🌍 Middle East

Trump Announces Israel's Agreement to 60-Day Gaza Ceasefire Deal
July 22 @ 4:07am ET  
President Trump announced Israel's agreement to a 60-day Gaza ceasefire on July 1. This deal, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, aims to end over 20 months of conflict if Hamas accepts.
US Envoy Adam Boehler Presses Hamas for Hostage Deal with Israel
July 20 @ 4:04pm ET  
US Special Envoy Adam Boehler urges Hamas to accept a hostage deal with Israel, calling it the best offer available. Recent talks at the Aspen Security Forum suggest a resolution is closer than ever despite ongoing challenges.
Trump Confronts Netanyahu Over Deadly Gaza Church Strike
July 17 @ 6:33pm ET  
President Trump called Netanyahu over a deadly strike on Gaza's Holy Family Church, killing three. His reaction was not positive, as Israel expressed regret for the 'mistake'.
Bahrain Crown Prince and Trump Announce $17 Billion U.S. Investment Deal
July 16 @ 4:31pm ET  
Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa met with President Trump at the White House on July 16, announcing a $17 billion investment in the U.S. The talks also focused on trade, security, and regional cooperation.
Israel and Iran Clash in Digital Warfare with AI Propaganda
July 15 @ 6:16am ET  
Israel and Iran recently engaged in a 12-day conflict marked by AI-driven propaganda on social media. This digital warfare, with fake content viewed by millions, signals a new era of psychological operations.
Trump Signals Hope for Gaza Cease-Fire Deal Within Next Week
July 15 @ 4:04am ET  
President Trump expressed hope for a Gaza cease-fire within the next week during an Oval Office event on July 14. Negotiations for a 60-day truce with hostage releases are ongoing despite challenges.
Shifting Sands: Iran's Decline and the Middle East's Future
July 14 @ 5:01am ET  
Iran's long-standing influence in the Middle East is declining, leaving a power vacuum. The region's future hinges on emerging alliances and diplomatic efforts amidst ongoing tensions.
US Imposes Sanctions on UN Rapporteur Over Israel-Gaza Criticism
July 9 @ 11:30pm ET  
The US has sanctioned UN expert Francesca Albanese for criticizing Israel's war in Gaza. This move, linked to her ICC support, raises concerns over US-UN relations.
Trump Announces US-Iran Nuclear Talks Set for Next Week
July 8 @ 10:03am ET  
President Trump announced US-Iran talks next week to address nuclear concerns after recent conflict. The discussions, set post-NATO summit, aim for a potential agreement amid a fragile ceasefire.
Netanyahu Honors Trump with Nobel Peace Prize Nomination at White House
July 8 @ 3:00am ET  
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu nominated President Donald J. Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize on July 7 at the White House. This follows U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, highlighting complex U.S.-Israel relations.
Trump and Netanyahu Discuss Gaza Cease-Fire and Iran at White House
July 7 @ 8:30pm ET  
President Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu at the White House on July 7 to discuss a Gaza cease-fire and Iran tensions. The talks focused on a 60-day truce and broader Middle East peace efforts amid ongoing challenges.
OPEC+ Accelerates Oil Production Hike for August 2025
July 7 @ 8:00pm ET  
OPEC+ is increasing oil output by 548,000 barrels per day in August, marking the fourth consecutive month of hikes. This move, amid strong demand, raises questions about market absorption and price stability.
U.S. Targets Iranian Oil Smuggling and Hezbollah with New Sanctions
July 5 @ 7:06am ET  
The U.S. imposed new sanctions on July 3 targeting a network smuggling Iranian oil as Iraqi crude and a Hezbollah-linked financial institution. These measures aim to disrupt Tehran's revenue sources and limit Hezbollah's funding.
Trump Declares Cease-Fire Between Israel and Iran, Ending 12-Day War
July 2 @ 4:00pm ET  
President Trump announced a cease-fire between Israel and Iran on June 23, potentially ending the '12-Day War.' The deal includes a 12-hour halt in hostilities, with hopes for lasting peace.
Trump Announces Israel's Agreement to 60-Day Gaza Ceasefire Deal
July 2 @ 4:30am ET  
President Trump announced Israel's agreement to a 60-day Gaza ceasefire, brokered by Qatar and Egypt. The deal aims to halt conflict and secure hostage releases while urging Hamas to accept before conditions worsen.
Oil Prices Plunge 7% as Middle East Tensions Ease
July 2 @ 4:00am ET  
Oil prices dropped over 7% on June 23 as Iran's limited retaliation eased Middle East tension fears. West Texas Intermediate fell to below $69 per barrel, with Brent crude under $71.
Iran Conflict Reveals Constraints on China's Middle East Influence
June 30 @ 8:30pm ET  
The Iran-Israel conflict has exposed the limits of China's influence in the Middle East, despite its economic ties with Tehran. Beijing's diplomatic efforts highlight its constrained role amid U.S. involvement and regional tensions.
Iran Stands Firm: No Nuclear Talks Amid Israel Airstrikes
June 25 @ 10:00am ET  
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi insists no nuclear talks will occur with the U.S. while Israeli airstrikes persist. Recent military actions by both Israel and the U.S. have escalated tensions in the region.
Israel's Netanyahu Reacts to Trump's Israel-Iran Cease-Fire Plan
June 24 @ 7:10pm ET  
Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed agreement to Trump's Israel-Iran cease-fire, noting restraint from further attacks. Tensions linger as both sides accuse each other of violations.
Trump Thanks Iran for Early Notice in Qatar Base Missile Strike
June 23 @ 6:31pm ET  
Iran launched a missile attack on a U.S. base in Qatar on June 23, with no casualties due to early notice. President Trump thanked Iran for the warning and urged peace in the region.
David Lammy and Marco Rubio Tackle Israel-Iran Crisis in Urgent US Talks
June 23 @ 4:10pm ET  
David Lammy met Marco Rubio in Washington DC on June 19 to address the Israel-Iran conflict. Their urgent talks focused on de-escalation amid escalating strikes and concerns over Iran's nuclear program.
White House Issues Stark Warning to Iran Over Strait of Hormuz Closure
June 23 @ 12:31pm ET  
The White House has warned Iran against closing the Strait of Hormuz, calling it 'foolish' after U.S. strikes on nuclear sites. Tensions rise as global oil supply and economic stability hang in the balance.
Iran's Arsenal: Short-Range Weapons Threaten U.S. Military Bases
June 23 @ 5:45am ET  
Iran's short-range weapons, including rockets and drones, threaten U.S. bases in the Middle East. Tensions rise as American troops remain on high alert amid fears of retaliation.
U.S. Bombs Iran's Fordow and Other Nuclear Sites, Trump Confirms
June 21 @ 8:30pm ET  
President Trump confirmed U.S. strikes on Iran's Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear sites on June 21. The historic attack, targeting key facilities, escalates tensions in the Middle East.
Iranian Missile Strike Damages US Embassy Branch in Tel Aviv
June 20 @ 10:09am ET  
An Iranian missile strike caused minor damage to the U.S. Embassy branch in Tel Aviv on June 16, with no injuries to personnel. The conflict between Iran and Israel has led to embassy closures and significant civilian casualties.
Canada Steps Up Efforts to Evacuate Citizens from Middle East Conflict Zone
June 20 @ 8:01am ET  
Canada is aiding around 80,000 citizens in the Middle East amid the Israel-Iran conflict. Global Affairs is organizing flights from neighboring countries to evacuate those affected.
U.S. Strike on Iran: Experts Warn of Dangerous Aftermath
June 19 @ 5:00pm ET  
A potential U.S. strike on Iran raises serious risks, with experts warning of dangerous aftermaths akin to past conflicts. Iran's leadership threatens severe consequences, heightening fears of regional instability.
Geopolitical Tensions and Inflation Shape Market Sentiment This Week
June 19 @ 12:01pm ET  
Geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran have escalated, impacting global markets and raising concerns over oil prices and inflation. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve remains cautious despite signs of easing inflation.
Pro-Israel Hackers Strike Iran with $90 Million Crypto Heist at Nobitex
June 18 @ 4:27pm ET  
Iran's largest crypto exchange, Nobitex, lost $90 million in a cyberattack by pro-Israel hackers Predatory Sparrow on June 18. The breach, amid rising tensions, highlights vulnerabilities in Iran's financial systems.
Mark Rutte and Keir Starmer Urge Calm After Israel Strikes Iran
June 18 @ 4:15pm ET  
Mark Rutte and Keir Starmer urge de-escalation after Israel's airstrikes on Iran. Their calls for diplomacy come amid heightened tensions over Iran's nuclear program.
Trump Pushes for Complete End to Iran's Nuclear Ambitions
June 17 @ 8:31am ET  
President Trump insists on a 'real end' to Iran's nuclear program, rejecting a ceasefire with Israel. His stance escalates tensions as conflict persists in the Middle East.
Iran Urges Trump to Push Israel for Cease-Fire in Ongoing Aerial Conflict
June 16 @ 3:01pm ET  
Iran has urged President Trump to force Israel into a cease-fire amid a four-day aerial war. Tensions escalate as both nations continue military actions, with Trump hoping for a deal but cautioning that fighting may persist.