Middle East Minute by AL-MONITOR

Israel is in a political deadlock after the elections, and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi made a landmark visit to Syria.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The US reportedly warned Gulf states of a short renewal of the Iran war as diplomacy ramps up.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Syria condemned the Jordanian strikes in the country’s south, and Egypt’s parliament greenlit more defensive support for Saudi Arabia.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jordan said three people were arrested over the deadly church attack in the country, and Yemen’s Houthis said they targeted key Saudi oil infrastructure. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Saudi Arabia is reportedly expanding its missile capabilities, and the UAE closed beaches after an oil spill in the Gulf.

Editor's note: This podcast was updated on Oct. 23, 2026 to include information on the shooting in Jordan.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Iran's IRGC said seven vessels were hit in the Gulf, and the US ordered some embassy staff to leave Saudi Arabia.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

French President Emmanuel Macron secured more diesel supplies during his Gulf trip, and Libya’s eastern-based parliament approved a long-disputed maritime deal with Turkey.

Editor's note: This podcast was updated on Oct. 21, 2026 to include additional information on French President Emmanuel Macron's trip to Saudi Arabia.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The UK said it would fly defensive air missions to protect Saudi Arabia from Houthi attacks, and Iran hosted senior Russian and Pakistani officials for talks.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog met Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev amid Baku's tensions with Turkey, and Syrian authorities arrested a former leader of a pro-Assad militia accused of involvement in the 2013 Baniyas massacre.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz are increasing, and a Saudi citizen working for OpenAI was charged after allegedly attempting to spy on his employer.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.