump visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bestows Trump with Order of Zayed Ukraine accuses Russia of 'disrespect' as peace talks stall 'We were expecting a ceasefire': More than 100 killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza, civil defence says This episode features Mohamad Ali Harisi, Foreign Editor; and Lizzie Porter, Turkey Correspondent.

Qatar and Boeing on Wednesday struck a deal for what US President Donald Trump called the largest order of jets in the history of the planemaker. GCC leaders told Mr Trump that a Palestinian state is central to stability in the Middle East, while Syrians have reacted to the lifting of US sanctions. Mr Trump will continue his Gulf tour in the UAE today. On this episode of Trending Middle East: Boeing secures $200bn jet order from Qatar Airways that Trump says is 'largest' Qatari Emir says Donald Trump visit a chance to 'bring peace to the region' 'There is hope': Trump's Syria pledge marks shift in US foreign policy Landmark meeting between Trump and Al Shara boosts new order in Syria UAE and US working to announce AI and tech partnership during Trump visit This episode features Vanessa Ghanem, Arab Affairs Editor; Mohamed Ali Harisi, Foreign Editor; and Cody Combs, Technology Policy Editor.

US President Donald Trump rounded out his first day in Saudi Arabia with a strong commitment to Saudi-US relations as the Gulf country has committed to investing $600 billion in the US, including the "largest defence sales agreement in history”. During his address at the US-Saudi Investment Forum, Mr Trump also announced that he would order the cessation of sanctions against Syria. Qatar is preparing to receive Mr Trump later today on the second stop of his Gulf visit. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Saudi Arabia to invest $600bn in the US as countries sign 'largest defence deal in history' Donald Trump orders cessation of US sanctions on Syria Trump says it would be 'stupid' not to take gift of plane from Qatar Trump visit: Qatar Airways' potential 100 Boeing jets order would be 'big boost' for struggling US company This episode features Manus Cranny, Geo-Economics Editor, Mohamad Ali Harisi, Foreign Editor and Vanessa Ghanem, Arab Affairs Editor.

US President Donald Trump's trip to the Gulf kicks off with his arrival in Saudi Arabia today. The US and China have agreed to lower tariffs for 90 days as the world's two largest economies continue discussions. The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) announced it will disband and dissolve as part of a peace process with Turkey. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Trump visit: Qatar Airways' potential 100 Boeing jets order would be 'big boost' for struggling US company AI, energy and data centres: How the UAE has approached Trump's second term US and China agree to lower tariffs for 90 days PKK agrees to disband as part of peace process with Turkey ‘Laying down arms is last stage': PKK sets conditions for implementation of peace deal with Turkey This episode features Manus Cranny, Geoeconomics Editor; Aarti Nagraj, Assistant Business Editor; and Lizzie Porter, Turkey Correspondent.

Editor's note: This text has been updated to reflect US President Donald Trump's schedule; he is expected to arrive in Riyadh on 13 May.  US President Donald Trump sets off to the Gulf today. Flights between the UAE and Pakistan resumed at the weekend. There has been a sharp increase in settler violence across the occupied West Bank since the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel by Hamas. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: White House says Trump's Gulf trip to usher in 'golden age' in US-Middle East relations Trump returns to a changed Gulf: How the region has evolved since 2017 India and Pakistan trade accusations of breaking ceasefire India-Pakistan ceasefire: Passengers hopeful flights will operate as Islamabad reopens air space Palestinians and Israeli activists hit by increasing settler attacks in Jordan Valley This episode features Jihan Abdalla, Senior Correspondent and Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent.  

Israeli forces stormed and shut down schools in occupied East Jerusalem run by the UN's agency for Palestinian refugees. Pakistan says its forces killed "40 to 50 Indian soldiers" along the de facto border in the disputed Kashmir region. Dubai's Emirates airline has posted some of the biggest profits in its history. Israeli forces storm six UNRWA schools in Jerusalem Emirates posts record $5.2 billion annual profit on bumper travel demand Pakistan claims to have killed '40 to 50 Indian soldiers' This episode features Taniya Dutta, contributor; and Shweta Jain, Assistant Business Editor.  

Tension between India and Pakistan is escalating. The US is potentially shifting its attention away from the Houthis in Yemen. A Lebanese border region has become a flashpoint for conflict with Syria. On this episode of Trending Middle East: What's behind the enduring India-Pakistan conflict? World leaders call for restraint after India's strikes on Pakistan US and Yemen's Houthis agree on ceasefire, says mediator Oman 'They attacked from all sides': How Lebanon's Bekaa valley became conflict flashpoint with Syria This episode features Taniya Dutta, reporting for The National; Mina Aldroubi, Senior Foreign Reporter; and Nada Atallah, Beirut correspondent.

International NGOs are boycotting an expanded Israeli offensive in Gaza. Syrian leader Ahmad Al Shara is set to meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Wednesday. The Israeli military says it has attacked Houthi targets in Yemen, including the airport in Sanaa and several major power stations in the area, a day after it hit the port of Hodeidah. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Latest: Aid groups refuse to be complicit in 'dangerous' plan for Gaza Syria's Al Shara to meet Macron in France on first European trip Israel strikes Sanaa airport in response to Houthi attack on Ben Gurion airport This episode features Senior Foreign Reporter Nada AlTaher and Europe Correspondent Sunniva Rose.

Israel and the Houthis are exchanging threats in an apparent escalation. The International Court of Justice has moved to reject Sudan's case against the UAE. President Donald Trump has announced a 100 per cent tariff on all films produced outside the US. On this episode of Trending Middle East: 'Israel got lucky': More Houthi missiles expected after rocket lands 350 metres from airport terminal UAE welcomes ICJ ruling to dismiss Sudan case US President Donald Trump orders 100% tariff on films made 'in foreign lands' This episode features Thomas Harding, Security and Policy Editor; Vanessa Ghanem, Arab Affairs Editor; and William Mullally, Arts and Culture Editor.

The Israeli military said it was investigating after a missile launched from Yemen on Sunday landed near Israel's main airport. Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces on Sunday attacked a military airbase in the city of Port Sudan. In Gaza, children are escaping attacks as sole survivors of their families. On this episode of Trending Middle East: Eight injured as Houthi missile lands near Israel's main airport RSF launches drone attack on military base inside Port Sudan airport Gaza's sole survivors: Children face lives marked by tragedy and trauma This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent, and Hamza Hendawi, Cairo Correspondent.

The UAE and Lebanon are working on lifting travel restrictions, which include a UAE-imposed ban on Emiratis travelling to Lebanon, following a meeting of their Presidents. Washington has reportedly been planning deportations to Libya. Firefighters in Israel are battling what authorities said might be the largest wildfire in the country's history. On this episode of Trending Middle East: UAE and Lebanon 'working towards easing travel restrictions' Two killed in Israeli drone strikes on southern Lebanon US reportedly in talks to send migrants to Libya under Trump deportation drive Israel fires rage as government calls for international assistance This episode features Mina Al-Oraibi, Editor-in-Chief, and Thomas Helm, Jerusalem correspondent.

Israel is on the offensive in a move it claims it made on behalf of the Druze in Syria. The UAE says it has thwarted a plot to smuggle weapons and military equipment to the Sudanese Armed Forces, which is fighting a bloody civil war against paramilitaries. It's been just over 100 days of an unprecedented Israeli invasion of Jenin's refugee camp in the West Bank. On this episode of Trending Middle East: Israel carried out warning strike on 'extremists' preparing to attack Druze in Syria, Netanyahu says Palestinian Authority shake-up faces widespread disdain in West Bank This episode features Hadya Al Alawi, assistant foreign editor; Ali Al Shouk, senior news reporter; and Thomas Helm, Jerusalem correspondent.

Tension flared in Damascus after the latest in a string of attacks on minority groups. The UN accused both Sudan's military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of committing widespread atrocities against civilians. The UAE has launched a major humanitarian project serving sub-Saharan Africa over the next five years. On this episode of Trending Middle East: UAE pledges $125m in drive to prevent 300,000 childbirth deaths in Africa UN experts' report accuses Sudan's warring parties of atrocities against civilians At least 12 killed in militant attack on Druze suburb of Damascus This episode features Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan Correspondent; Vanessa Ghanem, Arab Affairs Editor; and Sarah Forster, National Editor.

The International Court of Justice is hearing a case against Israel this week. Israel's military struck Beirut's southern suburbs at the weekend. Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara has rejected a Kurdish call for federalism in a post-Assad government. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: ICJ hears Israel using starvation as weapon in Gaza crisis Israel strikes Beirut for third time since ceasefire Al Shara rejects Kurdish demands for federalism in Syria This episode features Jamie Prentis, Beirut correspondent, Sunniva Rose, Europe correspondent, and Aveen Karim, assistant foreign editor.

Trump: free passage through the Suez Canal for American ships. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has appointed a close aide as the first Deputy President of the Palestine Liberation Organisation. US and Iranian officials are scheduled to meet next week for a fourth round of nuclear talks. On this episode of Trending Middle East: Egyptians reject Trump's demand for free Suez Canal passage Palestinian President Abbas appoints aide as deputy and potential successor US and Iran agree to meet next week for fourth round of nuclear talks Death toll reaches 28 as fires burn after blast at Iran's Bandar Abbas port This episode features Kamal Tabikha, Cairo Correspondent; and Nada AlTaher, Senior Foreign Reporter.

Hamas and Israeli negotiators are engaged in what have been called “serious” talks in Cairo on a potential ceasefire in Gaza. Tension is flaring between India and Pakistan; India has now suspended visa services to Pakistanis with immediate effect. The Lebanese parliament has approved a law aimed at removing banking secrecy in the country. On this episode of Trending Middle East: Lebanese parliament approves law lifting banking secrecy India revokes visas for Pakistanis in major escalation after terror killings No shots, no shield: Israeli blockade leaves Gaza's children defenceless against polio This episode features Hadya Al Alawi, Assistant Foreign Editor; and Jamie Prentis, Beirut Correspondent.

Jordanian authorities have banned the Muslim Brotherhood a week after members of the group were accused of being involved in an armed plot against the state. An earthquake of 6.2 magnitude struck Istanbul on Wednesday. The UAE is renewing calls for the protection of emergency workers in Gaza, after its field hospital in the strip sustained damage from Israeli attacks. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Jordan bans activities of Muslim Brotherhood and closes offices, says interior minister Turkey earthquake: Magnitude-6.2 tremor hits Istanbul UAE field hospital in Gaza hit by bomb shrapnel This episode features Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan Correspondent; Lizzie Porter, Turkey Correspondent; and Ali Al Shouk, Senior News Reporter.

foreign courts in relation to the country's largest financial scandal. The Israeli military launched a drone strike on Lebanon, a rare attack outside the country's south since a ceasefire with Hezbollah took effect in November. Iran will offer major opportunities for foreign companies if Washington and Tehran secure a deal on the country's nuclear programme and wide-ranging sanctions are lifted. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Lebanon could seek $1bn in damages in foreign courts over country's largest financial scandal Israeli strike on Lebanon kills senior Islamic Group official Iran holds 'significant potential' for foreign firms if nuclear deal struck, business leaders say This episode features Nada Maucourant Atallah, foreign correspondent, and Lizzie Porter, Turkey correspondent.

Pope Francis has died at his residence in the Vatican. US air strikes on Sanaa killed at least 12 people and wounded 30 overnight into Monday. Adnoc has signed new supply agreements with Chinese companies. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: The lasting legacy of Pope Francis in the Middle East President Sheikh Mohamed pays tribute after death of Pope Francis US air strikes on Sanaa kill at least 12, Yemen's Houthis say Adnoc signs UAE's largest LNG supply agreement with China This episode features The National's Editor-in-Chief, Mina Al-Oraibi.

Talks between Iran and the US on Tehran's nuclear programme are gaining momentum. Iraqi politicians are trying to keep Syrian president Ahmed Al Shara from the Arab Summit next month. For a second year in a row, Christians in Gaza observed Easter Sunday in mourning.   On today's episode of Trending Middle East:   'Unlikely is possible', says Oman as US-Iran nuclear talks progress in Rome   Iraqi MPs try to block Syria's Al Shara from Arab Summit in Baghdad   Death and destruction overshadow joy of Easter in Gaza   This episode features Mina AlDroubi, Senior Foreign Reporter; and Sinan Mahmoud, Iraq Correspondent.

Iraq is finally crossing the bridge from violence to influence, the country's top UN official has said. EU officials are working to combat rising anti-Muslim sentiment, a senior anti-discrimination official told The National. The UAE has gathered the genetic data of more than 800,000 Emiratis in a major advance in diagnosing conditions at an early stage. On this episode of Trending Middle East:   Iraq finally crossed bridge from violence to influence, country's top UN official says   EU anti-Muslim hatred official says states must combat online abuse   Personalised medicine a step closer as 800,000 Emiratis contribute to genome programme   This episode features Lizzie Porter and Chris Maxwell.

Talks between the US and Iran this week will create a framework to discuss Tehran's nuclear programme. Tensions between Algeria and France have flared up this week amid tit-for-tat diplomat expulsions. Egypt's finance minister has presented an ambitious national budget to parliament, proposing record spending, tax increases and subsidy cuts.   On this episode of Trending Middle East:   US and Iran to ‘chart path forward' in second round of talks, American official says   Tension between Algeria and France flares up amid tit-for-tat expulsions   This episode features Aveen Karim, Sunniva Rose and Kamal Tabikha.

Jordan said on Tuesday it thwarted plots that threatened its national security, detaining 16 people on charges that included manufacturing and importing rockets illegally and the possession of explosives. Israeli medics are refusing to serve in Gaza. Judicial officials in Turkey have rejected an appeal seeking the release of former Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu pending the outcome of his corruption trial.   On this episode of Trending Middle East:   Jordan arrests 16 over drone and missile 'plot' against kingdom   Israeli medics refuse to serve in Gaza in anger over war aims   Turkish court rejects appeal seeking release of former Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu   This episode features Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan Correspondent; and Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent.

Lebanese sources have told The National the government is under pressure from the US and other foreign officials to replace Hezbollah-linked security staff. The European Union is upping its financial aid to Palestine. A second round of nuclear talks between the United States and Iran will be held in Rome.   On this episode of Trending Middle East:   Lebanon under pressure from US and other foreign officials to replace Hezbollah-linked security staff   EU to boost financial support for Palestinian Authority for 'good governance'   Rome to host second round of US-Iran nuclear talks   This episode features Jamie Prentis, Beirut correspondent; and Sunniva Rose, correspondent.

Iran and the US are set to hold a second round of nuclear deal talks next week. Syria's President Ahmad Al Shara visited the UAE on Sunday. Lebanon marks 50 years since the start of its civil war this week.   On this episode of Trending Middle East:   'Constructive' Iran-US talks in Oman draw regional optimism   Syrian leader Al Shara expected to visit UAE   Lebanon haunted by civil war's aftermath, 50 years on   Lebanon's civil war: The feud that never ended   This episode features Nada AlTaher, Senior Foreign Correspondent.

The UAE has accused Sudan's army of lodging false allegations at the International Court of Justice. Stocks in Asia posted the biggest jump in two years after US President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause on some of the drastic tariffs he put in place earlier this month. French President Emmanuel Macron has said his country plans to recognise a Palestinian state within months.   UAE accuses Sudan army of exploiting World Court to 'distract from own atrocities'   UAE says Sudan army's ICJ application is 'cynical publicity stunt'   Asian and European stocks join US relief rally after Trump tariff pause   Emmanuel Macron says France could recognise Palestinian state in June   This episode features Vanessa Ghanem, Arab Affairs Editor; and Sarmad Khan, Company & Markets Editor.

Iraq has set the date for national parliamentary elections this year. The US and Russia are meeting in Istanbul for embassy talks. The number of millionaires living in Dubai has doubled in the past decade, making it one of the world's fastest-growing wealth hubs.   On this episode of Trending Middle East:   Iraq to hold parliamentary elections on November 11   US and Russian officials to meet for second round of embassy talks in Istanbul   A UK tax rate of 67% makes Dubai move the obvious choice for the non-domiciled   This episode features Sinan Mahmoud, Iraq Correspondent; Lizzie Porter, Turkey Correspondent, and Tariq Tahir, Senior Investigations Correspondent.

Iran says it is set to engage in indirect talks with the US over the possibility of a nuclear deal. US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said new negotiations were under way that are intended to secure the release of more hostages from Gaza. The US military campaign against Yemen's Houthi rebels is likely to become more intense.   On today's episode of Trending Middle East:   Oman steps in again to mediate between US and Iran   Timeline: Diplomacy and confrontation over Iran's nuclear programme   Trump-Netanyahu meeting shows Israel at mercy of US whims   US campaign against Houthis about to get worse, Hegseth says   This episode features Mohamad Ali Harisi, foreign editor, Aveen Karim, assistant foreign editor, and Thomas Helm, Jerusalem correspondent.

The global stock market rout deepened on Monday as it reacted to US President Donald Trump's new blanket tariffs. France is “strongly opposed” to any displacement of Palestinians from Gaza. Iran-backed factions in Iraq could be ready to disarm ahead of potential nuclear talks between Iran and the US.   On this episode of Trending Middle East:   Middle East markets tumble after sharp fall in Asia amid tariff chaos   Oil sinks as Saudi Arabia slashes prices ahead of Opec+ output boost   Egypt and France elevate ties to strategic partnership during Macron visit to Cairo   Iran-backed factions in Iraq discuss future roles amid pressure to disarm   This episode features Shweta Jain, Assistant Business Editor; and Kamal Tabikha, Foreign Correspondent.