Middle East

100 links
Iran hangs mountaineer who documented his Everest ascents, Ali-Sina Mostafavi executed after supreme court upholds protest sentence Oslo campaigners count six athletes executed and at least six more on death row
theguardian.com
Russian satellites circled targets before all 40 Houthi and militia strikes on Saudi Arabia Geneva firm finds 100 percent match between Cosmos flybys and attacks, Houthis now claim direct hits on defense ministry and Ras Tanura refinery
independent.co.uk
UN experts say Gaza ceasefire has not stopped Israeli genocide Israeli control of territory grew from 53 to at least 60 percent, 196 killed since truce including 32 boys and 11 girls
independent.co.uk
US forces ready to strike Iran within 96 hours of Trump order Pentagon target list spans energy infrastructure and nuclear sites, embassies quietly draw down before any decision is announced
cnn.com
Ultra-Orthodox draft exemptions shape Tuesday's Israeli election Netanyahu depends on Haredi parties to stay in power, study stipends cost 35 billion shekels a year as military police arrest draft dodgers
theguardian.com
Gunmen kill seven and wound 40 at church funeral in Jordan Attack on Greek Orthodox church in Karak prompts three days of national mourning, government names no attackers as prime minister promises harshest penalties for terrorist ideology
theguardian.com
Netanyahu orders very extensive West Bank operation after two soldiers killed near Hebron House-to-house raids and displacement follow checkpoint gunfight days before Israeli election, settlers keep the roads while Palestinian villages get the gates
theguardian.com
Turkey seeks mandate to send air defense troops to Saudi Arabia, Mecca pact with Pakistan carries NATO-style Article Five clause as Pentagon pulls back Deployment bill waits for parliamentary speaker to return from Kyrgyzstan
breitbart.com
IDF detains US congressional candidate Brad Lander at West Bank olive harvest, released after police learned he was a candidate While rabbis remain in custody, army expanded closed farmland by 30 percent this year
independent.co.uk
Saudi Arabia postpones Davos in the Desert after Houthi strikes close Riyadh airport Dimon Fink and Solomon listed as speakers while delegates plotted a five-hour drive from Bahrain, monarchy that buys football clubs cannot keep rockets from its runway
breitbart.com
UK re-arrests two men over Fairford air base plot Police call Iranian state involvement highly likely, bombers that struck Iran have already flown home from the Gloucestershire runway
zerohedge.com
Saudi Arabia executes two Bangladeshis for indecent acts in Mecca mosque Dhaka says it was never notified and family disputes the woman's identity, kingdom that buys football clubs and art auctions still offers no legal process worth the name
zerohedge.com
Macron ends Gulf tour with Qatar state visit and 295000 tonnes of monthly diesel pledges UAE and Bahrain commitments equal a tenth of French consumption, president who preached energy transition now shops for fuel to calm Paris protests
euronews.com
Iran rejects reports Hormuz deal is close as Qatar and Pakistan float compromise proposal Two tankers ablaze off Omani coast, IMO says no safe route exists through the strait
zerohedge.com
Iran attacks at least 15 container ships in Hormuz strait Mines and drones strike vessels near Omani coast as Tehran reasserts control of the chokepoint, fishers ordered to leave floating cargo to the state
theguardian.com
Houthi missiles kill 53 at Yemen army training camp, deadliest single attack since civil war reignited in September Alimi asks UN to designate Houthis foreign terrorists
theguardian.com
Trump endorses Netanyahu days before Israeli election, warns US will 'finish the job' against Iran alone if Bibi loses Far-right Ben-Gvir polls ahead of Labor's successors as three-quarters of first-time Jewish voters lean right
foxnews.com
UAE and Saudi Arabia agree to re-enter Yemen war Abu Dhabi resumes funding to southern brigades under Saudi air cover, Gulf rivals reunite as Houthis press toward Taiz and Marib
theguardian.com
Israeli settlers beat Washington Post photographer during olive harvest attacks Masked groups strike eight West Bank villages and wound more than 20 as harvest begins, army fires teargas at farmers who defend themselves
theguardian.com
Houthis strike presidential palace in Aden and kill five Attack on seat of Yemen's recognized government lands same day Saudi defenses intercept projectiles over Riyadh, cycle trades infrastructure for headquarters as neither deterrent holds
independent.co.uk
Houthis besiege Yemen's third city Taiz, rebels seize 1,000km in a month and break four years of UN-brokered calm Repairman sells wife's gold ring to feed family of six
theguardian.com
UN peacekeeping chief says major questions hang over southern Lebanon as UNIFIL exit nears 48-year mandate ends in December after US and Israel called the force useless while Hezbollah rearmed under its watch, Lacroix says no successor has been decided
independent.co.uk
Israel blocks construction of key Gaza base for Trump peace board Arkel contract for 150-troop outpost stalled two months as trucks wait at a closed border, board chaired for life by Trump counts a resolved war
theguardian.com
Houthis build own precision missiles from Chinese parts, Conflict Armament Research finds Kheibar Shekan copy assembled in Yemen from interdicted Hodeidah shipments, movement that makes its own weapons answers to no one in Tehran
independent.co.uk
Saudi Arabia strikes oil depot near Sanaa Biggest attack yet on Houthi energy infrastructure follows airport raid that killed 13, rebels answer by declaring Aramco facilities in Riyadh legitimate targets
theguardian.com
Iraq plans to collect millions of weapons Deadline becomes a regulatory starting point, US dollar leverage collides with Iran-backed militia autonomy
euronews.com
EU weighs reinforcing Operation Aspides Italy warns Bab el-Mandeb escorts are running on too few hulls, national convoys creep into a common mission
euronews.com
IAEA prepares Iran referral to UN Security Council Inspectors still barred from bombed nuclear sites as stockpile verification breaks down, veto math leaves enforcement uncertain
independent.co.uk
Smoke rises at Riyadh King Khalid airport after air-raid alerts Fuel tank fire and flight disruption follow warnings sent to multiple Saudi cities, capital’s infrastructure joins the target map
theguardian.com euronews.com
US denies Mahmoud Abbas UN visa again Palestinian Authority cites political timing as more states move toward recognition, New York waiver keeps mission open while leader stays remote
euronews.com
Building collapses in Gaza City Displaced families shelter in war-damaged structures, rescue crews dig with limited machinery as missing count rises
theguardian.com euronews.com
Houthis seize Greater and Lesser Hanish islands Bab al-Mandab control tightens as Saudi east–west pipeline stays shut, displaced Yemenis move toward Djibouti as chokepoints multiply
theguardian.com
Pentagon inspector general reports US ammunition shortfalls from Iran war $33.4 billion spent in four months with munitions the main line item, base damage across Gulf remains unfunded and unanswered
euronews.com
Israeli minister threatens to strip filmmakers of citizenship Venice-winning Gaza documentary NAZA triggers calls for nationality revocation, legal process is rare but the pressure campaign is public
theguardian.com euronews.com
Iran says commercial ship struck in Strait of Hormuz UKMTO reports unknown projectile and onboard fire during transit, attribution dispute follows damage that insurers must price immediately
euronews.com
Drone attack from Iraq shuts Saudi East–West oil pipeline Fire near Medina hits alternative to Hormuz route, Iraq fires local commander as Gulf states warn of escalation
euronews.com theguardian.com
Brokers cash in on Syria Lebanon border crossings Euronews reports Syrians pay hundreds to thousands for entry paperwork, official fees remain capped at 75 dollars
euronews.com
Weapons depot explosion kills at least 14 near Idlib Temporary munitions storage highlights Syria’s post-war ordnance burden, rescue teams search rubble as secondary blasts ripple
euronews.com
Houthis strike Saudi energy sites and wound 73 people Saudi coalition says facilities hit in Abha Jazan Najran and Khamis Mushait, oil market reacts to disruption that only has to be plausible
independent.co.uk
Iran plans Hormuz exclusion zone Shipping traffic drops to lowest since May as US and IRGC trade strikes, oil price rises alongside sanctions threats
independent.co.uk
Netanyahu calls Qatar a hostile state Doha files UN letters over Iranian strikes on its territory, regional mediators become named parties
euronews.com infobae.com
US destroys three Iranian oil tankers Iran claims retaliatory strikes in Strait of Hormuz, maritime choke point becomes a scorecard
independent.co.uk euronews.com
Yemen ground fighting kills dozens Houthis push toward Bab al-Mandeb chokepoint after ceasefire collapse, shipping risk shifts from Hormuz to Red Sea
theguardian.com
Israeli strikes kill three in Lebanon Health ministry reports deaths in Ramadiyah and Nabatieh after drone incident, security zone logic keeps ceasefire talk distant
euronews.com independent.co.uk
IAEA board weighs Iran referral to UN Security Council US and European powers cite inspection denial after strikes, escalation moves to a forum where vetoes can make punishment optional
independent.co.uk independent.co.uk
UAE halts all trade with Iran Abu Dhabi cites missile incidents and financial-system risk, enforcement hinges on whether flows can still route via third countries
euronews.com
Israel military opens criminal probe into Hind Rajab killing IDF admits troops fired on family car during Gaza City offensive, 150 incident reviews yield five case decisions
theguardian.com independent.co.uk
UN warns Yemen risks full-scale conflict Houthi claims of Red Sea strikes keep maritime chokepoints in play, ceasefire language competes with missile range
euronews.com
Israeli settlers set homes on fire in Masafer Yatta village Residents describe children trapped inside as police probe opens, investigations multiply faster than arrests
independent.co.uk
Reports describe deteriorating conditions aboard USS Abraham Lincoln Families cite food rationing and mental health crises during Iran deployment, Pentagon denial collides with basic supply complaints
independent.co.uk
US says it can sustain Iran naval blockade indefinitely Hegseth cites ship rotations as Hormuz crossings fall below monthly average, time becomes the weapon both sides claim to control
independent.co.uk independent.co.uk
Israeli settlers besiege Palestinian homes in Qusra IDF chief orders reserve battalion reinforcement after commander visit fails to lift blockade, tent removed but families remain trapped
theguardian.com independent.co.uk
Hormuz traffic falls toward three-month low Trump claims total US control while Iran demands compensation, shipping schedules price the blockade more than speeches
independent.co.uk
Lebanon abolishes death penalty after parliament vote Unofficial moratorium since 2004 becomes statute, life sentences meet overcrowded prisons and an amnesty fight
independent.co.uk independent.co.uk
Iran sets conditions for Hormuz shipping Talks via Oman stall as Trump signals reduced push, oil market prices in toll-like leverage
euronews.com independent.co.uk
Netanyahu rejects Trump Gaza plan Israel demands Hamas disarmament before any withdrawal, US-backed roadmap becomes a ceasefire without a timetable
theguardian.com theguardian.com
Houthi missile and drone attacks kill dozens of Yemeni troops Saudi Arabia warns of wider strikes as Red Sea and land fronts merge, civilian sites become the implied target set
infobae.com theguardian.com
Israel strikes southern Lebanon after evacuation order Lebanon reports one killed and 11 injured in Tebnine, Rome talks test ceasefire while security zone persists
theguardian.com
Jordan calls emergency meeting on al-Aqsa status quo Ben Gvir-led Temple Mount incursion triggers takeover warning, permits and policing replace treaties as the battlefield
theguardian.com
Iran denies Trump claim of Monday talks Tehran cites Oman channel for temporary Hormuz safe route, markets still trade on statements that can be withdrawn overnight
independent.co.uk
Iraq and Turkey sign one-year pipeline deal Ceyhan route offers alternative to Hormuz shipping, export security shifts from sea lanes to contract disputes
independent.co.uk
Saudi Arabia launches Red Sea maritime defence coalition 14 countries sign founding statement as Houthis threaten full escalation, parallel command structure collides with EU Aspides mission
euronews.com euronews.com
Cyprus holds British-Azerbaijani man over alleged Iran-linked surveillance of RAF Akrotiri UK applies 2023 National Security Act overseas, base security becomes the courtroom test
euronews.com
Drone attack ignites fire on LNG vessels at Egypt port Damietta incident hits regasification capacity as Cairo returns to LNG imports, peak-summer demand meets a shrinking margin for error
independent.co.uk
Netanyahu heads to Washington to meet Trump First face-to-face since Iran conflict escalated, US pause in bombing leaves Israel warning of its own response
independent.co.uk nbcnews.com
Iran threatens Britain with targeting, Revolutionary Guards cite US bombers using British airfields as UK rejects intimidation Alliance politics turns basing access into a liability
independent.co.uk
Pentagon faces cover-up claims over Iran war casualties The Guardian reports 18 US troops killed and about 430 injured, casualty updates drift from briefings to social media posts
theguardian.com
Trump switched Air Force One after Iran proxy threat report Secret Service urged older aircraft over Qatari-donated jet, presidential logistics become another front in the war
theguardian.com
Itamar Ben-Gvir joins mass visit to al-Aqsa compound Police-escorted prayers challenge Jerusalem status quo, Waqf counts thousands of Israeli entrants on Tisha B’Av
theguardian.com
Drone strikes hit Iraq oil sites near Basra Foreign energy staff evacuate as militias operate beyond Baghdad control, sovereignty becomes a press release during regional escalation
theguardian.com independent.co.uk
Houthis hit Saudi oil tankers in Red Sea UKMTO reports onboard fire as crews respond, oil markets price two chokepoints at once
independent.co.uk independent.co.uk
Equinor profits surge during US Iran hostilities Higher prices and increased output lift quarterly result, state owned producer monetises shipping disruption
theguardian.com
Israeli ministers announce new settlement plans in Gaza West Bank expansion funding emerges alongside ceasefire-era strikes, bulldozers and funerals share the same timetable
independent.co.uk theguardian.com
US confirms two troops killed in Jordan attacks Iran suspends interim peace deal commitments after seventh night of US strikes, infrastructure claims spread from bases to bridges and water systems
independent.co.uk independent.co.uk
Israeli strike hits funeral in central Gaza Hospital reports at least seven killed as Israel cites Islamic Jihad cell, ceasefire era brings reconstruction plans without predictable security
independent.co.uk
EU signs security agreement with Djibouti Aspides mission reinforced as Bab el-Mandeb closure threat returns, shipping detours become the price signal of proxy war
euronews.com
Trump Board of Peace scales back Gaza rebuild Flagship plan reduced to Rafah pilot camp, pledged billions and glossy renderings meet border controls and election timing
independent.co.uk theguardian.com
US disables oil tanker near Iran under Hormuz blockade Centcom says vessel ignored warnings while heading toward Kharg Island, commercial shipping learns the rules in real time
independent.co.uk independent.co.uk
US and Iraq set September deadline for US troop exit Pentagon cites earlier anti-Islamic State agreement, White House says troops out while companies stay
independent.co.uk
Trump hosts Iraq prime minister Ali al-Zaidi Former bank chair arrives under US scrutiny of dollar channels, militia disarmament deadline becomes White House yardstick
independent.co.uk
Dubai plans Fujairah port expansion DP World seeks bypass for Strait of Hormuz risk, new terminals priced as insurance against clause disputes and missiles
independent.co.uk independent.co.uk
Trump announces Hormuz toll and renewed Iran blockade Shipping slows as vessels go dark, both Washington and Tehran talk like the strait is a paywalled service
theguardian.com independent.co.uk
Former Qatar emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies Four days of national mourning declared and first recent state funeral planned, condolence messages arrive from kings and militant groups alike
euronews.com euronews.com
Israel schedules October election Vote lands on last legal date as Knesset term ends mid-July, Netanyahu runs again with polls pointing to fatigue
euronews.com
Israeli settlers detain US congressman Ro Khanna in occupied West Bank Delegation says IDF did not intervene near Khirbet Zanuta, movement resumes only after embassy and police calls
theguardian.com theguardian.com
Iran and US continue strikes Hormuz traffic nears standstill as Iran reports hit near Bushehr nuclear power plant, only two tankers transit as ships go dark
independent.co.uk theguardian.com
Trump declares Iran ceasefire over Fresh US strikes follow Hormuz ship attacks, Nato backs operation as Gulf bases face retaliation
independent.co.uk independent.co.uk
Bombs explode near Damascus Four Seasons during Macron visit Syrian authorities report 18 wounded as president meets Ahmad al-Sharaa, Western outreach runs through blast cordons
euronews.com theguardian.com
Hamas dissolves Gaza governing body Technocratic NCAG slated to take over civilian administration, disarmament and Israeli control still decide who rules
independent.co.uk euronews.com
Iran confirms US warning about alleged Israeli plot against negotiators Reports describe Islamabad talks as a moving security operation, ceasefire diplomacy depends on who can restrain allies
euronews.com
Bomb kills five in central Damascus Cafe near Palace of Justice hit as Syria assembles first post-Assad parliament, lawmaking timeline collides with street-level insecurity
euronews.com
Ship traffic plunges in Strait of Hormuz after weekend attacks Kpler data show transits fall from 74 midweek to 12 Sunday, reopening becomes a question of who controls the corridor
breitbart.com cbsnews.com
Trump says US and Iran hold Doha talks Tuesday Iran denies technical meetings are scheduled, Hormuz shipping rules and frozen assets drive the timetable
nbcnews.com independent.co.uk
Aramco helicopter crash kills at least 14 in Ras Tanura Key Saudi oil export hub sits near Strait of Hormuz shipping route, output ramp-up meets infrastructure logistics risk
independent.co.uk
Israel cabinet backs Armenian genocide recognition First formal Knesset vote still pending after years of caution toward Turkey, genocide label enters diplomacy as Gaza accusations intensify
euronews.com independent.co.uk
Hezbollah rejects Israel Lebanon framework US-backed deal links Israeli withdrawal to Hezbollah disarmament, pilot zones named but not mapped and annex kept private
independent.co.uk bbc.com
Iran football team attacks FIFA and US over World Cup logistics Visa denials force squad to base in Tijuana as late VAR call denies win in Seattle, Infantino’s dressing-room visit fails to change travel reality
theguardian.com
Israeli strike hits Beirut Dahiyeh Trump urges Israel and Hezbollah to stand down as US Iran deal nears, negotiators try to write a regional ceasefire around actors not at the table
theguardian.com
Iran schedules Khamenei funeral for July 4 State media sets burial in Mashhad days later, peace deal talk continues as succession becomes public ceremony
bbc.com independent.co.uk
Lebanese army pulls back from Kfar Tebnit Israel intensifies strikes and evacuation warnings near Nabatiyeh, a regional ceasefire promise runs into a militia outside the deal
infobae.com independent.co.uk