Netanyahu defends Gaza war tactics: “We didn’t carpet bomb.”
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…
Iran’s parliament speaker warns US bases and Israel are ‘legitimate targets’ amid unrest
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”…
US strikes ISIS targets in Syria as Aleppo clashes expose fragile post-Assad order
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…
Iran’s military pledges to defend strategic infrastructure as nationwide protests intensify
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…
EU pledges €620m for Syria’s post-war recovery and humanitarian aid
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…
Trump pitches Venezuela as “open for business” in push for oil investment
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…
Yemeni southern separatists in Riyadh announce disputed dissolution of the STC
Saudi-based figures within Yemen’s main southern separatist group have announced its dissolution, but the claim has been publicly rejected by the organisation’s leadership abroad — exposing a growing internal split. The Southern Transitional Council (STC) was reported disbanded following talks in Riyadh, though senior officials say no formal decision has been taken. Tensions between Saudi…
Iran unrest spreads as economic crisis deepens
Large-scale protests have spread across Iran, marking the most significant challenge to the clerical establishment since 2009. Footage verified by BBC Persian showed crowds in Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan, and other cities chanting against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and in support of exiled opposition figure Reza Pahlavi. Key developments: • Protests entered a 12th consecutive…
Saudi coalition says separatist leader fled Yemen with UAE help as forces advance to Aden
The Saudi-led coalition said the United Arab Emirates (UAE) helped Aidarous al-Zubaidi, head of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), leave Yemen by boat, amid escalating tensions between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi over control of southern Yemen. Zubaidi failed to attend crisis talks in Saudi Arabia and was reportedly tracked travelling from Somaliland to Mogadishu, before…
Iran warns of pre-emptive action as protests grow and US rhetoric intensifies
Iran’s military leadership has warned it may take pre-emptive action in response to what it calls escalating external threats, as nationwide protests over inflation and living costs continue into 2026. Major General Amir Hatami, Iran’s army commander-in-chief, said Tehran would not ignore “hostile rhetoric” — a reference widely understood to include warnings by US President…
Syria launches ‘limited operation’ in Aleppo amid clashes with SDF
Fighting intensified on Wednesday (Jan. 7) in Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, after the army ordered civilians to evacuate two predominantly Kurdish neighbourhoods — Sheikh Maqsoud and Achrafieh — declaring them a closed military zone. More than 46,000 people have been displaced across Aleppo province, according to the local Directorate of Social Affairs and Labour. Clashes…
Iran’s rial hits new low as economic crisis fuels protests
Iran’s currency fell to a fresh record low this week, underscoring rising inflation and public frustration over living costs. Facing protests that began in late December 2025 sparked by the deepening economic crisis, Iran’s government has announced plans to provide most citizens with a monthly payment equivalent to about $7. Government spokeswoman Fatameh Mohajerani said…
Israel and Syria agree to set up communication mechanism in US-brokered talks
Israel and Syria have agreed during U.S.-mediated talks in Paris to set up a communication mechanism to coordinate on security, intelligence and commercial issues, according to a joint statement released by the U.S. State Department. However, a Syrian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that Damascus will not engage on “strategic files” without…
Yemen’s territorial balance shifts as Saudi-aligned forces reclaim key provinces
Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces have retaken the southern provinces of Hadramout and al-Mahra from the Southern Transitional Council (STC), marking a significant shift in Yemen’s fragmented conflict. The STC — which seeks to establish a separate state in southern Yemen and is backed by the United Arab Emirates — confirmed it withdrew after sustained Saudi…
UK and France strike Islamic State arms cache in central Syria
Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4 jets have joined French aircraft in a joint strike on an underground arms facility used by the Islamic State (IS) in central Syria, according to the UK Ministry of Defence. The site, located in mountains north of Palmyra, was believed to store weapons and explosives following intelligence analysis. RAF aircraft…
Iran’s leader warns ‘rioters must be put in their place’ as protests spread
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned that “rioters must be put in their place” following a week of nationwide protests driven by economic pressure and currency collapse. Speaking in Tehran, Khamenei sought to distinguish between peaceful demonstrators and what he described as foreign-backed unrest, alleging that “the enemy” was fuelling instability. “We talk…
Yemen’s southern separatists call for path to independence amid escalating tensions
Yemen’s UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) has said it plans to hold a referendum on southern independence within two years, deepening tensions with the internationally recognised government and its Saudi backers. “We announce the commencement of a transitional phase lasting two years, and the Council calls on the international community to sponsor dialogue between the…
Trump warns of US response if Iran uses lethal force against protesters
US President Donald Trump has warned Iran against violently suppressing protesters, saying the United States would “come to their rescue” if peaceful demonstrations were met with lethal force. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, on Friday (Jan. 2), Mr Trump wrote: “If Iran shots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is…
Saudi-led coalition strikes STC positions in eastern Yemen as regional tensions rise
Seven fighters from the Southern Transitional Council (STC) were killed in Saudi-led coalition air strikes in eastern Yemen on Friday (Jan. 2), according to local officials. Saudi sources confirmed the strikes were carried out by the Saudi-led coalition. A source close to the Saudi military warned: “It will not stop until the Southern Transitional Council…
Iran protests escalate as unrest grows over living costs and currency collapse
Iran is facing its largest protests in three years, driven by a collapsing currency, high inflation, and economic pressure from Western sanctions. Demonstrations that began with shopkeepers have spread nationwide, triggering clashes between protesters and security forces. Iranian media and human rights groups report multiple deaths and injuries, marking a significant escalation in unrest across…
Saudi–UAE rift deepens as Emirates moves to withdraw forces from Yemen
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) said on Tuesday (Dec. 30) it would withdraw its remaining forces from Yemen after Saudi Arabia backed a call by Yemen’s leadership for Emirati troops to leave within 24 hours. The move follows a Saudi-led coalition airstrike on the southern port of Mukalla, which Riyadh said targeted a UAE-linked arms…
Iran protests erupt as currency collapse and sanctions pressure economy
Large-scale protests broke out across Iran on Monday (Dec. 29) following a sharp fall in the Iranian rial and the resignation of Mohammad Reza Farzin, Governor of the Central Bank of Iran. Demonstrations were reported in Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz and Mashhad, with shop closures in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar and police deploying tear gas in some…
Yemen declares state of emergency after Saudi strike on UAE-linked arms shipment
Yemen’s presidential council announced a state of emergency on Tuesday (Dec. 30) following a Saudi Arabia-led airstrike on the southern port of Mukalla. Saudi authorities said the strike targeted a weapons shipment from the United Arab Emirates intended for the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a UAE-backed separatist group. Key developments: • The Presidential Leadership Council…
Trump warns Iran over nuclear rebuild, presses Hamas disarmament during Netanyahu visit
US President Donald Trump warned that Washington could carry out further military strikes if Iran attempts to rebuild its nuclear or missile capabilities, speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago on 29 December. Trump said suspected activity may be occurring outside previously targeted sites and reiterated that any confirmed rebuilding would face “powerful”…
Iran’s president: ‘We are in an all-out war with the US, Europe and Israel’
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned that Tehran is engaged in what he described as an “all-out war” with the United States, Europe, and Israel, as US President Donald Trump prepared to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington. “We are in an all-out war with the US, Israel and Europe,” Pezeshkian said. “They…
Yemen tensions rise as STC accuses Saudi Arabia of airstrikes
Yemen’s southern separatist movement has accused Saudi Arabia of launching airstrikes on its allied forces in the east of the country, deepening tensions inside the anti-Houthi coalition. The Southern Transitional Council (STC) said Saudi warplanes struck the Hadhrami Elite twice on Friday (Dec. 26) near Wadi Nahb in Hadramout province. Riyadh has not confirmed the…
Yemen government and Houthis agree large-scale prisoner exchange
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…
Syrian government and SDF agree to de-escalate after deadly Aleppo violence
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…
Israel, Greece, and Cyprus deepen strategic coordination at Jerusalem summit
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…
Israel approves 19 new settlements in occupied West Bank amid international criticism
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…
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
Stay informed with Middle East news covering politics, diplomacy, security, and regional developments. tut0ugh provides accurate, timely, and independent reporting on events shaping the Middle East, helping readers understand how local actions influence global affairs.
Why Follow Middle East News on tut0ugh
Our Middle East news coverage is curated from credible sources, ensuring clarity, depth, and context. From diplomatic negotiations and energy policies to conflicts and humanitarian crises, each article explains not only what is happening but why it matters. By following Middle East news, readers gain insight into the dynamics influencing nations such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, Israel, the UAE, and Türkiye.
Regional Conflicts and Security
Security is a central aspect of Middle East news. tut0ugh reports on military developments, regional conflicts, border disputes, and counterterrorism efforts. Coverage includes in-depth analysis of ongoing crises and tensions, helping audiences understand the actors, causes, and potential consequences of conflict. By contextualising events within historical, political, and cultural frameworks, we ensure readers grasp the broader significance of regional security developments.
Diplomacy and International Relations
Diplomatic initiatives in the Middle East have global implications. tut0ugh tracks peace talks, treaties, negotiations, and alliances that shape regional stability and international relations. tut0ugh’s Middle East news coverage examines the outcomes of summits, agreements, and high-level meetings, showing how diplomacy impacts trade, security, and cooperation both regionally and globally.
Energy and Economic Developments
The Middle East is pivotal in global energy markets. tut0ugh reports on oil production, renewable energy initiatives, economic reforms, and trade agreements. tut0ugh’s Middle East news content highlights how economic decisions, sanctions, and resource management influence not only regional economies but also international markets and global energy security.
Humanitarian Crises and Social Issues
Humanitarian concerns are central to understanding the region. tut0ugh covers refugee movements, social unrest, and public health emergencies, providing context on international aid and policy responses.
Technology and Innovation
Emerging technologies and infrastructure projects are increasingly shaping the Middle East. tut0ugh reports on cybersecurity, AI, digital economies, and technological collaborations, showing how innovation influences governance, trade, and regional security. tut0ugh’s Middle East news analysis ensures readers see the broader implications of technological developments on international affairs.
Connecting Regional Events to Global Trends
tut0ugh links regional stories from the Middle East to global patterns, illustrating the interplay between local decisions and worldwide consequences. Following Middle East news, readers can track how energy policies, conflicts, and diplomacy connect to broader trends in global security, trade, and international cooperation.
Why Accuracy and Transparency Matter
At tut0ugh, every Middle East news article is verified and sourced from credible reports, official statements, and expert analyses. Opinion pieces are clearly labeled, ensuring readers distinguish commentary from factual reporting. Corrections are implemented transparently, reinforcing trust and credibility.
Engage with Middle East News on tut0ugh
Readers can interact with Middle East news through comments, feedback, and social media engagement. tut0ugh encourages informed discussion, helping audiences develop a deeper understanding of the region. By exploring our content, readers not only stay updated but gain tools to critically analyze regional and international developments.
Middle East News
tut0ugh’s Middle East news coverage empowers readers to navigate complex regional dynamics with clarity. From security and diplomacy to economics, energy, and humanitarian issues, our curated reporting provides context and insight. By connecting local developments to global patterns, tut0ugh ensures audiences are informed, engaged, and able to understand the Middle East’s pivotal role in international affairs.
Understanding the Middle East requires context beyond headlines. tut0ugh highlights regional dynamics, diplomatic efforts, and conflicts, helping readers grasp the broader implications of political decisions, economic shifts, and security developments across the Middle East.
Follow on social media TikTok@tut0ugh Instagram@tut0ugh Threads@tut0ugh X@tut0ugh YouTube@tut0ugh
tut0ugh 