Middle East
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Gaza diplomacy intensifies as regional tensions persist
Trump hails Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, congratulates the leadership of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye; Hamas says it asked Board of Peace to 'compel' Israel to accept the Gaza plan; Muslim countries condemn Israel's rejection of Trump's Gaza plan.
6 HOURS AGO
Middle East Roundup, Aug 16: ‘Very Happy’: Trump welcomes Makkah Joint Defence Agreement
Congratulates the leadership of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, and declares the pact a 'big, bold, and important first step; Muslim countries condemn Israel's rejection of Trump's Gaza plan; Hamas says it asked Board of Peace to 'compel' Israel to accept Gaza plan.
A DAY AGO
Middle East Roundup, Aug 15: US military maintains broad Middle East presence
CENTCOM chief Brad Cooper completes a 10-day regional tour as US forces remain deployed across the Middle East, while the future USS John F. Kennedy advances toward Navy service.
2 DAYS AGO
Middle East Roundup, Aug 14: Trump’s Hormuz claim sparks Iranian vow to retain control
The US president claims he would 'soon' declare the Strait of Hormuz waterway part of US territory after defeating Iran
3 DAYS AGO
Middle East Roundup, Aug 13: Iran calls for compensation after Hormuz oil spill
Iran warns of environmental degradation after an oil spill reaches Qeshm, seeking compensation from those responsible; Trump says that the US forces are in total control of the strategic strait and will 'keep it'; Israel defense minister vows troops to stay in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza.
4 DAYS AGO
Oil spill off Oman reaches coastline: state media
An AFP investigation finds that the ship had been stranded for weeks near Oman's Al-Qibliyyah island after it was damaged by explosions.
5 DAYS AGO
Middle East Roundup, Aug 12:Trump says US will 'keep' Hormuz strait control
Says the United States is in control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz and will "keep it"; IEA sharply cuts 2026 oil demand forecast as Hormuz closure and high prices weigh on consumption; Israeli forces close Hebron’s Ibrahimi Mosque, barring Muslim worshippers during Jewish holidays.
5 DAYS AGO
Middle East Roundup, Aug 11: World warns Israel as West Bank faces worst displacement since 1967
The UN Security Council convenes an urgent session on the deteriorating West Bank situation, with Pakistan warning that settlement expansion, settler violence and Israeli measures are eroding prospects for Palestinian statehood. Meanwhile, Israel-Lebanon talks are set to resume in September amid fresh strikes, while US-Iran diplomacy remains focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
6 DAYS AGO
Syria sentences Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia over atrocities
A Syrian court sentences former ruler Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the civil war.
6 DAYS AGO