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Middle East

Recent stories and official-source coverage filed under Middle East.

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Middle East

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Trump in address to world leaders at UN defends his decision to start war against Iran

September 23, 2026 • 2 weeks ago
Places named: Iran

President Donald Trump returned to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, and argued that he has acted with resolve as other leaders “equivocated,” according to the Associated Press. In his remarks, he defended his decision to start a war with Iran after first listing areas of progress he said his administration […]

Flames, smoke near Riyadh airport as Houthis claim ‘sensitive sites’ attack

September 22, 2026 • 2 weeks ago

Reuters reported that a large plume of smoke and visible flames were seen near Riyadh’s main airport after residents heard booms and Saudi authorities issued overnight alerts, later issuing an all-clear. (investing.com) Reuters footage and photographs showed a pillar of black smoke rising in the area, and flames appearing behind what appeared to be fuel […]

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warns US over escalation, and other Mideast developments

September 22, 2026 • 2 weeks ago
Places named: United States · Iran

On Sept. 21, 2026, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned the United States against further escalation, saying “the war is not over” and that it would alter weapons, tactics, and targets if conflict with the U.S. expands. IRGC spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi said Iran would “change the geography of the war,” adding that the Guard […]

UKMTO: Unknown projectile strikes tanker entering Strait of Hormuz; two crew injured

September 21, 2026 • 2 weeks ago

At 10:44:03 UTC on 2026-09-21, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a British military-run maritime monitoring center, said an “unknown projectile” struck a tanker as it entered the Strait of Hormuz, injuring two crew members with minor injuries. (apnews.com) UKMTO reported that the vessel was continuing to its next port of call under its own […]

Yemen’s Houthis claim strikes on Riyadh and the port of Yanbu | Why

September 21, 2026 • 2 weeks ago
Places named: Yemen

Yemen’s Houthis claimed they struck Riyadh and the Red Sea port of Yanbu after Saudi Arabia issued emergency alerts over a “hostile aerial threat.” Euronews reported that black smoke was seen at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, while Saudi authorities said there were no casualties or damage. (euronews.com) Euronews also said flight-tracking site Flightradar24 indicated […]

US diplomats and family members slowly begin to return to the Mideast embassies

August 29, 2026 • 1 month ago
Places named: United States

American diplomats and at least some family members are beginning to return to U.S. embassies in the Middle East after many were ordered to leave during the early days of the war with Iran (AP reports). Although most embassies are not returning to full staffing immediately, the State Department has started to lift certain staffing […]

“That sucker is open”: U.S. gains the upper hand in the battle for Hormuz

August 29, 2026 • 1 month ago
Places named: United States

Axios reports that, over the past two months, U.S. officials believe American forces have “steadily eroded” Iran’s leverage over the Strait of Hormuz—an assessment the outlet links to a phone quote from President Trump saying, “That sucker is open,” and characterizing Iran’s response as “very mild.” (axios.com) The Strait of Hormuz is a decisive maritime […]

Israeli strikes kill 5 in Gaza, Iran touts Russian energy deal, and other news in the Middle East

August 29, 2026 • 1 month ago
Places named: Gaza · Iran

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed five people on Friday, despite a fragile ceasefire brokered by the United States. Local hospital officials said two brothers and another relative died in a strike on their home outside Khan Younis, while separate strikes in Gaza City killed one person each, according to Shifa Hospital health officials; Israel’s military […]