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 United States has announced the launch of phase two of President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, including the creation of a technocratic Palestinian administration, Gaza’s reconstruction, and the full demilitarisation of the territory. US envoy Steve Witkoff said Hamas must meet all obligations — including the return of the body of the final Israeli…
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In an interview with Al Jazeera, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi separates what he calls peaceful demonstrations from a later period of unrest he attributes to “terrorist elements” entering the protests after 8 January 2026. Araghchi says demonstrations between 28 December 2025 and 7 January 2026 were lawful expressions of grievance under Iran’s constitution. He…
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Tens of thousands of pro-government demonstrators gathered in Tehran as Iran’s leadership sought to project control amid continuing nationwide protests. At Enqelab Square, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, accused the US and Israel of waging economic, psychological, military, and terrorist “wars” against Iran. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei described the rallies as a…
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said Iran may be entering the “final days and weeks” of its current political system, telling journalists during a visit to India that the clerical leadership is approaching collapse as protests and repression intensify. Merz said a government that relies solely on force to stay in power is “effectively finished”,…
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Israel’s conduct in the Gaza war in a recent Economist interview, responding to questions about civilian harm and military strategy. Netanyahu disputed external claims about the civilian-to-combatant casualty ratio, asserting Israel did not “carpet bomb” Gaza and instead conducted restrained ground operations. He said dense urban warfare and extensive…
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Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, has warned that Tehran could carry out pre-emptive strikes against Israel and U.S. military assets if it detects an imminent threat, escalating regional tensions. Speaking in parliament, Qalibaf said Israel — which he termed “the occupied territory” — and U.S. bases, ships and facilities would be considered “legitimate targets”…
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The United States has carried out new airstrikes on Islamic State (ISIS) targets in Syria under Operation Hawkeye Strike, authorised by US President Donald Trump in response to a deadly attack in Palmyra in December 2025. US Central Command said the earlier ambush killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth…
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Iran’s armed forces have vowed to protect “strategic infrastructure” and urged citizens to counter alleged “enemy plots” as protests intensified across the country, posing the most serious internal challenge to the Islamic Republic since 2022. Authorities report deadly clashes between demonstrators and security forces, while rights groups cite a rising civilian toll. The government has…
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The European Union will provide around €620 million in funding to Syria over 2026 and 2027 to support post-war recovery, bilateral cooperation and humanitarian assistance, according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Speaking during a visit to Damascus, von der Leyen said Syria’s reconstruction needs remain “immense” after more than a decade of…
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US President Donald Trump has urged major oil and gas companies to invest heavily in Venezuela, pitching the country as newly secure and commercially viable following recent political changes. Speaking at the White House after meeting senior energy executives, Trump said US firms could direct “at least $100bn” into rebuilding Venezuela’s oil sector, arguing this…
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