In today’s episode of Trending Middle East podcast, the UN Security Council prepares to vote on a Bahrain-backed resolution addressing Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, as Gulf states push for measures to protect global shipping and maintain the flow of trade.

We also cover the latest security developments, including missile attacks on Israel claimed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. In Iran, US President Donald Trump says a major bridge linking Tehran and Karaj has been destroyed, indicating continued escalation and pressure on key infrastructure.

In the UAE, churches in Dubai will be closed to the public over the Easter weekend, with some moving services online as a precaution amid continuing missile and drone threats.

The conflict is also affecting education across the region, with a major UK exam board cancelling international GCSE and A-level exams in several countries, including the UAE, as schools look for alternative arrangements.

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, we look at US President Donald Trump's suggestion that Washington is close to achieving its core objectives. While he pointed to a possible end to operations, questions remain over how the conflict will conclude and what comes next.

We also look at the UAE’s response, as officials reject reports suggesting the country could take part in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by force.

In London, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called an international meeting to address the crisis, warning that even if the war ends, risks to global shipping will persist.

Elsewhere, Unesco, the UN's cultural organisation, has granted enhanced protection to dozens of cultural sites across Lebanon amid the conflict, while Nasa has launched Artemis II, the first crewed Moon mission in more than half a century.

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, we look at signs of a shift in the trajectory of the US-Israel war on Iran, after US President Donald Trump suggested the conflict could end within weeks.

We also look at the economic impact of the conflict, as rising oil prices drive sharp increases in fuel costs across the UAE. Governments across the region, including Egypt and Jordan, have also raised fuel prices in response to global market strain.

Finally, we cover the latest escalation in regional attacks, with missile launches from Yemen’s Houthi rebels against southern Israel, and reported Iranian strikes hitting infrastructure in Kuwait and Bahrain. 

Trending Middle East is AI-generated, using original reporting published in The National and curated by humans.

A ceasefire in Gaza is set to begin as the Israeli cabinet in the early hours of Friday voted to accept the framework of the plan for the release of all hostages.

With the agreement coming into effect, Israel’s military has 24 hours to move to a pre-determined line within Gaza, after which a 72-hour period begins in which Hamas must surrender living and dead hostages.

Foreign leaders convened in Paris to work out postwar plans in Gaza.

This episode features Thomas Helm in Jerusalem, Hamza Hendawi in Cairo and Sunniva Rose in Brussels.

Israeli opposition pledges to take down government.

There is mounting optimism for a ceasefire deal in Gaza.

Nearly 55,000 children under five in Gaza are estimated to be malnourished.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

Israeli opposition makes plans to bring down Netanyahu within months

Top US envoys join Gaza talks in Egypt as optimism grows over deal

This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent.

A new obstacle to peace is taking root in Gaza. Tension rises in Aleppo. French companies spot an opportunity in Syria.

On this episode of Trending Middle East:

New generation of militias steps out of Hamas's shadow to fill Gaza power vacuum

Frenchman who would build 37 bridges across Syria seeks Gulf financing

Syrian defence minister says 'comprehensive' truce agreed with SDF after Aleppo clashes

This episode features Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan Correspondent; and Sunniva Rose, Europe Correspondent.

Editor’s note: Trending Middle East has been nominated for a Signal Listener's Choice Award in the Daily Podcasts category. Please vote for us here. Voting closes October 9.

Today marks two years since the Hamas attack on Israel that started the devastating war on Gaza. Syrian authorities announced the winners of a parliamentary election. Iran said it has no immediate plans to resume nuclear talks with European nations.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

Netanyahu insists Israel is winning the war but reality tells a different story

Syrian election results confirm new Sunni ascendancy

No plan for negotiations, Iran says after backtracking on inspection deal with IAEA

This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem correspondent; and Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan correspondent.

Editor’s note: Trending Middle East has been nominated for a Signal Listener's Choice Award in the Daily Podcasts category. Please vote for us here. Voting closes Oct. 9.

The search for missing hostages is one of the sticking points in the Israel-Hamas talks. Syria held its first parliamentary elections since the fall of the Assad regime. Fadel Chaker surrenders to Lebanese authorities.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

Search for missing hostages among sticking points in Israel-Hamas talks, sources say

Apathy and doubts cloud Syria’s parliamentary poll

Lebanese singer Fadel Chaker surrenders after more than 10 years on the run

This episode features Hamza Hendawi, Cairo Correspondent.

Editor’s note: Trending Middle East has been nominated for a Signal Listener's Choice Award in the Daily Podcasts category. Please vote for us here. Voting closes October 9.

There’s been global outrage after Israel intercepted boats of an aid flotilla bound for Gaza. At least three people have died after a ramming and stabbing attack at a synagogue in the UK. Dozens of countries are working together to ensure a peaceful race to the Moon.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

Nations condemn Israel's interception of Gaza aid flotilla

Two dead and suspect shot in Yom Kippur stabbing attack at Manchester synagogue

How countries have joined forces to avoid star wars as US and China race to the Moon

This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem correspondent; and Lemma Shehadi, senior correspondent in London.

Editor’s note: Trending Middle East has been nominated for a Signal Listener's Choice Award in the Daily Podcasts category. Please vote for us here. Voting closes on October 9.

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