1.5 Million Join Hajj Despite Regional Conflict
This year is the first time that Saudi Arabia has chosen to go ahead with the annual Hajj pilgrimage while it is also in the middle of a war that has seen direct strikes on Saudi territory.
Middle East
Germany Engages Gulf States Over Iran Conflict
Are we living in an era where traditional diplomacy has little influence? Is the world moving toward a time when individual states increasingly use military force to assert their interests? If so, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul made a conscious effort this week to set a different tone. The German chief diplomat was unusually busy.
Lebanon's First Responders: Between Duty and Grief
The father of Hussein Jaber, who was killed in an Israeli strike on Nabatieh, in southern Lebanon, on May 12, cries during the funeral ceremony in Sidon the following day.
International Outcry Over Video of Detained Gaza Flotilla Activists
Several countries have condemned on Wednesday Israel's treatment of detained activists from the intercepted Gaza aid flotilla, as seen in a video shared by Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. He posted a video showing detained activists kneeling with their hands tied behind their backs and their foreheads on the ground.
Middle East roundup: Iran warns attacks will widen war
Skip next section US military says boarded Iranian-flagged oil tanker May 20, 2026 US military says boarded Iranian-flagged oil tanker The US military announced that it had boarded an Iranian-flagged commercial oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman, which was suspected of attempting to breach the American blockade.
Activists Say Israel Seeks to Expel Silwan Residents
Fakhri Abu Diab, a community leader, walks by the remains of his family home after it was demolished by Israeli forces, in the Silwan neighborhood of East Jerusalem.
Pakistan Delivers Iran's Revised Peace Proposal to US
Pakistan has delivered a revised peace proposal from Iran to the US, sources in Islamabad told reporters on Monday. According to Reuters news agency, both sides were warned that they "don't have much time" to narrow their differences before the situation escalates again.
Uyghur Fighters in Syria: Their Rise and China's Concerns
A senior Uyghur militant stands in an olive grove in northern Syria, where Uyghur commanders say their fighters began an ultimately successful assault on Syrian regime forces in November 2024.
Middle East roundup: Nakba Day crowds and regional tensions
Skip next section Putin discusses Iran with UAE president, Kremlin says May 16, 2026 Putin discusses Iran with UAE president, Kremlin says Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the Iran conflict with his counterpart from the United Arab Emirates, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Kremlin said in a statement on Saturday.
Global Laser-Weapons Race: US, China, Israel Compete
Last week, avid online weapons spotters located what appeared to be a Chinese-made laser system at Dubai airport in the United Arab Emirates. The lasers are mounted on a vehicle and are supposed to be able to shoot down drones.
Israel and Lebanon Extend Truce Amid Renewed Strikes
Skip next section Lebanon says ceasefire extension paves way for 'lasting stability' May 15, 2026 Lebanon says ceasefire extension paves way for 'lasting stability' The extension of a ceasefire in Lebanon paves the way for "lasting stability," Lebanon's negotiating delegation in Washington said on Friday.
Israel Says It Killed Hamas' Military Leader
Palestinians gather around a vehicle struck by an Israeli strike in Gaza City, Friday, May 15, 2026. Jehad Alshrafi/AP hide caption toggle caption Jehad Alshrafi/AP JERUSALEM — Israel says it has killed the leader of Hamas' military wing, one of the architects of the Oct, 7, 2023, attacks that triggered the war in Gaza.