US arms sales to Taiwan on ‘pause’ due to Iran war, says acting navy chief
Hung Cao’s comments are latest blow to Taipei after Donald Trump recently cast doubt over US’s enduring support
· Alastair Mccready
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Newest first · UTC+11:00Pacific leaders launch fuel plan amid warnings of 'prolonged' crisis
Fri 22 May 2026 at 6:52pm
· Stephen Dziedzic
'Slight progress' in Iran talks, Rubio announces as he says Iran tolls in Strait of Hormuz 'can't happen' | The National
Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday said talks with Iran had made “slight progress” and said all countries should reject Tehran’s plans to implement a tolling system in the Strait of Hormuz.
· Thomas Watkins
Former MSO chief denies leading push to cancel pianist’s concert
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s former managing director, Dr Sophie Galaise, has told a court that she did not lead the decision to cancel pianist Jayson Gillham’s concert after he made comments on stage referencing Gaza, contradicting earlier evidence of a former colleague.
· Kerrie O'Brien
Sexual harassment complaints see a rise within the IDF
The IDF's Gender Affairs Advisory Unit received 2,420 reports of sexual assault and harassment in 2025, 350 more complaints than in 2024, the military reported to the Knesset on Tuesday.
· JERUSALEM POST STAFF
US and Iran dispute over uranium stockpile, Strait of Hormuz, Pakistan attempts mediation
Iran's foreign minister met Pakistan's interior minister on Friday to discuss proposals to end the US-Israeli war, Iranian media reported, with Tehran and Washington still at odds over Tehran's uranium stockpile and controls on the Strait of Hormuz.
· REUTERS
Saudi Arabia 'fully prepared' to protect Hajj pilgrims amid global virus concerns | The National
Saudi health authorities have stressed systems are in place to protect Hajj pilgrims, with about 1.5 million expected to take part next week amid global concerns over virus outbreaks in Africa and Europe.
· The National
Iran, Israel and Arab nations are bound by a new 'balance of terror'
Former U.S. President John F. Kennedy signs a proclamation for the interdiction of the delivery of offensive weapons to Cuba during the Cuban missile crisis, at the White House in Washington in this handout photograph taken on Oct. 23, 1962. © Reuters
· Vali Kaleji
Barclays sells all shares in Israeli weapons firm Elbit amid pro-Palestinian pressure
British banking giant Barclays has sold all of its investment shareholdings in Israel’s largest weapons company Elbit Systems Ltd.
· Middleeasteye
BDS calls for boycott of Arabic channels serving as 'mouthpieces' for Israel
The Boycott, Divestment and Sanction (BDS) movement’s Arabic-language account published a call to boycott what they called “the mouthpieces of the Israeli enemy that speak Arabic”.
· Middleeasteye
Double tap strike in southern Lebanon kills, injures paramedics
A series of drone strikes at a junction point in southern Lebanon’s Tyre district has killed a paramedic and injured four others, according to the National News Agency.
· Middleeasteye
S. Korea's currency hits 1 1/2-month low as oil prices climb
SEOUL, May 22 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean won sharply weakened against the U.S. dollar Friday as oil prices climbed over renewed uncertainties surrounding the peace deal between the United States and Iran to end the war in the Middle East.
· Deok-Hyun Kim
From Elie Saab to Ashi Studio, the Arab designers defining Cannes style | The National
Stars arriving on the Croisette once again turn to Middle East labels for some of the film festival’s most memorable looks
· Sarah Maisey
(2nd LD) Seoul shares end higher for 2nd day on U.S.-Iran deal hope; won sharply down
(ATTN: ADDS bond yields at bottom)
· Kim Han-joo
How activists pushed the UK's largest pension megafund to divest from Israel
The UK’s largest public sector pension pool quietly sold its holdings of Israeli government bonds last year following months of activist pressure, Middle East Eye can reveal.
· Middleeasteye
U.S. and Iran signal peace progress — but remain at odds over uranium enrichment, Strait of Hormuz
The U.S. and Iran have signaled progress in talks to end the war, but the combatants remain at loggerheads over Tehran's enriched uranium stockpile and tolls on the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
· Sam Meredith
Japanese stocks hit record high on hopes for Iran resolution
The benchmark Nikkei Stock Average ended the day at 63,339.07, jumping over 1600 points. (File photo by Nozomi Okubo)
· JADA NAGUMO
(LEAD) Seoul shares end higher for 2nd day on U.S.-Iran deal hope; won sharply down
(ATTN: ADDS more info throughout; CHANGES photo)
· Kim Han-joo
Turkey welcomes 422 Gaza flotilla activists after Israel detention
Wearing grey tracksuits and Palestinian keffiyehs, the activists arrived at the airport chanting “Free Palestine” while supporters welcomed them on the tarmac. Several passengers appeared injured, with video showing people on stretchers wearing neck braces and bandages. Activists from Turkey, Greece and the United S…
· AfricaNews
Palestinian UN ambassador withdraws vice presidency bid after US pressure
Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour is withdrawing his bid for vice president of the UN General Assembly, after the US threatened to revoke visas for the Palestinian delegation if he did not drop the bid, NPR reported.
· Middleeasteye
Iran war day 84: US-Iran talks advance amid mediation push
Iran and the United States are continuing mediated talks aimed at ending the conflict, with Iranian media reporting that both sides are exchanging messages and draft proposals to establish a formal framework for an agreement.
· Elizabeth Melimopoulos
Israel deports hundreds of Gaza flotilla activists after international backlash
TEL AVIV, Israel — The Israeli government on Thursday released and deported hundreds of flotilla activists who attempted to breach Israel's naval blockade of Gaza. Outrage abroad over the activists' treatment prompted several countries to summon Israeli envoys to hear their concerns.
· Associated Press
Footage shows Israeli soldiers celebrating destruction in southern Lebanon
A video shared by the Israel Genocide Tracker shows an internal ceremony for an Israeli unit, where soldiers and their families applaud the demolition of villages in southern Lebanon.
· Middleeasteye
From ISIS To Finance Bro: Syria's Sharaa To Attend G7 Summit In France
Syria continues stepping out of the geopolitical wilderness, now apparently onto the highest-stakes stage in international finance. Or rather, the reality is that Washington's post-Assad Al Qaeda in suits makeover of 'former' terror leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has reached its peak.
· Tyler Durden
Seoul shares end higher for 2nd day on U.S.-Iran deal hope; won sharply down
SEOUL, May 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks closed mildly higher Friday, extending their win for a second straight session, amid rising hopes for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict between the United States and Iran. The local currency lost ground against the U.S. dollar.
· Kim Han-joo
Amb. to US Yechiel Leiter condemns MK May Golan's 'disgusting' remarks on Reform Judaism
Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter sharply criticized Women's Advancement and Social Equality Minister May Golan on Thursday evening over remarks she made against MK Gilad Kariv and Reform Judaism.
· YANIR YAGNA, IDAN KWELLER, JERUSALEM POST STAFF
(URGENT) Seoul shares end higher for 2nd day on U.S.-Iran deal hope; won sharply down
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· Kim Han-joo
US arms sales to Taiwan on 'pause' due to Iran war, acting Navy chief says
A U.S.-made M1A2T Abrams tank takes part in live-fire exercises in Hsinchu, Taiwan, in July 2025. © Reuters
· Staff Writer
Australians allege they were abused after IDF intercepted Gaza flotilla and Itamar Ben-Gvir taunted them
‘Every activist on the flotilla … has only had their heart more emboldened by witnessing and experiencing the brutality of the Israeli state,’ Zack Schofield says
· Luca Ittimani
Why Netanyahu leaked his secret wartime visit to the UAE
On 13 May, Benjamin Netanyahu's office issued a brief yet dramatic statement saying that, during the war with Iran, the Israeli prime minister had "secretly visited" the United Arab Emirates and met President Mohammed bin Zayed in what it described as a "historic breakthrough".
· Middleeasteye
Israeli air strike and drone attack reported in southern Lebanon
An Israel air strike was reported in the southern Lebanese area of al-Hafour, located between Sadiqin and Qana, wounding three as a result, the National News Agency reported.
· Middleeasteye
A look at the Hajj pilgrimage and Eid al-Adha
Muslim pilgrims offer prayers on the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, June 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil, File)
· Mariam Fam
ASX Runners of the Week: Hydrix, KTEK Aerosystems, Anteotech & Castle
After the bloodshed of last week’s budget, Australian markets have calmed a little this week. Aided by US President Trump’s latest truth social tirade, the temperamental leader of the free world suggested that the US and Iran were once again in the “final stages” of negotiations.
· Andrew Todd
European stocks set to rise as investors weigh Iran war's economic impact
Shares listed in Europe look set to move higher at the open on Friday, with the U.S.-Iran war and economic data in focus.
· Chloe Taylor
AIIB offers up to US$10 billion to support members hit by Iran war fallout
The new facility will help nations deal with urgent energy, food and economic resilience needs, according to the bank
· Xiaofei Xu
AIIB offers up to US$10 billion to support members hit by Iran war fallout
The new facility will help nations deal with urgent energy, food and economic resilience needs, according to the bank
· Xiaofei Xu
Pakistan’s interior minister meets Iran's Araghchi to resolve disputes with US
Pakistan’s Interior Minister held another meeting with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss proposals for resolving tensions with the US, according to Iran's semi-official news agency Tasnim.
· Middleeasteye
Foreign ministry conveys concerns to Israel over assault claims by returned activists
SEOUL, May 22 (Yonhap) -- The foreign ministry said Friday it has conveyed concerns to Israel over claims by two activists that they were assaulted by Israeli forces after being detained aboard aid vessels bound for the Gaza Strip.
· Chang Dong-woo
You lost me at 'Israel': How Trump's support and war with Iran leave Maga movement cold | The National
The ceasefire with Iran continues to hold, but US President Donald Trump is facing a major challenge on the home front: a fracture in his base over the war and more broadly over American support for Israel.
· Sara Ruthven
S. Korea says actions will be taken if Gaza activists' abuse claims are verified
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday said that Seoul will take measures in a corresponding manner if claims of abuse by South Korean activists who were held by Israel are verified.
· Son Ji-hyoung
Mediators prepare for US-Iran talks, energy shortages grip Tehran and Dubai launches Dh1.5bn relief package | The National
In today's episode of Trending Middle East, mediators led by Pakistan are working to narrow differences between Iran and the US before possible direct talks resume next week.
· The National
Asian shares and oil prices rise as war's end remains elusive
Currency traders watch monitors at the foreign exchange dealing room of the Hana Bank headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, May 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
· Chan Ho Him
ASEAN manufacturers shed jobs as Iran war impact deepens
Workers assemble furniture parts for export to the U.S. at Corporate Specialist's plant in Muar, Malaysia: Executives say more than 100 local companies have closed recently. © AP
· Staff Writer
Iran condemns US sanctions on Lebanese officials
Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned US sanctions on the country's ambassador to Lebanon alongside several other Lebanese officials and citizens.
· Middleeasteye
Clarity needed on Iran war before states tap into oil reserves, French Finance Minister says
France's Finance Minister said that governments should first have clarity on the duration of the war on Iran before releasing oil reserves.
· Middleeasteye
Leaders Xi, Putin meet over tea; rare earth find in northeast China: SCMP’s 7 highlights
From the Iran conflict rattling Chinese investors to Li Ka-shing’s charitable support, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting
· SCMP
Leaders Xi, Putin meet over tea; rare earth find in northeast China: SCMP’s 7 highlights
From the Iran conflict rattling Chinese investors to Li Ka-shing’s charitable support, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting
· SCMP
US pins hopes on mediator Pakistan in push to end Iran war
TEHRAN, Iran—US Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced hope of progress on ending the war with Iran, as he looked to Pakistani mediators to help advance efforts to strike an agreement.
· Agence France-Presse
Activists onboard Gaza-bound flotilla recount abuse in Israeli detention
Global Sumud Flotilla activists arrived in Turkey on Thursday after being released from Israeli detention, with several participants alleging they suffered torture, humiliation, and violent beatings while in custody.
· Middleeasteye