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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The Trump administration has outlined a vision to rebuild Gaza, describing what it called “significant investment opportunities” during remarks at an event marking the launch of Trump’s “Board of Peace” in Davos. Presenting computer-generated images of a proposed “New Gaza”, Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump and a key figure in the…
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US forces have transferred 150 Islamic State (IS) detainees from northeast Syria to Iraq, as Washington and Baghdad consider relocating up to 7,000 prisoners amid shifting security control in Syria. The move follows advances by the new Syrian government under President Ahmed al Sharaa, which has clashed with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The…
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Jordan and Qatar signed multiple agreements and memoranda of understanding during the fifth session of their Joint Higher Committee on Sunday (18 January), deepening bilateral cooperation. The accords aim to strengthen collaboration across politics, the economy, tourism, religion, and youth engagement between Amman and Doha. The signing followed talks between Ayman Safadi, Jordan’s Deputy Prime…
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The Syrian government says it has agreed a ceasefire with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), providing for the group’s withdrawal from areas west of the Euphrates River and its integration into the national military. Speaking in Damascus, Ahmed al-Sharaa, President of Syria, said state institutions would move into al-Hasakah, Deir Az Zor and Raqqa,…
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Syrian government forces have expanded control across northern Syria after a fragile withdrawal arrangement with Kurdish-led authorities broke down, triggering renewed clashes along the Euphrates. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said its fighters withdrew from areas west of the river a day earlier as a gesture of goodwill, but accused Syrian troops of violating the…
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Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said US President Donald Trump bore responsibility for casualties and damage during Iran’s recent unrest, alleging US and Israeli encouragement of protests. Speaking in Tehran after security forces reasserted control, Khamenei claimed “several thousand” people were killed by groups linked to foreign powers, and said more than 250 mosques…
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Syrian government forces have moved to reassert control over areas of Aleppo governorate previously held by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), following an agreed withdrawal. The Syrian Arab Army entered Deir Hafer, east of Aleppo, after SDF commander Mazloum Abdi confirmed redeployment east of the Euphrates under the March 10 integration framework. Key developments…
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Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s late shah, said he is confident the Islamic Republic will collapse amid nationwide protests, urging international support for a transition to secular democracy. At a Washington press conference, Pahlavi—in exile since Iran’s 1979 revolution—said he would return to Iran. His name has been chanted at recent demonstrations, which authorities have…
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Saudi Arabia has announced around $500 million in development projects across southern Yemen, in areas recently retaken from the Southern Transitional Council (STC) following a Saudi-backed offensive. The move signals a more assertive Saudi role in Yemen and reflects growing political tensions with the United Arab Emirates, which has long supported and maintained influence over…
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The United States has begun withdrawing personnel and repositioning assets from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar amid rising regional tensions over a potential US strike on Iran. Qatar said the move reflects “current regional tensions”, while Arab officials described it as precautionary. Key developments: • US President Donald Trump signalled possible action, saying “help…
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