Middle east news

Iranian protests create a short window for change - opinion

As Iran’s regime escalates repression, the 2026 uprising exposes the limits of containment and opens an opportunity for decisive change.

US President Donald Trump seen in the Oval Office in the White House in Washington, DC, US, January 14, 2026
‘JAVID SHAH’ (Long Live the Shah) has become the slogan of the ongoing Iranian protests. Here, Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the last shah of Iran, sits during an interview in Paris in June, after the Israel-Iran war.

Iranians trust Reza Pahlavi more than the regime’s 'moderates' - opinion

US President Donald Trump meets Syrian counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa in the White House, Washington, DC, November 10, 2025

Why Washington shifts from Syria’s Kurds to Sharaa - opinion

Demonstrators gather outside the Iranian embassy during a rally in support of nationwide protests in Iran, in London, Britain, January 11, 2026

Iranian feminists understood the revolution better than Europe’s intellectuals - opinion


Saudis, Egypt, Jordan, and PA meet in secret to discuss future of Gaza - report

Arab nations met to discuss the future of the Gaza Strip and what "the day after" will look like. Saudi Arabia emphasized moving forward with normalization of diplomatic ties with Israel.

 Arab nations met with the PA to discuss the future of the Gaza Strip.

Saudi Arabia prepares to open first alcohol store for diplomats

The business will open as part of wider plans known as Vision 2030 to build a post-oil economy.

 Saudi men walk out after buying some books at the Riyadh International Book Fair in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, October 2, 2021.

Blinken's fifth visit since Oct. 7 highlights Israel's importance to the US - editorial

For three months, America has admirably stood by Israel, even at the risk of a domestic political price for Biden.

 US Secretary of State Antony Blinken attends a press conference, during his visit to Israel, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel November 3, 2023

Blinken: Middle East nations need to use influence to prevent 'endless cycle of violence'

"From the perspective of Israel, it's clearly not interested, does not want escalation."

 U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives on the island of Crete, during his week-long trip aimed at calming tensions across the Middle East, in Crete, Greece, January 6, 2024.

Israel: Palestinian displacement from Gaza not under discussion

Despite comments made by Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, there are no discussions about a plan to relocate Palestinians.

 People transport belongings on an animal-drawn cart as displaced Palestinians, who fled their homes due to Israeli strikes, shelter in a tent camp in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, January 1, 2024

Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, and Ethiopia join BRICS, doubling membership

Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt are the latest countries to join BRICS, implying some very drastic dynamic shifts in the region.

 China's Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, Brazil's Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, South Africa's Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and India's Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar attend a BRICS foreign ministers' meeting in Cape Town, South Africa, June 1.

Turkey says it rounds up 33 suspected spies for Israel's Mossad

Turkey has harshly criticized Israel for its bombardment of Gaza in its war with Hamas, with Erdogan and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly exchanging barbs last week.

 Pro-Palestinian demonstrators, part of a convoy coming from several Turkish cities, take part in a protest against the U.S. and Israel near the Incirlik Air Base in the southern city of Adana, Turkey November 5, 2023

Khamenei promises ‘de-Americanization’ of Mideast - analysis

All eyes are on Iran in terms of the next moves it may make. 

 A member of the Iranian police holds a picture of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the 44th anniversary of the US expulsion from Iran, earlier this month, in Tehran.

Israel’s regional strategy amid Hamas war

Israel’s challenge today goes far beyond defeating Hamas, with the IDF also needing to keep it from expanding to the North and the West Bank, and keeping Iran from exploiting it.

 IDF sniper at the Gaza border.

Jordanian PM reshuffles cabinet for 7th time, to mixed response

In a controversial move, Prime Minister Khasawneh has made far-reaching changes to the makeup and leadership of his government ministries

Jordanian Prime Minister Bisher al-Khasawneh speaks during a joint news conference with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati at the government palace in Beirut, Lebanon September 30, 2021.