Middle East
Regional diplomacy, security, and energy developments across the Middle East.
Aramco and Pasqal launch Saudi Arabia's first quantum computer
Aramco and Pasqal say they have inaugurated Saudi Arabia's first quantum computer in Dhahran and launched the Middle East's first commercial quantum computing-as-a-service platform.
Aramco and Pasqal launch Saudi Arabia's first quantum computer and QCaaS platform
Aramco and Pasqal said they have inaugurated Saudi Arabia's first quantum computer and launched the Middle East's first commercial quantum-computing-as-a-service platform, with the system hosted at Aramco's Dhahran data center.
EU says it is monitoring oil markets and preparing a coordinated response to jet fuel supply risks
The European Commission said on May 18 that it is monitoring oil markets and preparing a coordinated EU response to possible jet fuel supply pressures linked to Middle East disruption. Officials said there are no shortages now, but regional constraints could emerge if Strait of Hormuz disruptions persist.
US war in Iran has cost around $29bn, Pentagon says
The Pentagon told lawmakers the U.S. war in Iran has cost about $29 billion, up from an earlier $25 billion estimate, as congressional scrutiny continued on May 12.
Middle East crisis live: Trump rejects Iran’s response to US peace deal; UN urges ‘genuine ceasefire’ as Israel intensifies Lebanon strikes
Donald Trump has rejected Iran’s response to a U.S. peace proposal as unacceptable, according to Reuters, while the UN says more than 100 strikes were reported in Lebanon in 24 hours and is urging a genuine ceasefire. The developments add to pressure on already fragile regional talks and the Lebanon truce.
Israeli strike kills son of Hamas chief negotiator in Gaza
Reuters, AP and other outlets reported that an Israeli strike in Gaza killed Azzam al-Hayya, the son of Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, while talks continued.
US and Iran exchange strikes in Strait of Hormuz
U.S. and Iranian forces exchanged strikes in and around the Strait of Hormuz on May 7, with U.S. officials saying they intercepted attacks on three Navy ships and retaliated against Iranian military targets.
US says Hezbollah is 'trying to derail talks' with Israel
The U.S. says Hezbollah is undermining Lebanon-Israel talks, while Reuters reported Israel struck Beirut for the first time since the ceasefire, escalating tensions around the negotiations.
Iran war live: Trump says deal with Tehran 'possible'; Israel bombs Beirut
Trump says a deal with Iran is possible as Tehran reviews a U.S. proposal, while Israel carried out a strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs.
UAE says Iran renewed missile and drone attacks as US launches Hormuz shipping mission
The UAE says Iran renewed missile and drone attacks, injuring three Indian nationals, as the U.S. launched a mission to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
UAE says air defenses are intercepting Iranian missile and drone attacks
The UAE says its air defenses are responding to new Iranian missile and drone attacks, while the foreign ministry condemned the strikes as a serious escalation.
Middle East crisis live: 'We have not even begun', Iran warns US amid escalation in Strait of Hormuz
The confrontation in the Strait of Hormuz intensified after CENTCOM said it opened a passage for merchant ships and Iran issued fresh threats.
Britain condemns Iranian strikes on the United Arab Emirates
Britain condemned Iranian strikes on the UAE and urged Tehran to return to negotiations after the latest attacks raised tensions in the Gulf.
Oil eases on signs U.S. is loosening Iranian closure of Strait of Hormuz
Oil prices eased after the U.S. launched a shipping protection effort in the Strait of Hormuz and escorted merchant vessels through the waterway.
Crew of Iranian ship seized by US forces evacuated to Pakistan, gov’t says
Pakistan’s foreign ministry says 22 crew members from the seized Iranian vessel MV Touska were transferred to Pakistan for repatriation. Later reporting said 15 of them have already returned to Iran via Pakistan, marking the latest development in a maritime dispute that began with the ship’s seizure by U.S. forces on April 19.
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Iran war live: US denies frigate hit by missiles in Hormuz Strait
Reuters now says two U.S.-flagged merchant ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz under U.S. military support, while U.S. officials continue to deny Iran's claim that a warship was hit by missiles. The reported incident remains unresolved.
Japan PM says Hormuz closure is inflicting enormous impact on Asia-Pacific
Japan’s prime minister said the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz is inflicting an enormous impact on Asia-Pacific, with Japan and Australia coordinating on energy security.
Netanyahu boasts of Israel’s billion-dollar military investments
Israel’s defense ministry has approved two new fighter squadrons as part of a 350 billion shekel military buildup plan. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the money will also fund domestic munitions production and a new counter-drone project.
UN refugee agency warns Mideast crisis hampering aid efforts
UNHCR says instability tied to the Middle East crisis is disrupting shipping routes, raising freight and insurance costs, and delaying humanitarian aid deliveries beyond the region.
Trump, Iran are locked in high-stakes standoff as oil prices hit 4-year high
Oil markets surged to a four-year high as the U.S. and Iran remained locked in a standoff over the Strait of Hormuz, with both sides warning of more escalation.
Israeli navy intercepts Global Sumud Flotilla vessels heading to Gaza
Israeli forces intercepted Global Sumud Flotilla vessels near Crete and detained about 175 activists, with later reporting saying they would be taken ashore in Greece.
Iran supreme leader issues defiant statement on Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s supreme leader issued a written statement saying the country will protect its nuclear and missile capabilities and secure the Gulf region, including the Strait of Hormuz.
Hundreds of Ultra-Orthodox Jews protest Israel’s military draft in Jerusalem
Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox protesters blocked a road into West Jerusalem on April 29 to oppose military conscription and arrests over draft evasion.
Pro-government rally in Tehran demands end to US threats
Hundreds rallied in Tehran to oppose U.S. threats and the blockade of Iranian ports as the U.S.-Iran standoff continues.