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.