Israel-Lebanon talks continue under US mediation despite deadlock over Hezbollah disarmament
The negotiations between Israel and Lebanon were extended beyond what had been planned and will continue in Washington on Friday.
· IDAN KWELLER
Follow the story
Middle East
A focused view of neutral reporting on Middle East, brought together across publishers.
Explore all topics →
Neutral reports only
Newest first · UTC+11:00Supreme Court allows Trump administration to end legal protections for Haitians, Syrians
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed the Trump administration to end legal protections for migrants fleeing violence and natural disaster in Haiti and Syria, exposing hundreds of thousands more people to potential deportation.
· Associated Press
‘Very strong’ nuclear verification needed in Iran after war: IAEA head
A “very strong” verification system is needed in Iran following the Middle East conflict to ensure that the country does not develop nuclear weapons, the U.N. atomic watchdog chief said Friday.
· No Author
The Mission review – a surgeon saves lives in war-torn Gaza in a visceral portrait of human endurance
Mohammad Tahir and his colleagues operate through bombing and blackouts in barely functional hospitals – but there are moments of relief amid the documentary’s tragedy and gore
· Lesliefelperin
Israeli raid kills two in southern Lebanon, ministry says
Two people were killed and another was wounded in an Israeli air raid on the southern Lebanese town of Mefdoun in Nabatieh district, Lebanon's health ministry said.
· Middleeasteye
World Cup round-up: Ecuador stun Germany, Morocco set to face Dutch and Saudi Arabia and Egypt in action | The National
Ecuador produced the shock of the World Cup group stage, beating Germany 2-1 despite falling behind after only two minutes. Nilson Angulo equalised quickly and Gonzalo Plata scored the winner in the 77th minute, sending Ecuador into the knockout stage for only the second time in their history.
· Mina Rzouki
UN nuclear watchdog says it has access to Iran's nuclear sites after interim peace deal
The U.S. and Iran's interim peace agreement gives inspectors from the U.N. nuclear watchdog access to the Islamic Republic's nuclear sites, according to the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
· Sam Meredith
Trump's Iran oil sanction waiver set to squeeze China's teapot refiners
A tanker offloads imported crude oil at Qingdao Port in China's Shandong province in March 2025. (Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
· Staff Writer
8 more S. Korean-operated vessels exit Strait of Hormuz
SEOUL, June 26 (Yonhap) -- Eight more South Korean-operated vessels have exited the Strait of Hormuz following last week's ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, bringing the total number of vessels that have left the region to five, the maritime ministry said Friday.
· Kim Eun-jung
Saudi Aramco restarts oil loading at Ras Tanura terminal after four-month halt | The National
Saudi Aramco resumed oil loading operations on Friday at its Ras Tanura terminal in the Gulf after an almost four-month halt, shipping data from LSEG showed.
· The National
Iraq hope for World Cup miracle in Senegal showdown | The National
Iraq face Senegal in Toronto on Friday, and the stakes couldn't be higher for both teams. Anything short of a big win in their final game of the World Cup's group stage will result in elimination.
· Thomas Watkins
World Cup 'Pride Match' sees Iran and Egypt face off
Sasha Peretti dances on the Greater Seattle Business Association float during the annual Seattle Pride Parade, June 25, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, File)
· Hallie Golden
Iran denies unfrozen funds will be used to buy US foodstuffs
Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has denied that the country’s unfrozen assets would be used to buy agricultural products from the US. His remarks add to conflicting interpretations of the interim US-Iran peace deal signed on June 17.
· RT
Japan narrows naphtha reliance on Middle East as supply shifts widen
Yumeshima Container Terminal is seen in Osaka on March 26. (Photo by Toshiki Sasazu)
· Staff Writer
Former Shin Bet chief threatens to sue Channel 14 over ‘completely false’ inflammatory comments
Former Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) chief Yoram Cohen, who is a member of Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar! party, sent a legal warning on Wednesday to Israel’s Channel 14 after it aired inflammatory remarks about him.
· MIKI LEVIN
Breakthrough in US-Iran talks; Japan visa fee hike to affect Chinese: SCMP’s 7 highlights
From deadly school shooting in Philippines to a Chinese man jailed for breeding 300 snakes, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting
· SCMP
Breakthrough in US-Iran talks; Japan visa fee hike to affect Chinese: SCMP’s 7 highlights
From deadly school shooting in Philippines to a Chinese man jailed for breeding 300 snakes, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting
· SCMP
Oil slides nearly 2% as markets look past fresh Iran tensions and focus on supply outlook
Oil extended declines on Friday as investors monitored developments in the Middle East conflict while assessing whether recent diplomatic efforts would reduce the risk of supply chain disruptions.
· Justina Lee
‘Respect for all’: Egypt coach offers support for Iranian team at World Cup
Seattle, US – Egypt’s head coach Hossam Hassan says all teams at the FIFA World Cup must be treated equally amid criticism that Iran has faced unfair scheduling and travel restrictions from tournament cohosts the United States.
· Ali Harb
Israeli government to review Armenian Genocide recognition plan, minister says
Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar said he will submit a proposal at the next cabinet meeting for Israel to officially recognise the Armenian Genocide.
· Middleeasteye
Video: Israeli forces to remain in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza ‘without limit’
Speaking at a graduation for combat officers in southern Israel on Thursday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz said that forces will maintain an indefinite presence in southern Lebanon, Syria, and the Gaza Strip.
· Middleeasteye
Saudi Aramco resumes oil loading at Ras Tanura
Saudi Aramco has resumed oil loading at its Ras Tanura export terminal after a nearly four-month suspension, according to shipping data reported by Reuters.
· Middleeasteye
India's IPO market draws hope from blockbuster listings, Iran peace deal
A backlog of initial public offerings in India comes after a record run of listings in 2025, when companies raised over $22 billion across about 370 stock market debuts, according to an EY report.
· Staff Writer
Iran war latest: Evacuation of stranded sailors through Strait of Hormuz halted after vessel attack | The National
Latest updatesIran war latest: Evacuation of stranded sailors through Strait of Hormuz halted after vessel attack
· The National
Editor's Notes: Gadi Eisenkot rises in polls, emerging as Netanyahu’s nightmare opponent
Gadi Eisenkot is not a man in a hurry.
· ZVIKA KLEIN
Mamdani's Democrats: New York City's primary results bode ill for US-Israel relations - editorial
The results of the New York House primaries that took place on Tuesday were an alarming wake-up call for supporters of Israel and any Jewish Democrats concerned about the future of their party.
· JPOST EDITORIAL
Forever wars: Israel’s cycle of conflict shows no finish line
Less than a week after the signing of the memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington brought the stuttering, three-month-long US-Israel war on Iran to a close – for now – the verdict of Washington’s principal ally, Israel, was in.
· Simon Speakman Cordall
Charging fees for passage through Strait of Hormuz 'could drive global inflation surge' | The National
Iran's plan to levy tolls or service fees on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz could lead to a surge in global inflation because such costs would make oil more expensive to transport through the waterway, experts have said.
· Fareed Rahman
Peace in Lebanon can't be imposed from outside | The National
It has been little more than a week since a 14-point peace framework between the US and Iran was signed. In that time, diplomacy has, if anything, intensified. This week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited the UAE and other Gulf countries for high-level talks. Meanwhile, the GCC have come together in Bahrain …
· The National Editorial
Singapore's Ascott sees Asian tourists staying close to home after Iran war
Ascott chief executive Kevin Goh says Japan plays an important role in its Asia-Pacific network. (Photo by Shintaro Ino)
· Staff Writer
Iran, Egypt outraged over ‘Pride Match’ designation for World Cup faceoff — call on FIFA to scrap LGBTQ+ affiliations
See more of our coverage in your search results.
· Daniel Cody
Iran, Egypt outraged over ‘Pride Match’ designation for World Cup faceoff — urge FIFA to scrap LGBTQ+ affiliations
See more of our coverage in your search results.
· Daniel Cody
Israel vows to maintain military presence in Lebanon, Gaza and Syria
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and defence minister Israel Katz said Israeli forces will remain in parts of southern Lebanon, Syria and Gaza for as long as the government considers necessary, reaffirming Israel's intention to maintain its military presence in those areas.
· Middleeasteye
Hormuz tolls ‘unacceptable,’ top U.S. envoy says after touring Gulf nations
The U.S. wants to reach a deal with Iran to end the war but won’t do so “at any price,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Thursday, as he reiterated that tolls in the Strait of Hormuz were unacceptable.
· Fiona Macdonald
UN agency pauses Hormuz ship evacuation plan after first vessel attack under peace deal
The International Maritime Organization has paused its efforts aimed at evacuating ships and seafarers stranded inside the Middle East Gulf after a vessel was attacked in the Gulf of Oman.
· Anniek Bao
Germany holds naval exercise with Israel amid Gaza war
Germany and Israel held a joint naval exercise off the coast of Haifa on Thursday, with the Israeli military describing the drill as a step toward strengthening operational cooperation between the two navies.
· Middleeasteye
Spain's Luis de la Fuente reconnects with Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa at the World Cup
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente stands by the touchline during the World Cup Group H soccer match between Spain and Saudi Arabia in Atlanta, Sunday, June 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
· Tales Azzoni
Iran, FIFA decline to comment on 'Pride Match' in Seattle
Marchers with the Greater Seattle Business Association, Washington State’s LGBTQ+ and allied chamber of commerce, hold rainbow letters spelling out “Seattle,” during the annual Seattle Pride Parade, June 25, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, File)
· Andrew Destin
'Operation Hormuz': How Italy's minehunters would neutralise Iran's sea bombs | The National
In a secure operations room at an Italian navy base near Rome, anticipation and excitement are building over a high-stakes global minehunting mission.
· Mohamad Ali Harisi
What's driving Iraq’s anti-corruption crackdown? | The National
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi has conducted a bold anti-corruption campaign since taking office in May.
· Nada AlTaher
Fifa confirms rainbow flags to be allowed at Egypt v Iran World Cup ‘Pride Match’
LGBTQ+ festivities organised around match in Seattle
· Ben Fisher
Report: Wars in Middle East cost Israel $205 billion since 7 Oct
Israel's wars in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Iran since 7 October 2023 have cost nearly $205 billion, Israeli media reported.
· Middleeasteye
Attack on ship in Hormuz leads UN to halt evacuation plan for trapped sailors
MANAMA, Bahrain — An attack on a ship Thursday in the Strait of Hormuz led the UN to suspend efforts to evacuate trapped mariners as the United States warned against Iran charging fees for passage through the vital waterway.
· Agence France-Presse
UN halts escort of ships through Hormuz after vessel comes under attack
This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
· Mia Gonzalez
Israel-Lebanon talks extended for another day
Negotiations between the Lebanese and Israeli delegations have been extended for another day, with no announcement of agreed principles expected on Thursday, Al Jazeera reported.
· Middleeasteye
Diesel, gasoline prices likely to increase next week
MANILA, Philippines — Diesel and gasoline prices are estimated to increase next week due to the uncertainty in the Middle East despite a recent peace deal between US and Iran, local oil industry sources said on Friday.
· Ed Paolo Salting
Sa'ar to bring Armenian Genocide recognition to vote, cites Israel's 'moral, historical duty'
A resolution for Israel to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide will be submited at the upcoming government meeting by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.
· MIRIAM SELA-EITAM
Iran seeks multibillion-dollar role in Strait of Hormuz reopening as US forbids tolls - report
Iran is looking to make billions of dollars from the re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday, citing officials familiar with the matter.
· LEO FEIERBERG BETTER
Ali Khamenei’s secret bunker included blast-resistant room, escape tunnels under Tehran - report
Former supreme leader Ali Khamenei’s underground bunker complex included a blast-resistant room and escape tunnels beneath central Tehran, Iran International reported on Thursday, citing architectural plans received from an informed source.
· MIRIAM SELA-EITAM
Iran warns ships against using unauthorised Hormuz routes
Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) has warned ships against navigating the strategic waterway through routes that are not officially designated or covered by safe-passage guarantees.
· Middleeasteye