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Everything MediaBias News has published from and about Middle East · page 15 of 18.
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Politics · Middle EastEkrem Imamoglu joins New Party after court removes CHP leadership
Ekrem Imamoglu, the jailed mayor of Istanbul, announced his resignation from the Republican People’s Party (CHP) and joined the newly formed New Party after a court order removed the CHP’s leadership. The move follows a broader crackdown on opposition figures in Turkey ahead of potential early elections in 2028.
Middle East5 min readTrust 68 · Craft 95 · Hype 15- Conflict & Security · Middle East
Israel demolishes houses in southern Lebanon as Lebanon calls it illegal
Israel's defence minister said its military was 'destroying all the houses' in southern Lebanon, where Lebanon claims the demolitions are systematic and illegal. Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the actions as a violation of international law, while Israel maintains the areas are military facilities.
Middle East4 min readTrust 62 · Craft 51 · Hype 31 
Politics · Middle EastEU and 26 nations condemn Iran executions of protesters in joint statement
On 12 August 2026, the European Union and 26 countries issued a joint statement in Paris condemning Iran’s executions of protesters. The statement, delivered by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, urged Iran to halt the death penalty and release those arbitrarily detained. Reports varied on the number of signatories and the statement’s exact wording.
Middle East4 min readTrust 86 · Craft 62 · Hype 15
Conflict & Security · Middle EastIran rules out ceasefire extension with US, citing unstarted deal
Iran has dismissed reports of ceasefire extension talks with the US, stating the June interim deal never began and thus cannot be extended. A senior Iranian source told Reuters no discussions were held, while Turkey’s Anadolu agency reported a 60-day extension agreement, which both sides later denied.
Middle East4 min readTrust 78 · Craft 65 · Hype 35
Conflict & Security · Middle EastHouthi attack kills six including three Pakistanis off Yemen
A Houthi attack on a ship in the Red Sea killed six people, including three Pakistani nationals, Yemen’s coastguard reported. Pakistan’s foreign minister called the strike a violation of international law, while outlets diverged on whether the vessel was commercial or unspecified.
Middle East4 min readTrust 76 · Craft 95 · Hype 15
Politics · Middle EastLebanese Parliament approves first general amnesty law since 1991
Lebanon's Parliament passed a general amnesty law on 12 August 2026, the first since 1991, to address prison overcrowding and reduce sentences for thousands. The law, debated for years, was approved without immediate clarity on how many people it will affect.
Middle East4 min readTrust 56 · Craft 85 · Hype 15- Conflict & Security · Middle East
US and Iran near Strait of Hormuz deal, Pakistan says as Trump demands compensation
Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif told Bloomberg News on 11 August 2026 that the US and Iran were close to an arrangement over the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump simultaneously demanded compensation from Iran for American casualties and Iranian protesters killed in state crackdowns.
Middle East5 min readTrust 62 · Craft 55 · Hype 35 
Conflict & Security · Middle EastUS intelligence says Iran shifted focus from nuclear programme to Strait of Hormuz
A US military intelligence assessment concludes Iran has moved its strategic priority from its nuclear programme to the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil and gas shipping route. Outlets diverge on whether the shift signals military escalation or economic pressure as the main US response.
Middle East4 min readTrust 41 · Craft 77 · Hype 15- Politics · Middle East
Trump left Turkey on secret flight after Iranian assassination threat
US President Donald Trump flew secretly from Turkey on an alternate military aircraft last month after an Iranian assassination threat was detected, according to reports. The White House had stated he was aboard Air Force One, but the press was left on a decoy flight as part of an elaborate ruse to conceal his departure.
Middle East4 min readTrust 74 · Craft 51 · Hype 41 - Conflict & Security · Middle East
IAEA to remove uranium from Syrian Site 99 under US-brokered deal
The International Atomic Energy Agency will remove yellowcake uranium from a clandestine Syrian site known as Site 99, following a deal brokered by the United States involving Syria and Israel. The material, linked to a reactor bombed by Israel in 2007, was stored at the site after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
Middle East5 min readTrust 47 · Craft 95 · Hype 15 
Business & Economy · Middle EastFire at Zawiya oil depot in Libya destroys 4.5m litres of gasoline
A fire broke out on 10 August 2026 at diesel tank No. 402 at Libya’s Zawiya oil depot, destroying an estimated 4.5 million litres of gasoline. The cause remains unknown, and no casualties were reported. The blaze followed a drone strike at the same refinery two days earlier.
Middle East4 min readTrust 74 · Craft 85 · Hype 15
Science & Tech · Middle EastUAE Cybersecurity Council foils cyberattacks on aviation, energy and education sectors
The UAE Cybersecurity Council announced it had detected and thwarted coordinated cyberattacks targeting the country’s aviation, energy and education sectors. The council did not identify the attackers or specify when the attempts occurred, but said no disruption to critical services resulted.
Middle East4 min readTrust 66 · Craft 80 · Hype 15
Politics · Middle EastBritish couple end Iran prison hunger strike after 93 days
A British couple detained in Iran since January 2025 ended a three-month hunger strike protesting their 10-year prison sentences for espionage. Their family said they shifted the final days to a 'fast for good' to highlight broader prisoner rights, as UN experts had warned of serious health risks.
Middle East4 min readTrust 78 · Craft 95 · Hype 15
Conflict & Security · Middle EastHouthi missile and drone strikes kill seven in Yemen’s Mocha port city
Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis launched ballistic missiles and drones at the Red Sea port city of Mocha, killing at least seven people and wounding around 30, according to the Yemeni military. The attacks targeted residential areas and military sites, with Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree claiming strikes on Saudi troop concentrations and weapons depots.
Middle East5 min readTrust 74 · Craft 58 · Hype 32
Conflict & Security · Middle EastIsrael closes West Bank village Taybeh to Israeli visitors after settler attacks
Israel’s military closed the West Bank village of Taybeh to non-residents on 9 August 2026, citing rising attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians. The order applies only to Israelis, not Palestinians. Taybeh, home to a historic Christian community and a microbrewery, has faced repeated settler violence.
Middle East4 min readTrust 66 · Craft 77 · Hype 15
Conflict & Security · Middle EastHouthi missile and drone attacks hit Mokha port and Saudi Aramco refinery
Houthi rebels launched missile and drone attacks on Yemen’s Mokha port and a Saudi Aramco refinery on 9 August 2026, killing at least seven people and wounding dozens. The strikes targeted military installations and residential areas, escalating regional instability and disrupting shipping routes near the Bab el-Mandeb strait.
Middle East5 min readTrust 74 · Craft 95 · Hype 28
Politics · Middle EastTrump says US is taking a low-key approach to Iran amid economic pressure
US President Donald Trump stated in a 9 August 2026 interview with Axios that the United States is adopting a lower-key stance toward Iran, focusing on economic pressure rather than direct negotiation. He described Iran as facing severe inflation and financial shortages after months of US sanctions, military strikes, and a blockade.
Middle East4 min readTrust 68 · Craft 87 · Hype 15- Politics · Middle East
Trump considers declaring victory in Iran without nuclear deal
President Donald Trump has discussed ending the US campaign against Iran without a nuclear deal if Tehran reopens the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports. Iran’s conditions include lifting sanctions, withdrawing US forces, and paying reparations, complicating negotiations.
Middle East5 min readTrust 68 · Craft 95 · Hype 45 
Politics · Middle EastIran rules out talks with US until interim deal breaches end, says minister
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on 9 August 2026 that Iran will not engage in direct talks with the United States while Washington breaches an interim deal signed in June. Messages are exchanged through intermediaries, and an agreement on the Strait of Hormuz is in final stages but will not reopen until US conditions are met.
Middle East4 min readTrust 68 · Craft 95 · Hype 15- Business & Economy · Middle East
Fire at Saudi Aramco’s Jizan refinery extinguished after Sunday blaze
A fire broke out at Saudi Aramco’s Jizan refinery facility early Sunday and was extinguished by the company’s firefighting teams. The incident occurred at a site shut down after a Houthi militant attack last month. No injuries were reported, and the cause remains unconfirmed.
Middle East4 min readTrust 74 · Craft 58 · Hype 21
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.
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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