US enforces blockade on Iranian ports, as Lebanon and Israel prepare for talks

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the US begins enforcing a blockade on Iranian ports, increasing tension in the region amid efforts to protect a fragile ceasefire. Iran is set to lose a significant amount of oil revenue as a result of the move, as the cost of the war climbs for the US. We also look at rare direct talks between Lebanon and Israel in Washington, where expectations remain limited as strikes on Lebanese cities continue. Opec has also reported one of the largest supply shocks in decades, with production dropping sharply after attacks on key infrastructure. In Beijing, meanwhile, the UAE and China have strengthened economic ties with 24 new agreements and an increase in flights, as non-oil trade between the countries reaches a record level. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.