Middle East

Iraq struggles to pay public salaries as Strait of Hormuz crisis deepens

Iraq’s oil exports plunged from 100 million barrels in February to around 32 million in May and June, according to figures shown to The National by the country’s Oil Ministry.

This frame grab taken from AFPTV video footage on July 12, 2026 shows cargo ships anchoring near the Strait of Hormuz; illustrative
Vessels at the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, June 18, 2026.

Trump declared victory in Iran. The war says otherwise - opinion

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a Knesset vote, July 16, 2026.

US primary shakeups and Netanyahu’s Gaza red line

IDF destroys four Hamas tunnels in Gaza over weekend, April 14, 2026.

Katz reportedly halts IDF withdrawal from Gaza border towns as Hamas shifts covert ops. to Turkey


What's next for Netanyahu, Trump as PM returns to Washington amid new Middle East order - analysis

After five months apart, Netanyahu and Trump meet with Iran, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, shaping talks over the region’s postwar order.

US President Donald Trump points his finger towards Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as they shake hands during a press conference after meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida.

Israel Navy could upend Turkish maritime threat by flipping Egypt to its side - exclusive

Further, five Shayetet 13 Navy SEALs were dispatched on a mission thousands of km. away with no support or immediate rescue plan, and another mission to a country the IDF had not operated in before.

Israeli Navy soldiers operate on Navy vessels off the coast of of the southern Israeli city of Ashdod, August 6, 2024

Why Iran will not be another Libya if the regime is overthrown - opinion

Iraq and Libya were 20th-century constructs. Prior to the 20th century, neither existed as a unified nation-state. Applying the Iraq or Libya framework to Iran is a severe strategic mistake. 

A girl waves a Libyan flag, during celebrations commemorating the 10th anniversary of the 2011 revolution in Tripoli, Libya February 17, 2021.

Oil tanker explodes after hitting naval mine in Strait of Hormuz, IRGC-linked media claims - report

There was no immediate official statement from Iranian authorities regarding the incident.

Vessels transiting through the Gulf of Oman are pictured off the coast of Muscat on July 25, 2026; Illustrative.

The new Great Game of corridors will be decided in Haifa - opinion

In the world now coming, nations will not merely choose routes: they will choose sides.

View of the Port of Haifa and the surrounding area in the northern Israeli city of Haifa, July 6, 2026.

Sharaa: Syria working to reach security deal with Israel, will not give up on Golan Heights claim

Additionally, Syria has no intention of intervening militarily in Lebanon, although Syria is discussing ways to help overcome the crisis there with the Lebanese government. 

Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa (L) arrives to receive UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the People's Palace in Damascus on July 25, 2026

Did a Fox News co-host just blame Netanyahu for antisemitism? - opinion

Now, as the annual address of the UN General Assembly, scheduled for September, approaches, the Democratic Socialist mayor has voiced the possibility of having Netanyahu arrested.

Fox Corporation's logo.

PA must end torture, arbitrary detention of Palestinians in West Bank, UN rights office demands

Individuals, including children, are being held by the PA security force despite court orders for their release, the UN office confirmed.

Police officers stand guard as Palestinians protest outside the Prime Minister's office, calling on the government to fulfil demands related to prisoners and injured people, in Ramallah, the West Bank, May 31, 2026

It’s time Israel arms the Kurds and helps to bring about Kurdistan - opinion

Israel arming and supporting Kurdish factions will provide Israel with direct leverage to erode Tehran’s internal control.

IRANIAN FEMALE fighters from the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK) stand with their rifles after training session at a base on the outskirts of Erbil, Iraq, in 2026.

Iran, Oman make 'some progress' in talks over Strait of Hormuz navigation, sources tell 'Post'

One of the sources said Oman has proposed establishing a regional consortium that would oversee maritime security, search-and-rescue operations, and other forms of regional cooperation.

Vessels at the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, June 18, 2026.