Siege on Sweida, and anger after clashes in Iraq

Israel's displacement orders in Gaza trigger alarm and confusion. Three European countries have launched the process to reinstate UN sanctions on Iran over its nuclear programme. Israel has landed commandos on the outskirts of Damascus. On this episode of Trending Middle East: European powers trigger snapback nuclear sanctions on Iran Confusion and dire conditions face Gaza city residents amid contradictory displacement orders Israeli commandos land in Syria in clash over 'spy equipment' This episode features Sunniva Rose, Europe correspondent; Thomas Helm, Jerusalem correspondent; and Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan correspondent. Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Iraq has revoked a controversial draft law favouring the Popular Mobilisation Forces. US envoy Tom Barrack cuts his Lebanon trip short. Palestinian leaders criticise an Israeli raid in the occupied West Bank. On this episode of Trending Middle East: Iraqi government gives in to US pressure and withdraws bill regulating PMF militias US envoy Tom Barrack cuts short visit to south Lebanon after protests Israel seizes money in raid on West Bank currency exchange Israeli raid in Ramallah is part of attempt to destabilise West Bank, Palestinians say Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Israel's former prime minister Ehud Olmert says he is on a mission to help topple Benjamin Netanyahu. The US is offering new incentives for Lebanon. Riad Salameh is to be released from prison. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Israel's Ehud Olmert on mission to topple Benjamin Netanyahu Beauty and beast versus 'animalistic' media: Barrack and Ortagus in awkward Beirut briefing Lebanon's ex-Central Bank chief Riad Salameh to be released on $20m bail This episode features Nada AlTaher, senior reporter; Nada Homsi, Beirut correspondent; and Nada Maucourant Atallah, Beirut correspondent. Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Israel announced it would begin to withdraw from Lebanon only after the Lebanese army starts to disarm Hezbollah. Tensions rise again between Israel and the Houthis. Five journalists were among at least 20 people killed in Israeli attacks on a Gaza hospital. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: No withdrawal from Lebanon until army begins disarming Hezbollah, Israel says Escalation in Israel-Houthi fighting after rebels reportedly fire cluster munitions Israeli strikes on Gaza hospital kill at least 20, including five journalists This episode features Vanessa Ghanem, Arab Affairs Editor and Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent. Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Syria's upcoming parliamentary election will not include Sweida, Hasakah or Raqqa. The Norwegian Refugee Council has called for investment into Syria. Iranian security forces reportedly killed six Israel-linked militants. On this episode of Trending Middle East: Syria delays parliamentary vote in Sweida and two Kurdish-held areas World needs to do more to help Syrians rebuild lives, says Norwegian Refugee Council chief Iranian forces kill six militants linked to Israel, report says This episode features Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan Correspondent. Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Israel has begun its operation to take over Gaza city ahead of a full ground offensive. Syria’s President approved a temporary electoral law. The Syrian government is preparing to reopen a route from Sweida to Damascus. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Gaza city assault is a pressure tactic with devastating results, warn ex-Israeli officials Al Shara approves temporary electoral law ahead of Syrian parliament vote Syrian authorities ease roadblocks near Sweida ahead of possible reopening of Damascus road This episode features Nada AlTaher, senior foreign reporter; and Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan correspondent. Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Hamas seeks withdrawal by Israeli troops in Gaza. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says it is stronger than before the war with Israel started. Pope Leo is expected to visit Lebanon this year. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Hamas seeks Israeli pullback of 800 metres from homes in Gaza truce deal Iran's IRGC claims it is 'stronger now than before war with Israel' Pope Leo expected to visit Lebanon this year This episode features Mohamad Ali Harisi, Foreign Editor; and Aveen Karim, Assistant Foreign Editor. Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Israel has demanded the release of all hostages in any Gaza deal. The US has called on Israel to comply with Lebanese government actions. Archaeologists have unearthed an ancient Christian cross in Abu Dhabi. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Israel demands release of all hostages in any Gaza deal US must clarify Israel’s obligations after disarmament vote, sources close to Hezbollah say Ancient Christian cross found on Abu Dhabi island as archaeologists dig into mysteries of the past This episode features Hamza Hendawi, Cairo Correspondent; Mohamad Ali Harisi, Foreign Editor; and John Dennehy, Senior Reporter. Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.  

The US has called on Israel to honour its ceasefire with Lebanon. New details emerge on Jordan's new conscription programme. Negotiations on the Gaza ceasefire remain up in the air. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Hamas agrees to Gaza ceasefire terms as mediators eye 'positive announcement' US envoy calls on Israel to honour ceasefire with Lebanon Three months, 6,000 men and no phones: Jordan reveals details of new military service This episode features Jamie Prentis, Beirut correspondent; and Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan correspondent. Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Mediators are making one last push to pause the fighting in Gaza. Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara has met one of the country’s senior Christian leaders. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to travel to Washington today. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Mediators revive plans for 60-day Gaza truce in final effort to stop Israeli ground assault Zelenskyy heads to Washington after Trump-Putin summit ends without Ukraine ceasefire agreement This episode features Hamza Hendawi, Cairo correspondent; and Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan correspondent. Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.