Iran ceasefire talks under way as strikes on Gulf infrastructure escalate

In today’s episode of the Trending Middle East podcast, diplomatic efforts to end the US-Israeli war with Iran are gathering pace, with talks reported to be under way about a potential 45-day ceasefire that could lead to a longer-term agreement. But even as negotiations continue, US President Donald Trump has renewed threats of further strikes on Iranian infrastructure. We also learn the latest statements made by diplomatic adviser to President Sheikh Mohamed, Dr Anwar Gargash, who says Iran’s actions will probably strengthen rather than diminish the US role in the region. He also highlights growing Israeli influence in the Gulf. Iranian attacks have continued on key energy and infrastructure sites in the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain. There are also signs of normal activity in the UAE, with Dubai’s live events sector beginning to recover despite continuing disruption. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.