US-Iran talks back in focus as naval pressure builds in Strait of Hormuz

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, diplomatic efforts intensify to revive US-Iran negotiations, as Pakistan delivers new messages to Tehran ahead of a looming ceasefire deadline. We look at growing military pressure in the Gulf, where the US is preparing a major naval operation to enforce a blockade on Iranian shipping, even as vessels continue to transit the Strait of Hormuz. The global economic outlook is also in focus, with the International Monetary Fund warning that prolonged disruption to energy supplies could slow growth worldwide and deepen the impact across the Middle East. In the UAE, schools and universities are set to resume in-person learning after weeks of disruption, marking a step towards normality. And in Dubai, the Burj Al Arab closes for a major restoration project aimed at preserving the landmark while enhancing the guest experience. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.