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 deployed an additional 3,500 troops to the Middle East, reinforcing its military posture as the conflict with Iran enters its second month. US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the deployment includes sailors and marines attached to the USS Tripoli, alongside assault and transport capabilities. Reports suggest contingency planning for limited ground operations,…
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Yemen’s Houthi movement has launched a barrage of ballistic missiles towards Israel, marking its first direct strikes since the escalation of the US–Israel war on Iran. Brigadier-General Yahya Saree, the group’s military spokesperson, announced the attack via Al-Masirah TV, stating operations would continue until “declared objectives” are achieved. The Israeli military confirmed intercepting at least…
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Israel has intensified operations in southern Lebanon amid escalating cross-border fire with Hezbollah, signalling the potential establishment of a long-term “security zone”. Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, said forces aim to extend control up to the Litani River, citing the need to protect northern Israeli communities from sustained rocket attacks. “We have ordered an acceleration…
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In an interview with AP News, Ali Bahreini, an Iranian diplomat, said Iran is prepared for “any scenario” in the war with the United States and Israel, including a ground operation. Bahreini described Iran’s regional position as strengthened, arguing that shifting priorities among its adversaries reflect a strategic advantage. He warned that any ground invasion…
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Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirms that Tehran is not currently negotiating with the US
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has confirmed that Tehran is not currently negotiating with the US to end the ongoing war and “does not intend” to do so. His comments come amid claims by US President Donald Trump that talks remain “ongoing” and “productive,” with ideas reportedly shared via mediators. Araghchi referenced earlier Iranian arguments…
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Sir Alex Younger, former chief of Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), spoke with Shashank Joshi, defence editor at The Economist, on the ongoing US/Israel-Iran. Younger said “the reality is that the US underestimated the task and as of about two weeks ago lost the initiative to Iran.” He characterised the Islamic Republic’s response as unexpectedly…
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Iran’s military spokesperson has firmly denied US claims of negotiations aimed at resolving Middle East hostilities. Lieutenant Colonel Ebrahim Zolfaghari dismissed reports of negotiations, asking: “Have your internal conflicts reached the point where you are negotiating with yourselves?” “Our first and last word has been the same from day one, and it will stay that…
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US President Donald Trump says that Iran gave him an oil and gas-related “present” worth a “tremendous amount of money”, in a development linked to the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing efforts to end the conflict. Speaking in the Oval Office on Tuesday (24 March), Trump stressed he does not “trust anyone” but said the…
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Speaking to reporters on Monday (23 March) before boarding Air Force One in Florida, President Donald Trump said that the US and Iran have held “very very strong talks” aimed at the resolution of hostilities in the Middle East. Iran’s parliament speaker denies talks have taken place with the US and says “fake news” is…
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US President Donald Trump has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning of strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure. Trump wrote on Truth Social: “If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America…
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