Category: Middle East
Coverage of geopolitics, international relations, and current affairs from across the Middle East, including conflicts, alliances, energy politics, peace processes, and regional security issues.
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US President Donald Trump told reporters on Monday (13 April) that Iran would like to make a deal ‘very very badly,’ adding that the ‘sticking point’ in recent talks were over Iran’s nuclear capabilities, stating that Iran “will never have a nuclear weapon” and insisting any agreement depends on that condition. The remarks come as…
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The United States has announced a naval blockade of Iranian ports, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM), following failed ceasefire talks with Iran in Islamabad. The measure begins Monday (13 April) at 3pm UK time and stops short of closing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route. President Donald Trump said he was…
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Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon have intensified, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reporting strikes on around 200 Hezbollah targets in the past 24 hours, including infrastructure and rocket launchers. The military said the actions are intended to limit attacks on Israeli civilians and support ongoing ground operations. Lebanese authorities report at least 357…
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has affirmed Israel’s readiness to resume military action against Iran, despite a temporary truce brokered with the United States. Speaking on national television, Netanyahu described the ceasefire as a pause, not the conclusion of Israel’s campaign, emphasising that Israel remains focused on achieving its objectives. “Let me be clear: We…
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Israel carried out its largest wave of airstrikes on Lebanon since the start of its latest war with Hezbollah, targeting more than 100 sites linked to the Iran-backed group. The strikes hit central Beirut, the Bekaa Valley, and southern Lebanon, including residential and commercial areas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office clarified that the recent…
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Speaking at the Pentagon alongside Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine on Wednesday (8 April), US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth described Operation Epic Fury as a “historic and overwhelming victory,” stating it had “decimated Iran’s military” and rendered it “combat ineffective for years to come.” He said US forces, using “less…
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The United States and Iran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire, announced by US President Donald Trump shortly before a deadline tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil transit route. The agreement follows mediation by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, who have…
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US President Trump said Tuesday (7 April) he has agreed to a two week “double sided CEASEFIRE” with Iran, “subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz”. In a Truth Social post, Trump said the decision followed discussions with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz…
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Türkiye, Jordan, and Syria have signed a trilateral memorandum of understanding on transport cooperation, aiming to enhance regional connectivity and trade along a key North-South corridor. Speaking in Amman, Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu met with Jordanian Transport Minister Nidal Qatamin and Syrian Transport Minister Yarub Badr to formalise the initiative. Uraloglu described…
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Tarek Megeresi, Director at Informmi and Visiting Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, offered a timely assessment of the geopolitical pressures emerging from the ongoing US/Israel–Iran conflict. Speaking to tut0ugh, Megeresi highlighted the influence of the Abraham Accords countries, particularly Israel and the United Arab Emirates, noting their strategy of weakening state structures…
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