The Daily Update

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.

The US and the Middle East are bracing for another week of uncertainty after US President Donald Trump's new tariffs took effect.   Conflict in Sudan is threatening to move the civil war to Sudan's previously unscathed north. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy has called Israel's detention of two UK Members of Parliament “unacceptable”.   On today's episode of Trending Middle East:   Power cuts in Khartoum and northern Sudan after attack on hydroelectric dam   Israel's detention of two British MPs 'unacceptable', London says   Middle East stocks sink to lowest level since 2020 on back of Trump tariffs and oil drag   This episode features Hamza Hendawi, Foreign Correspondent.

Hundreds of thousands of Gazans are seeking shelter after one of the biggest mass displacements of the war. Hungary is leaving the International Criminal Court. Gulf Co-operation Council countries were largely spared from US President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs on Wednesday.   On today's episode of Trending Middle East:   Israel plans new corridor to break up southern Gaza   Hungary to withdraw from International Criminal Court as Netanyahu visits   What is the ICC? International Criminal Court at heart of Israel-Gaza showdown   Gulf economies avoid harshest Trump tariffs but do not escape unscathed   Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs explained   This episode features Thomas Helm, reporting from Jerusalem.

Israel is expanding its operations in Gaza. Iran has warned that any attack by the US or its allies could push Tehran to pursue nuclear weapons. The US is sending more forces to the Middle East.   On today's episode of Trending Middle East:   Israeli defence minister warns 'large areas' will be seized as Gaza offensive expands Iran talks nukes, but how close is it to building one? US to send second aircraft carrier strike group to Middle East Houthis claim US warship attacked in retaliation for strikes on Yemen that killed four   This episode features Foreign Editor Mohamad Ali Harisi.

Israel said it bombed the southern suburbs of Beirut on Tuesday. US President Donald Trump expects the first overseas trip of his second term in office to include visits to Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar. The US says Syria's new government is a step in the right direction, but it might not be enough for sanctions to be lifted.   This episode features senior US correspondents Jihan Abdalla and Willy Lowry, and Jamie Prentis, reporting from Beirut.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned of “firm retaliation” for any agression from the US. After performing Eid prayer on Monday, thousands of Egyptians gathered outside major mosques and worship places to protest against the US plan to displace Gazans. The Israeli military issued eviction orders covering most of Rafah. This episode features Aveen Karim, Assistant Foreign Editor.

Syria has formed a new government. The US has launched a new offensive on the Houthi rebels in Yemen, but experts have told The National that it is not an effective strategy. And tensions have flared between Israel and Lebanon after Beirut was bombed at the weekend.     This episode features Nada Atallah, reporting from Damascus, and Mina Aldroubi, reporting from Abu Dhabi.

US strikes on Yemeni capital Sanaa have killed two people and injured two others. A tourist submarine has sunk off the coast of Egypt Red Sea city of Hurghada. A notorious Kurdish gangster has fled Turkey to avoid extradition on drug-trafficking charges he's facing in Sweden.     This episode features The National's Mina Aldroubi and Tariq Taher.

Sudan's armed forces have regained control of Khartoum International Airport from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Istanbul's city council has appointed Nuri Aslan as the temporary replacement for Ekrem Imamoglu, after Mr Imamoglu was officially suspended from his duties following his arrest on corruption charges. The UAE secured a dramatic late win over North Korea at the World Cup qualifiers in Riyadh.   This episode features Lizzie Porter in Istanbul, Kamal Tabikha in Cairo, and Paul Radley in Dubai.

Witnesses have spoken to The National about what they saw after Monday's attack on Hamdan Ballal, the Palestinian co-director of the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land. Iran's top military commander Esmail Qaani visited Iraq last week to help maintain the unofficial truce between militant groups and the US after the collapse of the ceasefire in Gaza. Israeli shelling in southern Syria has killed at least four civilians, despite EU warnings.   This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent; Mohamad Ali Harisi, Foreign Editor; and Jamie Prentis, Beirut Correspondent.

Israel is upping pressure on Lebanon through violations of its ceasefire agreement. Iran says the nuclear deal in its original state can't be revived. The UAE has pledged $64.5 million to a long-standing hospital in East Jerusalem.   This episode features Arab Affairs Editor Vanessa Ghanem and Assistant Foreign Editor Aveen Karim.

Israel has approved the establishment of an agency to enable the exit of Gazans who “voluntarily” want to leave the strip. Syria is cracking down on captagon smuggling. A Turkish court jailed the mayor of Istanbul pending trial as authorities arrested more than 300 protestors. This episode features Thomas Helm and Sinan Mahmoud.

Palestinians in Gaza have been warned not to move between the north and south of the strip. US President Donald Trump has warned that Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels will be “completely annihilated”. Germany has reopened its embassy to Syria, 13 years after closing its doors. This episode features Nagham Mohanna and Jamie Prentis.

Hamas says it's not giving up on negotiations, following renewed Israeli air strikes on Gaza. The UAE is a crucial partner in securing peace in the Middle East, US President Donald Trump said during a visit by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser. King Abdullah II of Jordan urges Europe to push for peace in the region during his visit to Paris. This episode features Hamza Hendawi, Cody Combs and Sunniva Rose.

UN officials have called for a ceasefire in Gaza to be reinstated after Israel launched new air strikes on the enclave, killing more than 400 people.   A group of lawyers and legal organisations, meanwhile, have formed a global coalition to pursue Israeli soldiers in courts. And at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, an Iranian adviser said Tehran cannot be sidelined in the quest for stability and peace in the region.   This episode features foreign correspondent Lemma Shehadi.

Syrian troops have been deployed at Lebanese border areas after clashes between Hayat Tahrir Al Sham and fighters aligned with Hezbollah. Officials gathered at a donor conference in Brussels on Monday to address reconstruction efforts and the challenges of helping Syria restore basic services, education and jobs. More than 5,800 tonnes of aid from the UAE is heading to Gaza after arriving by ship in Al Arish port in Egypt. This episode features Nada Atallah, Sunniva Rose and Ali Al Shouk.

Iran warns of a decisive response to any attacks after threats made by US President Donald Trump, in the aftermath of military strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed a negotiating team to prepare for the continuation of Gaza ceasefire talks. The Palestinian-Israeli documentary No Other Land has secured a Dubai-based distributor after its historic win at the Oscars this year. This episode features Senior Foreign Reporter Mina Aldroubi and Features Writer Saeed Saeed.

Iran meets its allies Russia and China in Beijing on Friday for nuclear talks. Syria's interim President Ahmed Al Sharaa has signed a new constitutional declaration outlining plans for transitional government and justice in the country. A UN inquiry has determined that Israeli attacks on Gaza fertility centres are genocidal. This episode features Khaled Yacoub Oweis.

Renewed tension over Tehran's nuclear programme has raised fears that Israel may strike Iranian atomic facilities this year. Israel and Lebanon have agreed to hold negotiations to settle border disputes and release more Lebanese detainees. Hamas has said it is waiting for next steps from talks in Doha for implementing the second phase of a ceasefire with Israel.   This episode features Bob Tollast, Mohamad Ali Harisi and Amr Mostafa.

Ukrainian and US officials are holding three days of discussions in Jeddah in an effort to end the war with Russia. A deal signed by Syria's interim government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces has been welcomed by Arab countries. Negotiations over a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas have resumed in Doha. This episode features Taylor Heyman, Assistant Foreign Editor and Jerusalem Correspondent Thomas Helm.

Delayed talks for the second phase of the Israel-Gaza ceasefire remain in flux. Ten thousand members of the Alawite community have crossed into Lebanon over the past five days to escape the sectarian violence in Syria. Iran is sending mixed signals about the possibility of renegotiating a nuclear deal. This episode features Sara Ruthven, Deputy Washington Bureau Chief.

More than 1,000 people have been killed in a wave of clashes between security forces and groups linked to former President Bashar Al Assad. The US has refused to renew a 120-day sanctions waiver for Iraq's energy imports from Iran. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia today.     This episode features Mina Aldroubi and Nada Maucourant Atallah.

The National has learnt US officials held several rounds of direct talks with Hamas leaders in Qatar in January. The UK government has lifted dozens of sanctions on Syria. The EU's 27 leaders met in Brussels on Thursday for emergency talks on boosting defence spending.   This episode features Hamza Hendawi and Sunniva Rose.

Reactions to the Arab League's new plan on Gaza have been pouring in since it was announced late on Tuesday. US President Donald Trump has promised a more “peaceful and prosperous” future for the Middle East. Syria and Lebanon are seeking to enhance their relations with Arab nations.   This episode features Assistant Foreign Editor Hadya Al Alawi, US Correspondent Ellie Sennett and Arab Affairs Editor Vanessa Ghanem.

Arab leaders presented a unified plan on Gaza following a summit in Cairo on Tuesday. Israel has launched strikes near Syria's Tartous. Saudi Arabia is lowering salary raises amid an influx of talent.     This episode features Kamal Tabikha, Khaled Yacoub Oweis and Deepthi Nair.