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Everything MediaBias News has published from and about Middle East · page 11 of 18.
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Conflict & Security · Middle EastUS tanker aircraft depart Bulgaria after deployment angered Iran
Two US Air Force tanker aircraft have departed Bulgaria's Bezmer Air Base, according to Bulgarian Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov. Their deployment for a month had previously angered Iran.
Middle East2 min readTrust 42 · Craft 45 · Hype 41
Politics · Middle EastUS and Iran exchange defiant messages before new sanctions
The United States and Iran have exchanged defiant messages ahead of new U.S. economic sanctions scheduled for Monday, August 24, 2026. The measures could impact Iran and its major trading partners, particularly China, while oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have significantly decreased.
Middle East3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 59 · Hype 41
Conflict & Security · Middle EastNATO Commander Discusses Strait of Hormuz Navigation Options
NATO's top commander convened a meeting of allied defence chiefs to discuss ways to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The discussions focused on potential contributions outside of a formal NATO mission, with France and Britain leading efforts to form a coalition.
Middle East3 min readTrust 50 · Craft 60 · Hype 20
Politics · Middle EastEx-diplomats urge France, UK to enforce law in Palestinian territories
More than 100 former French and British ambassadors have called on their governments to enforce international law in Israel and the Palestinian territories. They accuse Israel of compromising a Palestinian state and denounce the humanitarian situation in Gaza and violence in the West Bank.
Middle East3 min readTrust 60 · Craft 70 · Hype 20
Politics · Middle EastIran Grants Iraq Special Passage for Oil Tankers Through Hormuz
Iran has granted special permission for Iraqi oil tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz, following repeated requests from Baghdad. This comes as Iraq's crude oil exports have fallen sharply, and the country is exploring alternative, costly export routes.
Middle East3 min readTrust 86 · Craft 85 · Hype 15
Conflict & Security · Middle EastUS envoy calls Israeli strikes in Syria 'unnecessary escalation'
US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack has labelled Israeli airstrikes on the Abu al-Duhur military airfield in Syria an 'unnecessary escalation'. Syrian state media reported eight strikes hit the runway and storage facility with no casualties. The incident has raised concerns about regional stability.
Middle East4 min readTrust 42 · Craft 60 · Hype 41
Conflict & Security · Middle EastPentagon: 757 US service members wounded in Iran conflict
The Pentagon's casualty database shows 757 US service members wounded and 18 killed in the Iran conflict. The war began on February 28 with US and Israeli strikes. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the direct cost of the war reached $37.5 billion.
Middle East3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 45 · Hype 20
Conflict & Security · Middle EastCambodia and US agencies seize $7 million in crypto linked to Sinaloa Cartel
Cambodian and U.S. anti-drug agencies have dismantled a cryptocurrency money laundering network tied to Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel. The operation resulted in the seizure of approximately $7 million in cryptocurrency, along with significant quantities of illegal drugs and precursor chemicals.
Middle East3 min readTrust 60 · Craft 60 · Hype 20
Conflict & Security · Middle EastUK, Canada, Australia condemn Israel's probe closure into aid worker deaths
Britain, Canada, and Australia have condemned Israel's decision to close its investigation into the deaths of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers in Gaza in 2024. The incident occurred when a military strike hit their vehicle convoy.
Middle East2 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 41
Conflict & Security · Middle EastUS approves $4.5bn sale of refueling aircraft to Qatar
The US State Department has approved a possible $4.5 billion sale of military equipment to Qatar, including four Boeing KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling aircraft. The deal is part of the Foreign Military Sales process and would give Qatar its own refueling capability.
Middle East2 min readTrust 50 · Craft 45 · Hype 20
Politics · Middle EastNetanyahu calls Erdogan 'antisemitic dictator' amid arrest warrant bid
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office called Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan an "antisemitic dictator" in response to Turkey seeking an international arrest warrant for Netanyahu over alleged "genocide". The exchange escalates tensions between the two nations.
Middle East3 min readTrust 50 · Craft 60 · Hype 40
Business & Economy · Middle EastIraq aims to boost oil output to 10 million barrels daily
Iraq plans to more than double its oil production to 8-10 million barrels per day within six years, aiming to diversify export routes beyond the Strait of Hormuz. The government has signed memorandums of understanding with Chevron for two oilfields.
Middle East3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 57 · Hype 41
Conflict & Security · Middle EastPoland summons Israeli envoy after Gaza airstrike probe ends
Poland summoned Israel's ambassador after the Israeli military decided not to pursue criminal proceedings over a 2024 airstrike that killed seven World Central Kitchen workers, including Polish citizen Damian Sobol. Warsaw is conducting its own investigation and has requested materials from Israel.
Middle East3 min readTrust 60 · Craft 60 · Hype 20
Business & Economy · Middle EastUS military opens shipping corridor in Strait of Hormuz carrying 10 million barrels of oil daily
The US military has established a nightly shipping corridor in the Strait of Hormuz, allowing 15 to 20 tankers to transport about 10 million barrels of oil daily. The operation, running for several weeks, avoids Iranian-controlled areas and has guided over 1,000 vessels since May, according to US officials.
Middle East5 min readTrust 78 · Craft 65 · Hype 35
Conflict & Security · Middle EastIsrael rules out criminal charges over 2024 Gaza airstrike that killed seven aid workers
Israel’s military prosecutor declined to open a criminal investigation into the April 2024 airstrikes that killed seven aid workers in Gaza, including a Canadian. Two officers were removed and three reprimanded, but foreign governments and the aid group called the decision unacceptable and demanded independent scrutiny.
Middle East4 min readTrust 65 · Craft 55 · Hype 35
Business & Economy · Middle EastTrump announces new Iran sanctions plan as oil prices rise
US President Donald Trump announced plans for new Iran sanctions on 24 August 2026, describing them as the 'most powerful economic isolation' in history. Brent crude futures rose 2.36% to $93.78, while WTI futures climbed 2.33% to $87.83. Right-rated outlets led on the oil price surge and Trump’s warnings to third countries aiding Iran.
Middle East5 min readTrust 58 · Craft 55 · Hype 45
Conflict & Security · Middle EastUS redesignates Hezbollah as global terrorist for service to Iran’s Quds Force
The US Treasury redesignated Hezbollah as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist on 20 August 2026, explicitly linking it to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force. Sanctions also targeted a cash-smuggling network and Ecuadorian drug traffickers.
Middle East4 min readTrust 80 · Craft 75 · Hype 15
Conflict & Security · Middle EastHouthi rebels claim drone attacks on Saudi Arabia’s Najran airport and Aramco site
Yemen’s Houthi rebels announced they carried out two drone attacks on Saudi Arabia’s Najran airport and an Aramco facility on 20 August 2026. Saudi authorities had not confirmed the strikes at the time of reporting. The claims follow heightened tensions and a warning from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.
Middle East4 min readTrust 70 · Craft 65 · Hype 15
Politics · Middle EastTrump threatens economic isolation of Iran and consequences for trading partners
US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose 'unprecedented economic warfare and isolation' on Iran, warning that any country enabling financial or governmental aid to Tehran would face 'tremendous economic consequences'. Reports vary on whether specific measures or targets were named, with China identified as Iran’s largest oil buyer.
Middle East4 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 65
Conflict & Security · Middle EastArmed group seizes tanker in Gulf of Aden, diverts it toward Somalia
A tanker was boarded by six armed people in the Gulf of Aden on 20 August 2026 and redirected toward Somalia, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said. No group has claimed responsibility, and the crew’s safety remains unclear. Regional tensions have risen since July after Yemen’s Houthi group announced a ban on vessels linked to Saudi Arabia.
Middle East4 min readTrust 62 · Craft 55 · Hype 25
Also affecting Middle East
Wider stories that name Middle East or bear directly on it.
Politics · United KingdomLabour MP apologises after calling for UK military action against Israel
Labour MP Tahir Ali called for the UK to take military action against Israel and for Israel to disarm. He later issued an unreserved apology for his comments and received a formal warning from the Labour Party's chief whip.
United Kingdom3 min readTrust 50 · Craft 45 · Hype 65
PoliticsGlobal gender gap closed by 69.2%, parity 120 years away
The global gender gap has closed by 69.2%, according to the World Economic Forum's 2026 Global Gender Gap Report. However, at the current rate of progress, full gender parity is estimated to be 120 years away, with political empowerment remaining the furthest from parity.
4 min readTrust 42 · Craft 61 · Hype 41
Business & EconomyGas prices expected to surge Wednesday and Thursday
Gasoline and diesel prices are expected to increase significantly on Wednesday and Thursday, with analysts pointing to ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Iran as primary drivers. The U.S. average diesel price has reached $6.301 per gallon, and gasoline is at $4.355 per gallon.
3 min readTrust 60 · Craft 67 · Hype 48
Politics · United StatesAndy Burnham to meet Donald Trump in New York next week
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump for the first time next week in New York. The meeting, expected to take place at the United Nations General Assembly, will focus on international issues including Ukraine, the Middle East, and energy.
United States2 min readTrust 54 · Craft 85 · Hype 12
Politics · United StatesSenate Majority Leader John Thune open to diesel export ban amid record prices
John Thune announced he is willing to explore a ban on diesel fuel exports, citing record‑high domestic prices and limited supply from conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. The United States is the world’s top diesel exporter, while Russia has already halted its shipments.
United States3 min readTrust 62 · Craft 62 · Hype 25
Business & Economy · United StatesUS wholesale inflation rises 5.4% as diesel costs surge
US wholesale inflation rose 5.4% year-on-year in August, exceeding expectations due to a significant jump in energy costs, particularly diesel fuel. The data has increased the likelihood of a Federal Reserve interest rate hike next week.
United States4 min readTrust 50 · Craft 60 · Hype 40
Politics · United KingdomBurnham and Macron meet at Downing Street to discuss defence and migration
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham met French President Emmanuel Macron at Downing Street on Thursday, 3 September 2026. They discussed defence, energy, support for Ukraine, European security, small-boat migration, and UK-EU relations. Burnham announced an increase in French officers deployed to tackle Channel crossings.
United Kingdom3 min readTrust 76 · Craft 87 · Hype 18
Business & Economy · European UnionRyanair cuts 2027 passenger target and warns of higher fares as fuel costs rise
Ryanair lowered its fiscal 2027 passenger target from 216 million to 214 million, citing high fuel costs. It hedged 80% of its fuel needs at $67 a barrel but warned that persistently high oil prices could push up European airfares and strain less-hedged rivals.
European Union5 min readTrust 88 · Craft 85 · Hype 25
Business & EconomyFederal fuel tax holiday extended to January 2027
The federal government is extending the suspension of fuel excise taxes until January 2027. The measure, intended to provide relief from higher energy costs, will see the tax gradually reinstated by April 2027.
2 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 15
Politics · Latin AmericaPeru breaks diplomatic ties with Iran over nuclear and shipping concerns
Peru announced on 1 September 2026 that it was severing diplomatic relations with Iran. The government cited Iran's obstruction of nuclear inspections and its restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz as key reasons for the decision. Consular relations will continue.
Latin America3 min readTrust 78 · Craft 65 · Hype 25
Business & Economy · Asia-PacificAsia Manufacturing Expands in August Driven by AI Hardware Demand
Manufacturing activity across Asia expanded in August, with China, Japan, and South Korea reporting growth. This expansion was primarily driven by strong global demand for artificial intelligence hardware, particularly semiconductors and computers, which helped offset rising costs and economic uncertainty linked to the Middle East conflict.
Asia-Pacific3 min readTrust 65 · Craft 55 · Hype 25- Business & Economy
Indonesia Plans Quadrupled Alumina Output Using Coal Power
Indonesia plans to quadruple its alumina output and dramatically increase aluminum production by 2030, using coal-fired power plants. This expansion comes as the Iran war disrupts global supply chains and raises prices for the metal.
4 min readTrust 55 · Craft 55 · Hype 25 
Conflict & Security · UkraineZelensky says Ukraine developing Starlink alternative amid missile shortage
Ukraine is developing its own satellite communication system with a European partner and has begun testing it, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. He also stated that Russia and China are collaborating on a rival to Starlink, expected by December 2026. Zelensky hopes to persuade Elon Musk to allow Starlink use for strikes within Russia.
Ukraine4 min readTrust 50 · Craft 60 · Hype 20
Politics · United StatesLula and Trump Discuss Tariffs in 80-Minute Call
Brazilian President Lula da Silva spoke by phone with US President Donald Trump for 80 minutes on August 21, 2026. Lula argued that US justifications for imposing tariffs on Brazilian goods were unfounded. The leaders agreed on the need to maintain strong commercial ties and proposed resuming bilateral meetings.
United States3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 57 · Hype 41
Politics · IsraelIsraeli police permit Jewish prayer books at Al-Aqsa Mosque for first time
Israeli police allowed Jewish men to bring full prayer books onto the Temple Mount/Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on 15 August 2026, marking the first official permission for group prayer at the site. Palestinian sources and Israeli officials confirm the shift, which departs from decades of restrictions under the status quo agreement.
Israel5 min readTrust 66 · Craft 87 · Hype 35
Business & EconomyCanada’s July 2026 inflation data to show gas price rebound, economists say
Economists expect Canada’s annual inflation rate rose to 2.9 percent in July 2026 after a June dip to 2.8 percent, driven by higher gas prices from renewed Middle East tensions. The data will inform the Bank of Canada’s next rate decision on 2 September.
4 min readTrust 62 · Craft 85 · Hype 15
Conflict & Security · Asia-PacificUSS George Washington leaves Pacific as US shifts carrier to Middle East
The US Navy is withdrawing its last aircraft carrier from the western Pacific, the USS George Washington, to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East. Analysts warn China could use the absence to assert regional influence, while extended deployments strain crews and raise concerns over US priorities.
Asia-Pacific5 min readTrust 54 · Craft 95 · Hype 35
Politics · United KingdomNetanyahu labels UK an 'Islamic republic' with nuclear weapons in radio interview
Benjamin Netanyahu referred to the UK as the 'Islamic Republic of Britain' during an Israeli military radio podcast, suggesting it could become the first nuclear-armed Islamic state. The comment, echoing a 2024 remark by US Vice President JD Vance, sparked backlash from British Jewish groups and politicians amid strained UK-Israel relations.
United Kingdom5 min readTrust 62 · Craft 87 · Hype 55
Business & Economy · IndiaFitch holds India’s BBB- rating, projects 6.4% growth for FY27
Fitch Ratings affirmed India’s BBB- sovereign credit rating with a stable outlook on 11 August 2026, forecasting 6.4% GDP growth for fiscal year 2027. The agency noted strong domestic demand and external buffers but flagged persistent fiscal deficits and structural weaknesses as constraints.
India4 min readTrust 74 · Craft 85 · Hype 15
Politics · United StatesAbdul El-Sayed disavows Hasan Piker’s 2019 remark that US ‘deserved’ 9/11 attacks
Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed dismissed Hasan Piker’s 2019 claim that the US ‘deserved’ the 9/11 attacks as a ‘dumb statement’ but maintained his association with the streamer. Right-rated outlets led on the controversy, while centre-rated reports noted the disavowal without framing it as a campaign liability.
United States4 min readTrust 50 · Craft 87 · Hype 30