Trending Middle East

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.

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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.