Podcast · News

Trending Middle East

by The National News · English · News

We bring you the top news stories, field reports and in-depth insights from the Middle East and beyond

New episodes: Daily
Typical length: 3 min
Latest: 15 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

15 Oct 2026 · 3 minNew

War cuts off 800,000 in Taiz, diesel shortages to extend into 2027 and Gaza committee signs development deal

In today's episode of Trending Middle East, about 800,000 people in Yemen’s city of Taiz are largely cut off from food, fuel and medical supplies as fighting between the government troops and the Houthi rebels intensifies. As the Iran conflict drags on, the global diesel shortage is expected to continue well into 2027, the International Energy Agency has warned. In Lebanon, private suppliers now provide half of the country’s electricity, leaving households facing soaring bills. A special report by The National reveals how politically connected businesses are profiting from the country's…

Play episodeWhatsApp Download

Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E1658 · 14 Oct 2026 · 3 minNew
Aramco building struck, missing sailors' families grieve and Dubai unveils underground transport plans
Today on Trending Middle East, a building of Saudi Arabia's state oil company Aramco is attacked in Dharan, as the Houthi rebels in Yemen escalate their missile campaign against the kingdom. The Energy Ministry says the strike cause a fire but there were no casualties. Families of two Indian sailors who have been missing since a drone hit an oil tanker off Oman's coast tell The National they are "sick with grief" as they wait for news. A group of senators has urged US President Donald Trump to cancel a Russian diesel deal, warning that it could help Iran and endanger American troops in the…
E1657 · 13 Oct 2026 · 3 minNew
Riyadh extends airport closure, UK imposes sanctions on Iranians and IMF cuts Gulf growth forecasts
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Yemen’s Houthi rebels launch further attacks against Saudi Arabia as authorities extend the closure of Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport until October 17. The attacks have disrupted flights across the region, with Etihad Airways cancelling services between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh until October 19. The UK imposes sanctions on two Iranian citizens accused of involvement in plots to carry out attacks in the country, while Tehran denies involvement. Meanwhile, Pakistan detains allies of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan after imposing…
E1656 · 12 Oct 2026 · 3 min
Riyadh airport attacked again and Trump announces Ukraine-Russia 'energy ceasefire'
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, one person is killed and 11 injured in another attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport – a day after 13 were killed and more than 300 injured in a strike claimed by the Houthi rebels. The airport is to remain closed for another 24 hours as Saudi Arabia responds to further threats. US President Donald Trump announces an immediate ceasefire on attacks against energy infrastructure in Russia and Ukraine, although Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he is unaware of any agreement. Meanwhile, at least 139 migrants have died and…
E1655 · 9 Oct 2026 · 3 min
Saudi Arabia to 'punish' Houthis, Trump rules out Iran attack and Musk's Boring Company signs Abu Dhabi deal
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen vows to “punish” the Houthi rebels after attacks on airports in the kingdom killed three people and injured 36. The UAE has condemned the strikes and emphasised its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia. Syria denies reports that Riyadh asked Damascus to send troops to support the kingdom against the Houthis. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump says the US will not launch attacks on Iran before the November midterm elections. He adds that Washington is engaged in “productive discussions” with Tehran. In the UAE, Elon…
E1654 · 8 Oct 2026 · 3 min
Riyadh flights pause after Houthi attacks, US claims Hormuz is open and UAE calls for rain prayers
In today's episode of Trending Middle East, flights from Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport were disrupted this morning after the Houthis claimed a ballistic missile strike there. It comes after Saudi authorities confirmed that three people were killed in earlier attacks on Riyadh and Abha airports. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Iran has lost control of the Strait of Hormuz, claiming oil exports from the Gulf have returned to near prewar levels. Iran has disputed the claim. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has sparked backlash for handing out pins depicting…
E1653 · 7 Oct 2026 · 3 min
Houthis claim attacks, Qatar and Turkey in Olympics bid race, and UAE brand to export camel milk abroad
In today's episode of Trending Middle East, the Houthis have claimed missile and drone attacks on airports and military sites in Saudi Arabia and Yemen this morning. The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted ballistic missiles near Riyadh and Khamis Mushait, but authorities have not confirmed the claims about the airports. Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara has met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh during an official visit to the kingdom, whether the two leaders discussed bilateral ties and the latest developments in the region. UAE businesses are raising their prices at the…
E1652 · 6 Oct 2026 · 3 min
Yemeni forces secure Bab Al Mandeb, UAE-Jordan launch $2.3bn railway and Eagle Hills signs Syria projects
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Yemeni government forces secure control of the Bab Al Mandeb strait and the strategic port city of Mokha as their offensive against the Houthis expands. The Saudi-led coalition is providing air support, while Yemeni forces have also begun what they call a “strategic offensive” on Sanaa. Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed and Jordan’s King Abdullah attend the ground-breaking of a $2.3 billion railway linking the Port of Aqaba with major mining centres. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi-based Eagle Hills signs an agreement for two major developments…
E1651 · 5 Oct 2026 · 3 min
Yemen begins offensive against Houthis, Egypt seeks Nile dam solution and UAE launches commercial satellite
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Yemen’s internationally recognised government announces the start of military operations to retake territory held by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, as fighting intensifies around Taiz. Egypt says it remains committed to a diplomatic and political solution to its dispute with Ethiopia over its Nile dam, despite a new escalation in tensions between the countries. Meanwhile, the Pentagon says all US bombers stationed at RAF Fairford in England have returned to America. In the UAE, the first commercial satellite built entirely in the country has been…
E1650 · 2 Oct 2026 · 3 min
Third US carrier heads to Middle East, UAE investigates flydubai incident, and Dubai sets AI rules for schools
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the US is sending a third aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East as President Donald Trump weighs further military action against Iran. The USS Theodore Roosevelt and its strike group are heading to the region, where two other US aircraft carriers are already deployed. The UAE Attorney General has ordered an investigation into the mid-flight altercation aboard a flydubai aircraft that was forced to divert to Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Iraq says it is confident it will meet a June 2027 deadline to bring weapons held by armed groups under…
E1649 · 1 Oct 2026 · 3 min
Flydubai pilot praised for averting disaster, Iraq's controversial PMF law, and UAE telecom paves way for 6G
Today on Trending Middle East, Indian flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar has been hailed as a hero for helping avert a potential disaster during a security incident on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. In Iraq, the government has approved a controversial bill that could further establish the Popular Mobilisation Forces as a permanent national security institution. It comes as US forces formally have formally ended their military mission in the country. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham says there are “strong indications” that Iran was involved in an incident near RAF Fairford over the weekend, but…
E1648 · 30 Sep 2026 · 3 min
US withdraws troops from Iraq, UAE condemns Al Aqsa breach and Morocco appoints first female PM
In today's episode of Trending Middle East, the US is withdrawing its last troops from Iraq, officially ending its anti-ISIS mission, Operation Inherent Resolve, after 12 years. Baghdad now plans to shift towards bilateral security co-operation with Washington. The UAE strongly condemns the storming of Al Aqsa Mosque compound by Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, accompanied by hundreds of settlers. In Morocco, Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri is set to become the country's first female prime minister. Dubai’s Etihad Rail passenger service completes its historic first journey to…
E1647 · 29 Sep 2026 · 3 min
UK releases terror suspects on bail, UAE calls for diplomacy at UN and President takes Etihad train to Dubai
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, five people arrested on suspicion of a terrorism plot near the UK's Fairford airbase are released on bail, after experts find no traces of explosives. Authorities say the suspects remain under investigation, while Iran denies any involvement. Israel condemns the Netherlands' ban on imports of goods from Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories, while the US repeats that it opposes any Israeli annexation of the occupied West Bank. The UAE uses its UN General Assembly address to call for de-escalation and diplomacy, urging countries to…
E1646 · 28 Sep 2026 · 3 min
US-Iran talks set for this week, five held near UK's Fairford airbase and Al Dhaid to join Etihad Rail network
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, US President Donald Trump expects American negotiators to hold further talks with Iran this week, with regional sources saying another round of indirect dialogue could take place as early as Monday. British police arrest five men near RAF Fairford after explosives are discovered, with a possible Iranian link among the lines of inquiry. Meanwhile, schools in Riyadh tell parents that classes will move online for the rest of the week, after Saudi forces intercepted Houthi drones heading towards the capital. The UAE calls for stronger international…
E1645 · 25 Sep 2026 · 3 min
Iran hardens Hormuz position, Trump hosts Xi, and celebrities detained at pro-Palestine protest
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Iran hardens its position on the Strait of Hormuz, insisting Washington must meet its conditions before formal negotiations can resume. Diplomacy at the UN General Assembly has yet to produce a breakthrough, while about 80 countries have backed a call for the urgent reopening of the waterway. Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey arrange an urgent meeting of their military chiefs to discuss support for the kingdom, as Saudi forces intercept six ballistic missiles launched by the Houthi rebels. US President Donald Trump welcomes Chinese President Xi…
E1644 · 24 Sep 2026 · 3 min
Iran proposes ceasefire road map, $2.45 billion pledged for Gaza, and Syria tourism doubles
Today on Trending Middle East, Iran has presented the US with a proposed road map to end the war. Sources told The National that it includes a region-wide ceasefire of up to 60 days, the gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to the US blockade of Iran. The US-backed Board of Peace has proposed a six-month, $2.45 billion plan to begin rebuilding Gaza and restoring basic services. The UAE Central Bank has barred Bank Melli Iran from carrying out financial transactions between its branches in the Emirates and in Iran, after investigations found the lender failed to comply with…
E1643 · 23 Sep 2026 · 3 min
US-Iran talks resume, Syrian President considers election and digital dirham symbol adopted
Today on Trending Middle East, both Iran and the US have confirmed they held talks through mediators during the UN General Assembly. This marks the first known negotiation between both sides since an interim agreement broke down in July. Also on the sidelines of the event, Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara told The National he may run in a future election if he is needed, but that he was focused on governing during the transitional period for now. The Houthis are battling Yemeni pro-government forces for control of the strategic Kahboub mountain range in the country’s south-west. In the UAE,…
E1642 · 22 Sep 2026 · 3 min
World leaders gather at UNGA, UK backs Saudi defence, and UN ready for Sudan chemical weapons probe
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, world leaders are arriving in New York for the UN General Assembly, with some of the planet's most pressing issues set to dominate discussions. G7 foreign ministers call on Iran to end its support for the Houthis, while Britain prepares to provide Saudi Arabia with defensive air-to-air refuelling amid Houthi attacks. Major US television networks suspend pooled coverage of President Donald Trump after the White House bars CNN from carrying out its scheduled duties. Meanwhile, the UN says it is ready to investigate the Sudanese Armed Forces’ alleged…
E1641 · 21 Sep 2026 · 3 min
Trump plans high-level Arab talks at UNGA, Egypt seeks end to Iran war, and Dubai cuts road journey times
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, US President Donald Trump will meet Gulf and other Arab officials in New York during UN General Assembly Week, with Iran, its proxies and the future of the US-Iran conflict expected to be key issues. Dr Anwar Gargash, adviser to President Sheikh Mohamed, also calls for a “new mindset” in relations with Iran, saying diplomacy is the way forward. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi met CIA director John Ratcliffe, while sources say Cairo is passing messages between the parties and holding separate talks with them. Ed Sheeran addresses the…
E1640 · 18 Sep 2026 · 3 min
Iran to attend UNGA, Houthis assure US over American shipping, and UAE arrests Swedish fugitive
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, an Iranian delegation will be allowed to attend the UN General Assembly in New York next week, while Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has been denied entry to the US. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is expected to attend, while Mr Abbas will be allowed to address the gathering by video. The Houthi rebels have been communicating indirectly with US officials to assure Washington that their takeover of Yemen's Red Sea coast overlooking the Bab Al Mandeb strait will not lead to attacks on American ships, sources in Sanaa said. Meanwhile, Dr…
E1639 · 17 Sep 2026 · 3 min
Trump's postwar plans, UAE raises interest rates and Houthi weapons experiments
In this episode of Trending Middle East, US President Donald Trump is expected to meet Gulf leaders in New York next week during the UN General Assembly to discuss a postwar strategy for Iran, Axios has reported. The UAE Central Bank has raised interest rates after the US Federal Reserve increased its rates by 25 basis points in response to geopolitical developments. The move is intended to help control inflation by reducing spending, but makes borrowing more expensive. The Houthis are experimenting with new weapons, including so-called “loitering torpedoes” that could extend their ability…
E1638 · 16 Sep 2026 · 3 min
Houthis condemned for Makkah attack, UAE and Syria hold talks and ransomware activity rises across region
In today's episode of Trending Middle East, Saudi Arabia has warned that the security of Makkah is a “red line” after the kingdom's air defences destroyed a Houthi drone south of the holy city. The Organisation of Islamic Co-operation condemned the attack, saying it breached the sanctity of Islamic holy sites and threatened civilians. In Abu Dhabi, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed and Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara have discussed plans to deepen economic ties between their countries. Meanwhile, an investigation by The National has found that one of Lebanon’s biggest fuel scandals can been…
E1637 · 15 Sep 2026 · 3 min
Saudi-Houthi attacks intensify, TotalEnergies seeks Iraq-Syria pipeline stake and Widow’s Bay wins 14 Emmys
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebels intensifies, with strikes reported in the kingdom and Yemen. Saudi authorities on Tuesday morning issued shelter warnings across several cities, a day after 13 people were injured in Houthi attacks on civilian areas. The Houthis said Saudi warplanes carried out 54 strikes across Yemen. US President Donald Trump says Iran wants to reach a deal with Washington “quickly and badly”, adding that the US is open to engagement. Meanwhile, TotalEnergies is seeking a stake in a proposed $15 billion pipeline…
E1636 · 14 Sep 2026 · 3 min
Iran talks in Oman postponed, Houthis suffer losses in Yemen and oil price nears $108
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, a meeting between Iran and Gulf states in Oman is postponed, after the sultanate said the appropriate conditions were not in place. Tehran and Muscat jointly agreed to reschedule the talks, which had been set to take place in Salalah. Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels suffer heavy losses in clashes with government forces in Taiz, after making major gains along the Red Sea coast. Meanwhile, oil prices surge towards $108 a barrel after Saudi Arabia shut its East-West pipeline following attacks, removing a key route for crude exports that bypasses the…
E1635 · 11 Sep 2026 · 3 min
UAE-Germany investment deepens, AI used in Houthi weapons projects, and Brics summit to start
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the UAE announces plans to invest 40 billion euros in Germany across sectors including industry, advanced technology, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and energy. The announcement comes as President Sheikh Mohamed meets German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin. Israel says it has blown up Hezbollah tunnels under Ali Al Taher ridge, completing what it calls a security zone in southern Lebanon. The UAE says it hopes Algeria’s decision to cut diplomatic ties will be temporary, after Algiers asked the Emirati ambassador to leave.…
E1634 · 10 Sep 2026 · 4 min
Sheikh Mohamed meets German President, Houthis seize Mocha, US-Iran tanker conflict escalates
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, President Sheikh Mohamed begins a state visit to Germany aimed at strengthening ties, with the two countries expected to sign agreements on artificial intelligence, energy and investment. Iran-backed Houthi militants seize the strategic Yemeni port city of Mocha after days of fighting with pro-government forces, as the group also escalates attacks on Saudi Arabia. US President Donald Trump says the war with Iran will end after the American midterm elections, as the conflict over oil tankers intensifies. His comments come as attacks on oil tankers…
E1633 · 9 Sep 2026 · 3 min
US-Iran tanker conflict escalates and new arrangement for Israel-Lebanon talks
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the tanker conflict around the Strait of Hormuz intensifies as the US and Iran trade attacks on oil vessels. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says it struck two US vessels, eight oil tankers and 10 other ships, while also warning tanker crews in Bahrain and Kuwait to leave their vessels. US Central Command also said American forces destroyed five Iranian crude oil tankers. Jordan says it intercepted 18 of 20 ballistic missiles fired from Iran towards the kingdom, while the IRGC says it attacked US military sites in Al Azraq. Israel,…
E1632 · 8 Sep 2026 · 3 min
Saudi Arabia hit by Houthi attacks, UAE flights disrupted, and Dubai property market faces adjustment
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, attacks by Houthi rebels targeting Saudi Arabia have wounded 73 civilians, including women and children. The Saudi Energy Ministry said several energy sites in the south were struck, causing injuries and fires, and temporarily halting some operations. Qatar says the Strait of Hormuz will remain vital to international trade despite efforts to develop alternative routes. Meanwhile, flights to and from the UAE face disruption as volcanic ash from Indonesia’s Mount Anak Krakatau continues to affect air travel, with Emirates airline and Etihad Airways…
E1631 · 7 Sep 2026 · 3 min
Iran plans new Hormuz zone, deadly Israeli strikes on Lebanon, and Sudan chemical weapons dossier
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Iran says it will establish a restricted zone around the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran and Oman prepare to announce a new international shipping corridor. Commercial shipping through the waterway has fallen to its lowest level since May after the latest US and Iranian strikes on tankers. Recent evidence details an alleged secret chemical weapons programme run by Sudan’s military, including the reported production of nearly 300 chemical munitions. We also look at renewed fighting in Lebanon, where at least seven people were killed and 20 injured in…
E1630 · 4 Sep 2026 · 3 min
Israel to release detained Lebanese, EU backs economic pressure on Iran and Syria destroys chemical weapons
In today's episode of Trending Middle East, Israel is to release five civilians detained in occupied areas of southern Lebanon, as part of a renewed diplomatic push between the two countries. But it comes as the Israeli military abducts three other Lebanese. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has welcomed a move by the EU to join Washington's campaign to increase economic pressure on Iran. He called for nations to offer support during a G20 meeting this week. A UN report has found that the Sudanese Armed Forces are using foreign-supplied drones in attacks that struck civilian areas. Some of…

About Trending Middle East

We bring you the top news stories, field reports and in-depth insights from the Middle East and beyond

Trending Middle East is a English news podcast from The National News. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: The National News
Language: English
Category: News
New episodes: Daily
Typical length: 3 min
Latest episode: 15 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1500845076

RSS feed Apple Podcasts

More English news

Take it with you

The Melo app keeps playing with the screen off, works in the car and on your watch, wakes you to your station, and browses the whole catalogue offline. Free, no ads, no account.