Middle East

Middle East coverage follows the region’s conflicts, diplomacy, security and humanitarian pressures, from Israel and the Palestinian territories to Iran, the Gulf and neighbouring states. It also tracks the international powers, trade routes and political decisions that shape events across the area.

Developments in the Middle East can affect civilian lives, regional stability, energy supplies and global relations. This hub brings together reporting and analysis to help readers follow the immediate news and the wider context.

Burnham braces for Trump turbulence in first meeting tomorrow – with president set to swipe at allies who are not helping with Iran war in UN speech

September 21, 2026

Andy Burnham is preparing for a potentially tense first meeting with Donald Trump at the UN General Assembly in New York. Their talks may touch on disagreements over Iran, the Middle East, Russia, the Falkland Islands, Irish unification, online safety and artificial intelligence, while Downing Street reportedly wants to keep the encounter brief to reduce…
Patrikarakos challenges Macklemore’s Gaza genocide claim after Sheeran tour protest

September 21, 2026

Rapper Macklemore’s protest against Israel’s conduct in Gaza during an Ed Sheeran concert prompted the artist’s removal from the tour, triggering broader resignations by other performers in solidarity and forcing Sheeran to issue a public apology. The incident has intensified a debate over whether the term “genocide” accurately describes Israel’s military operations in Gaza, with…
Ed Sheeran says Gaza backlash left him feeling abandoned

September 21, 2026

Ed Sheeran said he felt “abandoned” by family and friends amid backlash over Macklemore’s removal from his tour after the rapper’s pro-Palestinian comments. During an emotional Philadelphia concert, Sheeran apologised for bringing politics into the show and said the controversy had made him reconsider his previously non-political stance. Sheeran described the Gaza conflict as “catastrophic…
Saudi-linked experts among authors of major IPCC climate assessment

September 21, 2026

A Guardian investigation found that at least a dozen authors contributing to the IPCC’s next major climate assessment are employed by, or linked to, Saudi Aramco, Saudi institutions or other fossil-fuel interests. The findings have raised concerns about whether the IPCC’s conflict-of-interest safeguards can adequately protect the independence of reports that influence international negotiations and…
Trump weighs Iran strike as teenager fights for life in hospital crash

September 21, 2026

Trump weighs military response as Iran tensions sharpen. A teenager fights for life after a Wiltshire motorbike crash, whilst authorities tackle a sophisticated banking fraud operation by an extradited Russian developer.
Reform’s £72m crypto haul sparks Electoral Commission review of spending limits

September 20, 2026

The Electoral Commission is reviewing political spending limits after Reform UK received a record £72m in crypto donations. RNLI supporters’ personal data may have been stolen in a cyber-attack.
Trump, Iranian president converge on NYC for ‘dramatic’ UN showdown as Tehran faces tight restrictions

September 20, 2026

President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will both address the United Nations General Assembly in New York this week, with Pezeshkian speaking on Wednesday and Trump on Tuesday, creating what former White House officials have described as a “dramatic” diplomatic moment. This high-profile convergence occurs amid heightened Middle East tensions and an ongoing…
Houthi Rebels Warn Against Joining Saudi Arabia In Yemen’s Growing Civil War

September 20, 2026

The Iran-backed Houthi rebels have warned other nations against joining Saudi Arabia in Yemen’s renewed civil war, whilst assuring the Trump administration they will not attack US vessels in the Red Sea. This warning comes as the Houthis have made rapid military advances down Yemen’s western coast and escalated attacks on Saudi targets in response…
Trump Evaluates Iran Military Response as International Tensions Escalate Ahead of UN Address

September 20, 2026

As diplomatic and military tensions with Iran intensify, President Trump is actively evaluating military options, with senior officials including Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth engaged in the decision-making process. Tru
Ukraine hits Moscow as PM prepares Trump talks, Iran shadows budget

September 20, 2026

Ukraine’s drone attack has left Moscow ablaze, killing at least two. The Prime Minister prepares his debut meeting with President Trump as Iran tensions threaten to stoke inflation.