US prepares ‘economic D-Day’ for Iran, Syria-Israel talks resume and Emirates airline returns to Kuwait

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says Washington is preparing an “economic D-Day” against Iran, aiming at the country's oil exports, financial transactions, aviation, shipping and banking. In Iran, citizens fear further isolation and hardship as inflation exceeds 80 per cent and the rial continues to weaken. We also examine high-level talks between Syria and Israel in Jordan, brokered by the US and aimed at stopping Israeli attacks and reviving negotiations on a security agreement. Emirates airline has also resumed limited flights between Dubai and Kuwait after an extended suspension. And Formula One says it remains committed to holding its 2026 season finale in Abu Dhabi, while Dubai has introduced an AI-powered system to track productivity across 32 government departments. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.