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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Yemen’s internationally recognised government and the Houthi movement have agreed a large-scale prisoner exchange following two weeks of negotiations hosted by Oman. Government negotiator Majid Fadael said the deal would see the release of “thousands of detainees and abductees”. The Houthis separately confirmed the agreement. Key details • Release of 1,700 Houthi prisoners in exchange…
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Syrian government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) agreed to de-escalate tensions on Monday (Dec. 22) evening in Aleppo, following clashes that killed at least two civilians and injured several others. Syria’s state news agency SANA said the Defence Ministry ordered the army to halt targeting SDF positions. The SDF later confirmed it…
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Israel, Greece, and Cyprus have reaffirmed their strategic partnership following a trilateral summit in Jerusalem, underscoring cooperation on energy, security, and regional connectivity. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hosted Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, describing the meeting as the most consequential in a series of long-running talks. The leaders also held…
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Israel’s security cabinet has approved the recognition of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, marking a further escalation in the government’s settlement expansion policy. Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s Finance Minister, who advanced the move alongside Defence Minister Israel Katz, said the decision was intended to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state. Israeli settlements…
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Lebanon is close to completing the first phase of Hezbollah’s disarmament south of the Litani River, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said, as Beirut moves to meet ceasefire commitments with Israel before a year-end deadline. “Prime Minister Salam affirmed that the first phase of the weapons consolidation plan related to the area south of the Litani…
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Egypt has reiterated efforts to prevent further escalation between Lebanon and Israel, amid tensions linked to the disarmament of Hezbollah. During a visit to Beirut, Mustafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt, said Cairo would continue working to keep Lebanon away from conflict. He spoke alongside Nawaf Salam, Prime Minister of Lebanon. Egypt, which signed a…
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The United States says it has carried out a large-scale military operation against Islamic State (IS) targets in Syria following a deadly ambush on US forces. US Central Command said Operation Hawkeye Strike began at 16:00 ET on Friday (Dec. 19), involving fighter jets, attack helicopters and artillery striking more than 70 IS sites across…
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Israel has approved an export licence allowing up to $35bn worth of natural gas sales to Egypt from the Leviathan gasfield, ending a months-long delay that drew pressure from the United States on behalf of co-owner Chevron. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the decision would deliver around $18bn in tax revenues and strengthen Israel’s role…
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Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has addressed renewed speculation over a possible Israeli attack, warning that such claims form part of a broader campaign of psychological warfare aimed at generating fear and tension inside Iran. In an interview with Al Jazeera’s Hind Hassan, Araghchi said Iranian society has long been accustomed to threats from the…
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An Emirati-backed separatist force in southern Yemen has launched a new military advance, raising concerns over renewed instability in the country’s long-running conflict. The Southern Transitional Council (STC) said its armed wing, the Southern Armed Forces, has begun operations in Abyan province, a strategic area linking southern cities to Mahra on the Omani border. Key…
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