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Everything MediaBias News has published from and about Middle East · page 12 of 18.
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Smuggling of Israeli-restricted goods into Gaza booms since October 2023
An Associated Press investigation reveals a surge in smuggling of goods restricted by Israel into Gaza since October 2023. Cigarettes, iPhones, fuel and medicine enter illegally, driving up prices for Palestinians. Israeli soldiers and middlemen are accused of profiting, while hospitals rely on smugglers for supplies.
Middle East5 min readTrust 82 · Craft 85 · Hype 15 
Conflict & Security · Middle EastIsrael strikes Syrian airfield, accuses Turkey of military buildup
Israel carried out an airstrike on a Syrian military airfield on 18 August 2026, claiming it targeted a site preparing to host Turkish troops. Turkey and Syria denied the claim. Israeli officials warned of escalating regional threats, while Syrian authorities called the strike unjustified and reiterated openness to mediated security talks.
Middle East5 min readTrust 55 · Craft 55 · Hype 35
Conflict & Security · Middle EastIsrael struck Syrian airbase after Mossad chief warned Damascus over Turkey
Israel bombed a Syrian airbase four days after its spy chief discussed Turkey’s military presence with Syria’s foreign minister. Netanyahu said the strike sent a message to Ankara, which has 20,000 troops in Syria and no plans to withdraw them.
Middle East5 min readTrust 78 · Craft 65 · Hype 25
Conflict & Security · Middle EastTrump announces potential new Iran sanctions and declares Strait of Hormuz blockade effective
Donald Trump said the US could impose further sanctions on Iran, described a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as '100% successful', and argued that increased US oil production had reduced global reliance on the waterway. Oil prices, he said, had not spiked as feared and remained around $84 to $85 per barrel.
Middle East5 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 35![US President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with technology leaders in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Wednesday, August 19, 2026, in Washington [Jacquelyn Martin/ AP]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/ap_6a863c2b9f2cd-1787182123_e60870-1787182171.jpg?resize=1200%2C630&quality=80)
Conflict & Security · Middle EastTrump threatens sanctions on countries aiding Iran after talks stall
Donald Trump announced new economic measures against Iran, warning any country providing financial or logistical support would face 'tremendous economic consequences'. The move follows stalled negotiations between Washington and Tehran, with Trump claiming Iran had rejected a deal.
Middle East5 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 58- Conflict & Security · Middle East
Canada’s Sarai calls Israel’s Lebanon presence an unlawful invasion, pledges $71m in aid
Randeep Sarai, Canada’s secretary of state for international development, condemned Israel’s military presence in southern Lebanon as an ‘unlawful invasion’ during a visit to Beirut. He announced three new aid programmes, raising Canada’s 2026 assistance to over 71 million Canadian dollars.
Middle East5 min readTrust 78 · Craft 85 · Hype 15 - Conflict & Security · Middle East
Israel military opens criminal probes into two Gaza attacks on Palestinians
Israel’s military will investigate two attacks in Gaza: the February 2024 killing of 5-year-old Hind Rajab and her family, and the May 2025 killing of 15 Palestinian paramedics in Rafah. It will not investigate three other incidents, including strikes that killed aid workers from World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders.
Middle East4 min readTrust 55 · Craft 55 · Hype 15 /https://i.s3.glbimg.com/v1/AUTH_da025474c0c44edd99332dddb09cabe8/internal_photos/bs/2026/v/T/YnHbCwTyu0vgxOFgNCXQ/sub-syria-prisons-2.jpg)
Conflict & Security · Middle EastIsrael strikes Syrian airbase after accusing Turkey of security threat
Israel conducted airstrikes on Syria’s Abu Duhur airbase, accusing Turkey of preparing to deploy troops there in violation of a security agreement. Turkey denied the claim, while the US attributed the strike to Israel. No left-rated outlet reported the incident.
Middle East4 min readTrust 68 · Craft 77 · Hype 15
Conflict & Security · Middle EastIran weighs strikes on US bases in Europe if US renews war
Iranian officials told the Financial Times they are assessing strikes on US military assets in southeastern Europe if the US escalates the conflict. Targets include bases in Bulgaria and Cyprus, and submarine fibre-optic cables in the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump said no negotiations are underway and the naval blockade remains in force.
Middle East4 min readTrust 58 · Craft 55 · Hype 35
Business & Economy · Middle EastOil prices rise as Iran and US clash over Strait of Hormuz status
Brent crude futures rose to $91.28 on 19 August as Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz shut to shipping, contradicting US claims it was open. Iraq approved alternative export routes, while Chinese shippers avoided the strait amid heightened tensions.
Middle East4 min readTrust 70 · Craft 65 · Hype 15- Politics · Middle East
Kuwait holds four Iranians accused of hostile intent; Iran demands answers
Four Iranian nationals detained in Kuwait since May were visited by Iran’s ambassador, state media said. Iran claims they were on a maritime patrol; Kuwait alleges they planned hostile actions. An Iranian military official accused Kuwait of withholding information about their fate.
Middle East4 min readTrust 86 · Craft 77 · Hype 12 
Conflict & Security · Middle EastUAE severs trade and financial ties with Iran after missile threat in Strait of Hormuz
The United Arab Emirates announced a full suspension of trade, commercial exchanges and financial transactions with Iran on 18 August 2026, citing regional escalation after Iranian ballistic missiles were detected targeting maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has not claimed responsibility for the attacks on UAE state-owned ADNOC vessels.
Middle East5 min readTrust 55 · Craft 55 · Hype 15
Health · Middle EastNorthern Cyprus IVF clinics used wrong donors for at least 30 children
At least 30 children, mostly British, were conceived at Northern Cyprus IVF clinics using sperm or eggs from donors other than those chosen by their parents. DNA tests revealed genetic origins from Turkey or nearby countries, implicating Dogus IVF Centre in 15 cases. The health ministry has launched an investigation.
Middle East5 min readTrust 78 · Craft 75 · Hype 25
Conflict & Security · Middle EastUAE President and Trump discuss Iran tensions in 18 August call
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan and US President Donald Trump spoke by phone on 18 August 2026 about regional tensions, bilateral ties, and Iran’s position on the Strait of Hormuz. The call coincided with the expiry of a 60-day US-Iran agreement and a third attack on an ADNOC-operated tanker in a week.
Middle East4 min readTrust 55 · Craft 55 · Hype 15
Business & Economy · Middle EastSaudi Aramco resumes oil loadings in Strait of Hormuz after pause
Saudi Aramco has resumed loading oil from terminals inside the Strait of Hormuz after a three-week pause, with three supertankers carrying 2 million barrels each. The company is offering heavy crude cargoes to Asian buyers via ship-to-ship transfers off Fujairah, while six more tankers await loading.
Middle East4 min readTrust 55 · Craft 55 · Hype 25- Conflict & Security · Middle East
Kushner sets 30-day deadline for Hamas disarmament or renewed Israeli strikes
Jared Kushner stated Hamas must disarm within 30 days or face Israeli military action, with US backing. He said Gaza reconstruction depends on demilitarisation, after meeting Netanyahu in Jerusalem. Hamas officials reportedly pledged cooperation, but Kushner expressed distrust.
Middle East4 min readTrust 55 · Craft 55 · Hype 35 
Conflict & Security · Middle EastUAE missile alert triggers first nationwide sir alarm since July
The United Arab Emirates activated missile warning sirens on 18 August after air defences detected a potential threat, the first such alert since 12 July. Residents received emergency phone alerts, but the defence ministry said the country remained safe and no interception was confirmed.
Middle East4 min readTrust 74 · Craft 85 · Hype 12
Conflict & Security · Middle EastIran vows to keep Strait of Hormuz shut until US lifts blockade and sanctions
Iran’s chief negotiator said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the US lifts its naval blockade, releases frozen assets and ends oil sanctions. A vessel was struck in the strait, injuring at least one crew member, as tensions escalate over a June memorandum of understanding.
Middle East4 min readTrust 78 · Craft 65 · Hype 15- Conflict & Security · Middle East
Israel recovers remains of soldier missing since 1982 Battle of Sultan Yaqub
The Israeli military has located the remains of Yehuda Katz, missing since the 1982 Battle of Sultan Yaqub during the First Lebanon War. The discovery follows the recovery of two other soldiers from the same battle in recent years, with Russia previously assisting in the search.
Middle East4 min readTrust 62 · Craft 85 · Hype 70 
Conflict & Security · Middle EastPalestinian envoy calls Canada's recognition pivotal, urges sanctions on Israel
Canada’s recognition of Palestine nearly a year ago was described as pivotal by Palestinian ambassador Feda Abdelhady, who urged Ottawa to impose sanctions on Israel, including suspending trade and military exports. Reports highlight settler violence, a Gaza ceasefire, and Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s call for nightly killings.
Middle East5 min readTrust 55 · 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