🌍 Middle East

Trump Reveals 'Deep' US Talks with Hamas for Gaza Hostage Release
September 6 @ 9:30pm ET  
President Trump announced 'very deep' US negotiations with Hamas to secure the release of Gaza hostages. He warned of 'nasty' conditions if demands aren't met, amid ongoing conflict and rebuilding challenges.
U.S. State Department Blocks Palestinian Visas Ahead of UN General Assembly
August 29 @ 5:02pm ET  
The U.S. State Department is denying visas to Palestinian officials ahead of the UN General Assembly from September 9-28. This move, led by Secretary Rubio, coincides with allies' plans to recognize a Palestinian state.
Trump Convenes White House Summit on Gaza's Post-War Future
August 27 @ 4:09pm ET  
President Trump hosts a White House meeting on August 27 to discuss Gaza's post-war future amid collapsed cease-fire talks. Israeli military actions in Gaza City add urgency to the comprehensive rebuilding plan.
Gaza Strip Faces Official Famine Classification Amid Crisis
August 22 @ 8:02pm ET  
The Gaza Strip faces an official famine classification in Gaza City, as declared by the UN-backed IPC on August 22. Over half a million people are trapped in dire conditions amid escalating malnutrition and restricted aid access.
Historic Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Accord Signed at White House
August 11 @ 11:55am ET  
Armenia and Azerbaijan signed a historic US-brokered peace deal at the White House on August 8, ending decades of conflict. The agreement includes the 'Trump Route,' a transit corridor to boost regional trade.
Israel and Syria Reach Cease-Fire Deal Amid Regional Tensions
August 5 @ 4:06pm ET  
Israel and Syria have agreed to a U.S.-mediated cease-fire on July 18, halting violence in Sweida that killed over 300. The deal, supported by Turkey and Jordan, aims for lasting peace amid regional tensions.
House Democrats Push for Palestinian Statehood Amid Trump Opposition
August 5 @ 8:22am ET  
House Democrats are pushing the Trump administration to recognize Palestinian statehood, despite opposition. Over a dozen lawmakers signed a letter, but lack of Republican support hinders policy change.
Trump Confronts Netanyahu Over Deadly Gaza Church Strike
August 4 @ 4:01pm ET  
President Trump called Netanyahu to address a deadly strike on Gaza's Holy Family Church on July 17, expressing displeasure. The attack killed three and injured ten, prompting an Israeli apology after U.S. pressure.
Bahrain Crown Prince Meets Trump: $17 Billion in US Deals Announced
August 4 @ 4:02am ET  
President Trump hosted Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa on July 16 at the White House, announcing $17 billion in US investments. The talks focused on security, trade, and strengthening bilateral ties.
U.S. Envoy Witkoff and Huckabee Inspect Gaza Aid Sites Amid Crisis
August 1 @ 4:10pm ET  
U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff and Ambassador Mike Huckabee visited Gaza aid sites on August 1 amid a severe humanitarian crisis. Their trip follows the collapse of ceasefire talks, spotlighting urgent needs in the region.
Democrats Shift Stance on Israel Amid Gaza War Frustrations
August 1 @ 10:36am ET  
Democrats in the Senate are rebuking Israel over Netanyahu's handling of the Gaza war, fracturing bipartisan support. Votes to block arms sales signal growing frustration with the humanitarian crisis.
Anita Anand at UN Conference: Pushing for Israel-Palestine Two-State Solution
July 31 @ 12:01pm ET  
Minister Anita Anand attended a UN conference in New York from July 28-30, advocating for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. She called for a ceasefire and emphasized humanitarian aid and dialogue.
U.S. State Department Targets Palestinian Officials with New Sanctions
July 31 @ 11:05am ET  
The U.S. State Department has imposed sanctions on Palestinian Authority and PLO officials for undermining peace efforts. Announced on July 31, these visa bans reflect national security interests.
Netherlands Imposes Travel Ban on Israeli Ministers Over Gaza Statements
July 29 @ 2:05pm ET  
The Netherlands has banned Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich over Gaza war rhetoric. This move, alongside similar actions by other Western nations, signals growing tensions with Israel.
Houthi Attack Sinks Ship in Red Sea: Rescue Efforts for Missing Crew
July 29 @ 10:06am ET  
Houthi militants sank the Eternity C in the Red Sea, killing at least three crew members. Rescue operations continue for missing seafarers as concerns grow over kidnappings.
Trump Faces Gaza Starvation Crisis in Foreign Policy Challenge
July 29 @ 9:03am ET  
President Trump acknowledges 'real starvation' in Gaza, pushing for aid and announcing U.S. food centers. This crisis tests his foreign policy amid global calls for action.
U.S. Sanctions UN Rapporteur Over ICC Push Against Israel
July 29 @ 8:17am ET  
The U.S. has sanctioned UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese for pushing ICC action against Israel and U.S. officials. Announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on July 9, this historic move has sparked international debate.
Hamas Offers Hostage Release in Push for Gaza Cease-Fire Deal
July 28 @ 4:09pm ET  
Hamas agreed on July 9 to release 10 hostages as part of Gaza cease-fire talks, aiming to work positively with mediators. However, challenges persist with Israel accused of stalling, while international calls for peace grow louder.
Trump and Netanyahu Discuss Cease-Fire Amid Iran Nuclear Fallout
July 25 @ 10:00am ET  
President Trump met with Israeli PM Netanyahu on July 7 to discuss a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. The talks followed U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear sites, aiming for regional stability.
Israel Targets Houthi Infrastructure in Yemen with Major Airstrikes
July 25 @ 4:08am ET  
Israel launched major airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen on July 7, hitting ports and a power plant. The IDF claims these sites support Iranian-backed attacks, while Houthis retaliated with missiles.
US Envoy Witkoff Withdraws Negotiators from Doha Hamas Talks
July 24 @ 4:31pm ET  
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has withdrawn negotiators from Doha talks with Hamas due to lack of good faith. The US is now considering alternative options to free hostages and stabilize Gaza.
OPEC+ Boosts Oil Production by 548,000 Barrels in August Move
July 24 @ 4:05pm ET  
OPEC+ announced a production increase of 548,000 barrels per day for August, exceeding prior expectations. This move aims to recover market share and may impact gas prices amid geopolitical tensions.
U.S. Sanctions Hit Iranian Oil Smuggling and Hezbollah Finances
July 23 @ 4:08pm ET  
The U.S. imposed sanctions on July 3 targeting an Iranian oil smuggling network led by Salim Ahmed Said and a Hezbollah financial institution. These measures aim to disrupt Iran's funding of destabilizing activities in the 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.