PODCAST · news
Trending Middle East
by The National News
We bring you the top news stories, field reports and in-depth insights from the Middle East and beyond
Episodes
-
UAE tackles oil spill, Yemen warns of Houthi child recruitment and Oman strengthens UK investment ties
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, UAE authorities work to contain an oil spill from a supertanker in the Arabian Gulf after reports of a strong fuel smell. Beaches in Umm Al Quwain have been closed temporarily as clean-up operations continue. Yemen’s internationally recognised…
more -
US pulls staff from Saudi Arabia, UAE's Nusseibeh in UN race, and Middle East oil exports recover
In today's episode of Trending Middle East, the US has ordered non-essential diplomatic staff and their families to leave Saudi Arabia amid escalating Houthi attacks on the kingdom. The move follows a strike on Dammam airport late on Wednesday that killed one person and injured eight. UAE…
more -
UK jets in Saudi Arabia, prices double in Taiz and UAE-France defence deals
Today on Trending Middle East, the UK is sending Typhoon fighter jets to Saudi Arabia to help defend its cities and vital infrastructure against Houthi attacks. The aircraft will be used to intercept aerial threats and will not carry out strikes against the Houthis in Yemen. Meanwhile, food and...
-
Macron talks energy crisis during UAE visit, WFP to cut Gaza food aid and Dubai tests autonomous wheelchairs
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, President Sheikh Mohamed meets French President Emmanuel Macron in Abu Dhabi for talks on regional security, energy supplies and the impact of the Iran war. Macron is visiting Bahrain and Qatar today. Meanwhile, the UN’s World Food Programme announces…
more -
UAE President meets Saudi defence minister, flydubai pilot recounts attack and Macron begins Gulf visit
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed meets Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman to discuss regional security and stability amid continuing Houthi attacks on the kingdom. Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar speaks exclusively to The National about how he...
-
Houthis strike Aden presidential palace, Iraq approves cabinet and Sharjah dismantles cyber crime network
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the Saudi-led coalition says it intercepted and destroyed a drone launched towards Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. Meanwhile, the death toll from a Houthi attack on Yemen’s presidential palace in Aden rises to five, with 16 injured. US President Donald...
-
War cuts off 800,000 in Taiz, diesel shortages to extend into 2027 and Gaza committee signs development deal
In today's episode of Trending Middle East, about 800,000 people in Yemen’s city of Taiz are largely cut off from food, fuel and medical supplies as fighting between the government troops and the Houthi rebels intensifies. As the Iran conflict drags on, the global diesel shortage is expected to...
-
Aramco building struck, missing sailors' families grieve and Dubai unveils underground transport plans
Today on Trending Middle East, a building of Saudi Arabia's state oil company Aramco is attacked in Dharan, as the Houthi rebels in Yemen escalate their missile campaign against the kingdom. The Energy Ministry says the strike cause a fire but there were no casualties. Families of two Indian...
-
Riyadh extends airport closure, UK imposes sanctions on Iranians and IMF cuts Gulf growth forecasts
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Yemen’s Houthi rebels launch further attacks against Saudi Arabia as authorities extend the closure of Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport until October 17. The attacks have disrupted flights across the region, with Etihad Airways cancelling...
-
Riyadh airport attacked again and Trump announces Ukraine-Russia 'energy ceasefire'
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, one person is killed and 11 injured in another attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport – a day after 13 were killed and more than 300 injured in a strike claimed by the Houthi rebels. The airport is to remain closed for another 24 hours as...
-
Saudi Arabia to 'punish' Houthis, Trump rules out Iran attack and Musk's Boring Company signs Abu Dhabi deal
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen vows to “punish” the Houthi rebels after attacks on airports in the kingdom killed three people and injured 36. The UAE has condemned the strikes and emphasised its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia. Syria denies reports...
-
Riyadh flights pause after Houthi attacks, US claims Hormuz is open and UAE calls for rain prayers
In today's episode of Trending Middle East, flights from Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport were disrupted this morning after the Houthis claimed a ballistic missile strike there. It comes after Saudi authorities confirmed that three people were killed in earlier attacks on Riyadh and…
more -
Houthis claim attacks, Qatar and Turkey in Olympics bid race, and UAE brand to export camel milk abroad
In today's episode of Trending Middle East, the Houthis have claimed missile and drone attacks on airports and military sites in Saudi Arabia and Yemen this morning. The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted ballistic missiles near Riyadh and Khamis Mushait, but authorities have not confirmed…
more -
Yemeni forces secure Bab Al Mandeb, UAE-Jordan launch $2.3bn railway and Eagle Hills signs Syria projects
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Yemeni government forces secure control of the Bab Al Mandeb strait and the strategic port city of Mokha as their offensive against the Houthis expands. The Saudi-led coalition is providing air support, while Yemeni forces have also begun what they call…
more -
Yemen begins offensive against Houthis, Egypt seeks Nile dam solution and UAE launches commercial satellite
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Yemen’s internationally recognised government announces the start of military operations to retake territory held by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, as fighting intensifies around Taiz. Egypt says it remains committed to a diplomatic and political…
more -
Third US carrier heads to Middle East, UAE investigates flydubai incident, and Dubai sets AI rules for schools
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the US is sending a third aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East as President Donald Trump weighs further military action against Iran. The USS Theodore Roosevelt and its strike group are heading to the region, where two other US aircraft...
-
Flydubai pilot praised for averting disaster, Iraq's controversial PMF law, and UAE telecom paves way for 6G
Today on Trending Middle East, Indian flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar has been hailed as a hero for helping avert a potential disaster during a security incident on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. In Iraq, the government has approved a controversial bill that could further establish the Popular...
-
US withdraws troops from Iraq, UAE condemns Al Aqsa breach and Morocco appoints first female PM
In today's episode of Trending Middle East, the US is withdrawing its last troops from Iraq, officially ending its anti-ISIS mission, Operation Inherent Resolve, after 12 years. Baghdad now plans to shift towards bilateral security co-operation with Washington. The UAE strongly condemns the...
-
UK releases terror suspects on bail, UAE calls for diplomacy at UN and President takes Etihad train to Dubai
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, five people arrested on suspicion of a terrorism plot near the UK's Fairford airbase are released on bail, after experts find no traces of explosives. Authorities say the suspects remain under investigation, while Iran denies any involvement. Israel...
-
US-Iran talks set for this week, five held near UK's Fairford airbase and Al Dhaid to join Etihad Rail network
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, US President Donald Trump expects American negotiators to hold further talks with Iran this week, with regional sources saying another round of indirect dialogue could take place as early as Monday. British police arrest five men near RAF Fairford after...
-
Iran hardens Hormuz position, Trump hosts Xi, and celebrities detained at pro-Palestine protest
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Iran hardens its position on the Strait of Hormuz, insisting Washington must meet its conditions before formal negotiations can resume. Diplomacy at the UN General Assembly has yet to produce a breakthrough, while about 80 countries have backed a call…
more -
Iran proposes ceasefire road map, $2.45 billion pledged for Gaza, and Syria tourism doubles
Today on Trending Middle East, Iran has presented the US with a proposed road map to end the war. Sources told The National that it includes a region-wide ceasefire of up to 60 days, the gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to the US blockade of Iran. The US-backed Board of Peace...
-
US-Iran talks resume, Syrian President considers election and digital dirham symbol adopted
Today on Trending Middle East, both Iran and the US have confirmed they held talks through mediators during the UN General Assembly. This marks the first known negotiation between both sides since an interim agreement broke down in July. Also on the sidelines of the event, Syrian President Ahmad…
more -
World leaders gather at UNGA, UK backs Saudi defence, and UN ready for Sudan chemical weapons probe
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, world leaders are arriving in New York for the UN General Assembly, with some of the planet's most pressing issues set to dominate discussions. G7 foreign ministers call on Iran to end its support for the Houthis, while Britain prepares to provide Saudi...
-
Trump plans high-level Arab talks at UNGA, Egypt seeks end to Iran war, and Dubai cuts road journey times
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, US President Donald Trump will meet Gulf and other Arab officials in New York during UN General Assembly Week, with Iran, its proxies and the future of the US-Iran conflict expected to be key issues. Dr Anwar Gargash, adviser to President Sheikh…
more -
Iran to attend UNGA, Houthis assure US over American shipping, and UAE arrests Swedish fugitive
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, an Iranian delegation will be allowed to attend the UN General Assembly in New York next week, while Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has been denied entry to the US. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is expected to attend, while Mr Abbas will be...
-
Trump's postwar plans, UAE raises interest rates and Houthi weapons experiments
In this episode of Trending Middle East, US President Donald Trump is expected to meet Gulf leaders in New York next week during the UN General Assembly to discuss a postwar strategy for Iran, Axios has reported. The UAE Central Bank has raised interest rates after the US Federal Reserve…
more -
Houthis condemned for Makkah attack, UAE and Syria hold talks and ransomware activity rises across region
In today's episode of Trending Middle East, Saudi Arabia has warned that the security of Makkah is a “red line” after the kingdom's air defences destroyed a Houthi drone south of the holy city. The Organisation of Islamic Co-operation condemned the attack, saying it breached the sanctity of…
more -
Saudi-Houthi attacks intensify, TotalEnergies seeks Iraq-Syria pipeline stake and Widow’s Bay wins 14 Emmys
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebels intensifies, with strikes reported in the kingdom and Yemen. Saudi authorities on Tuesday morning issued shelter warnings across several cities, a day after 13 people were injured in Houthi attacks on...
-
Iran talks in Oman postponed, Houthis suffer losses in Yemen and oil price nears $108
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, a meeting between Iran and Gulf states in Oman is postponed, after the sultanate said the appropriate conditions were not in place. Tehran and Muscat jointly agreed to reschedule the talks, which had been set to take place in Salalah. Yemen’s…
more -
UAE-Germany investment deepens, AI used in Houthi weapons projects, and Brics summit to start
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the UAE announces plans to invest 40 billion euros in Germany across sectors including industry, advanced technology, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and energy. The announcement comes as President Sheikh Mohamed meets German Chancellor...
-
Sheikh Mohamed meets German President, Houthis seize Mocha, US-Iran tanker conflict escalates
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, President Sheikh Mohamed begins a state visit to Germany aimed at strengthening ties, with the two countries expected to sign agreements on artificial intelligence, energy and investment. Iran-backed Houthi militants seize the strategic Yemeni port city...
-
US-Iran tanker conflict escalates and new arrangement for Israel-Lebanon talks
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the tanker conflict around the Strait of Hormuz intensifies as the US and Iran trade attacks on oil vessels. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says it struck two US vessels, eight oil tankers and 10 other ships, while also warning tanker crews in...
-
Saudi Arabia hit by Houthi attacks, UAE flights disrupted, and Dubai property market faces adjustment
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, attacks by Houthi rebels targeting Saudi Arabia have wounded 73 civilians, including women and children. The Saudi Energy Ministry said several energy sites in the south were struck, causing injuries and fires, and temporarily halting some operations....
-
Iran plans new Hormuz zone, deadly Israeli strikes on Lebanon, and Sudan chemical weapons dossier
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Iran says it will establish a restricted zone around the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran and Oman prepare to announce a new international shipping corridor. Commercial shipping through the waterway has fallen to its lowest level since May after the latest…
more -
Israel to release detained Lebanese, EU backs economic pressure on Iran and Syria destroys chemical weapons
In today's episode of Trending Middle East, Israel is to release five civilians detained in occupied areas of southern Lebanon, as part of a renewed diplomatic push between the two countries. But it comes as the Israeli military abducts three other Lebanese. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent…
more -
Iran attacks Kuwait, Israel advances further into Lebanon and UAE announces AI curriculum
In today's episode of Trending Middle East, Kuwait says its air defences are repelling what its military called a “heinous Iranian aggression”, involving hostile missile and drone attacks. It comes as Tehran escalates its attacks on other countries across the region. An investigation by The...
-
US-Iran war escalates again, Syria explosion kills five and Jordanian toddler arrives in Dubai for treatment
Today on Trending Middle East, the US and Iran have traded another round of strikes, raising fears that a weeks-long lull in the war has come to an end. Several people were killed in US strikes on southern areas in Iran, while Jordan and Kuwait intercepted Iranian attacks early on Wednesday. In…
more -
Trump plans to hit back against Iran, Algeria seeks wildfire death penalty and UAE residents face scam alert
In today's episode of Trending Middle East, US President Donald Trump vows to retaliate after Iran launches missiles at American military bases in Jordan. Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urges G20 finance ministers to join Washington’s campaign to cut off Iran’s financial…
more -
Jordan intercepts Iranian missiles, 'co-ordinated' settler attacks in West Bank, and Iraqi officials sentenced
Today on Trending Middle East, Jordan has intercepted eight Iranian missiles following a US strike on Iranian forces near the Strait of Hormuz. The exchange marks the first direct fighting between the two countries in more than a month. In the occupied West Bank, residents told The National that…
more -
Rifts widen in Iran, Houthis expand smuggling network to Africa and the UAE pledges Nepal flood aid
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has been accused by a prominent ultraconservative figure of going soft over his support for negotiations with the US. The public rift highlights growing divisions in Iran over how to approach the next...
-
Qatar PM to visit Tehran, US signals possible Hezbollah talks and UAE-Lebanon investment ties grow
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman heads to Tehran to push for de-escalation between Iran and the US and renewed dialogue, with talks also focusing on restoring navigation through the Strait of Hormuz to the situation before February...
-
Iran suffers from fuel shortages, Syrian Kurdish force dissolves and Dubai airport traffic expected to recover
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Iran struggles with fuel shortages and long queues at petrol stations as motorists rush to fill their tanks following new US sanctions. We also look at the dissolution of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces as its fighters are integrated into Syria’s...
-
US expects more countries to cut Iran trade, Syria clears major economic hurdle and Parkin expands regionally
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the US has announced sweeping new sanctions against Iran, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he expects other countries to take similar action as Washington steps up its campaign to economically isolate Tehran. We also look at the US decision to...
-
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...
-
Iran war enters a new phase, Israel and Turkey clash over Syria, and UAE schools prepare to reopen
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the US says economic pressure on Iran could prevent a return to large-scale fighting, with Vice President JD Vance describing the war as entering a “new phase” and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent promising further measures on Monday. We also examine...
-
Trump escalates pressure on Iran, Israel opens Hind Rajab investigation, and Abu Dhabi power demand rises
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, US President Donald Trump announces what he calls the “most crushing economic operation ever taken” against any country after Iran failed to reach a deal with Washington. He also threatens economic consequences for countries that support Tehran, while...
-
UAE suspends trade with Iran, US-Iran talks stall, and Israel strikes Syria
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the UAE suspends all activities, trade exchanges and financial transactions with Iran, following the latest escalation in the conflict, marking a significant shift in their economic relationship. We also examine US President Donald Trump’s insistence…
more -
Trump warns Oman, new Gaza working groups, and Iraq considers dinar reform
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, US special envoy Jared Kushner says Iran is refusing to make the concessions needed for a longer-term agreement after the latest negotiation deadline expired, while Tehran says it has reached an understanding with Oman on a new shipping route through…
more -
Arab nations back Gaza peace plan, Hormuz shipping slows, and Iraq corruption crackdown continues
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the UAE joins seven other Arab and Islamic nations in condemning Israel for rejecting renewed efforts to implement US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, as Jared Kushner holds talks with Hamas and regional mediators in Egypt. We also examine a...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
We bring you the top news stories, field reports and in-depth insights from the Middle East and beyond
HOSTED BY
The National News
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Trending Middle East have?
Trending Middle East currently has 999 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Trending Middle East about?
We bring you the top news stories, field reports and in-depth insights from the Middle East and beyond
How often does Trending Middle East release new episodes?
Trending Middle East releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 999 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.
Where can I listen to Trending Middle East?
You can listen to Trending Middle East on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Trending Middle East?
Trending Middle East is created and hosted by The National News.
URL copied to clipboard!