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Everything MediaBias News has published from and about Middle East · page 16 of 18.
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Conflict & Security · Middle EastUS diverts 53 vessels in Strait of Hormuz amid Iran blockade
The US Central Command diverted 53 commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, disabled two, and boarded two others as part of a blockade against Iran. Over 30 ships were allowed passage for humanitarian aid, while the US Treasury targeted digital asset platforms linked to Iranian entities.
Middle East4 min readTrust 74 · Craft 58 · Hype 32
Conflict & Security · Middle EastMojtaba Khamenei appears in undated video amid health speculation
An undated video of Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei was published by state-linked Mehr news agency on 8 August 2026, following reports of his critical health and Israeli media claims he had been hospitalised. The footage shows Khamenei giving a religious lesson but provides no timestamp or location.
Middle East4 min readTrust 74 · Craft 58 · Hype 32
Conflict & Security · Middle EastUAE accuses Iran of missile strike on ADNOC vessel in Strait of Hormuz
The United Arab Emirates accused Iran of firing a missile at a vessel owned by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company in the Strait of Hormuz on 8 August 2026. No casualties were reported, and the situation was contained. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said reopening the strait depends on US acceptance of its conditions, not Oman negotiations.
Middle East4 min readTrust 66 · Craft 52 · Hype 15
Conflict & Security · Middle EastMusk refuses Ukraine Starlink for strikes inside Russia as Kyiv seeks 500 km reach
Elon Musk has blocked Ukraine from using Starlink to guide drone strikes deep inside Russia, despite Kyiv’s request to expand its strike zone to 500 km. Ukraine’s former defence minister continues talks, while Musk insists on a peace deal. Outlets diverge on whether the refusal stems from escalation fears or a push for negotiations.
Middle East5 min readTrust 74 · Craft 58 · Hype 32
Conflict & Security · Middle EastADNOC reports 15 vessel attacks in Strait of Hormuz, one crew member killed
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company confirmed 15 attacks on its vessels in the Strait of Hormuz since the start of the regional conflict, including three in the past week. One crew member died and 20 were injured. ADNOC called for safe passage through the critical oil chokepoint.
Middle East4 min readTrust 82 · Craft 58 · Hype 20
Conflict & Security · Middle EastIran’s Ghalibaf calls Trump’s diplomacy ‘theater on loop’ as Hormuz talks stall
Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused US President Donald Trump of ‘theater diplomacy on loop’ after Trump called off strikes and claimed a deal with Tehran was near. Iran and Oman have agreed a framework to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but talks stalled over security guarantees and navigation rights.
Middle East5 min readTrust 74 · Craft 58 · Hype 32
Conflict & Security · Middle EastMossad dismisses two officials after Iran regime-change plan fails
Israel’s Mossad director Roman Gofman dismissed two senior officials after a plan to topple Iran’s government, developed with US coordination, either failed or never progressed. The officials, appointed in December, led the agency’s intelligence directorate and Iran division. Iran’s president later accused the US and Israel of plotting a 48-hour takeover.
Middle East5 min readTrust 52 · Craft 77 · Hype 35
Conflict & Security · Middle EastEight Arab and Muslim nations condemn Israeli attacks on Gaza as violations of international law
Eight Arab and Muslim countries issued a joint statement condemning Israeli attacks on Gaza, citing violations of international law, targeting of healthcare facilities, and civilian casualties. The ministers warned that continued strikes could undermine the US-backed plan to end the conflict and called for UN Security Council intervention.
Middle East4 min readTrust 60 · Craft 95 · Hype 15- Conflict & Security · Middle East
Amal Khalil killed in Israeli strike: rights groups call it a war crime
Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and Lebanese rights groups say an Israeli strike that killed journalist Amal Khalil and wounded her colleague Zeinab Faraj in southern Lebanon was a deliberate attack on civilians. The Israeli military says its strikes targeted Hezbollah members.
Middle East5 min readTrust 85 · Craft 85 · Hype 25 - Health · Middle East
Nearly 700 US troops wounded in Iran war suffer traumatic brain injuries
Nearly 700 US service members have been wounded by drone and missile attacks in the Middle East, with most suffering traumatic brain injuries. While Pentagon officials describe the majority as minor concussions, medical experts caution that symptoms can persist for years, and repeated injuries increase long-term risks.
Middle East5 min readTrust 60 · Craft 95 · Hype 15 - Conflict & Security · Middle East
Vance calls Iran negotiations messy as Trump claims deal near Hormuz Strait
US Vice President JD Vance said negotiations with Iran would be 'messy' and 'take some time', describing Iranians as 'extremely difficult people'. President Donald Trump claimed a deal to reopen the Hormuz Strait was 'right around the corner', while Iran's president said communicating with its leader was 'very difficult'.
Middle East5 min readTrust 74 · Craft 58 · Hype 32 
Conflict & Security · Middle EastTrump says US prefers Iran deal to military action but warns on nuclear arms
US President Donald Trump stated he would rather negotiate with Iran than launch further military strikes, claiming Iran requested talks after the US prepared a major attack. Iran’s deputy foreign minister denied recent negotiations, while Trump compared US actions in Iran to its Venezuela policy.
Middle East4 min readTrust 74 · Craft 67 · Hype 32- Politics · Middle East
Iranian president calls contact with supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei 'very difficult'
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said communication with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is currently 'very difficult', in remarks broadcast on state television. Khamenei has not appeared in public since taking office after his father’s death in US and Israeli strikes.
Middle East4 min readTrust 54 · Craft 77 · Hype 15 
Conflict & Security · Middle EastUS lifts sanctions on Fly Baghdad airline linked to Iran's IRGC-Quds Force
The US Treasury lifted sanctions on Fly Baghdad airline and two of its aircraft on 3 August 2026, citing operational changes, but maintained restrictions on its owner, Basheer Abdulkadhim Alwan al-Shabbani. The airline had been sanctioned in January 2024 over alleged ties to Iran's IRGC-Quds Force.
Middle East3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 15
Politics · Middle EastUS removes Fly Baghdad from sanctions list, keeps owner blacklisted
The US Treasury lifted sanctions on Fly Baghdad airline and two of its aircraft on 4 August 2026, after the company demonstrated major operational changes. Sanctions remain in place against its previously identified owner, Basheer Abdulkadhim Alwan al-Shabbani, over alleged links to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Middle East4 min readTrust 66 · Craft 77 · Hype 15
Conflict & Security · Middle EastSeven explosions in 20 minutes hit Dubai’s Jebel Ali industrial area
Seven explosions occurred within about 20 minutes in Dubai’s Jebel Ali industrial area on 5 August 2026, with videos showing thick black smoke. No official explanation or casualty figures have been released. Right-rated outlets linked the blasts to regional tensions.
Middle East4 min readTrust 64 · Craft 75 · Hype 30- Conflict & Security · Middle East
Trump threatens Iran with military strikes if Strait of Hormuz stays closed
Donald Trump warned Iran that the US would launch major strikes unless the Strait of Hormuz is reopened, while Axios reported an interim deal was near. Oil prices fell below $80 a barrel after US officials expressed hope for a resolution, though no centre-rated outlet covered the story.
Middle East4 min readTrust 62 · Craft 51 · Hype 41 
Business & Economy · Middle EastStrait of Hormuz reopening talks send S&P 500 to $70 trillion record
The S&P 500 reached a record $70 trillion market capitalisation on 4 August 2026 after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated the Strait of Hormuz could reopen to oil traffic as soon as 5 August. Bitcoin traded at $64,176 while crude prices fell sharply.
Middle East4 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 65- Conflict & Security · Middle East
US reports progress in Hormuz shipping talks with Iran and Oman
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed progress in negotiations with Iran and Oman to increase commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, though no final agreement has been reached. Qatar and Pakistan are mediating, with a Saudi source suggesting a deal could be announced within days.
Middle East4 min readTrust 55 · Craft 55 · Hype 55 
Politics · Middle EastKhamenei issues ultimatum to Iran’s Pezeshkian as US tensions rise
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly issued a final ultimatum to President Masoud Pezeshkian, sidelining his political leverage and endorsing an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander. Reports diverge on whether the move is tied to escalating tensions with the US and Israel.
Middle East4 min readTrust 32 · Craft 45 · Hype 55
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