More than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia ahead of this year’s Hajj despite ongoing tensions and travel disruptions in the Middle East. Saudi authorities confirmed that over 1.5 million pilgrims from outside the kingdom have entered Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage. Saleh Al-Murabba, commander of Saudi Arabia’s Hajj Passport…
Pro-Palestinian activists deported by Israel say they faced abuse after their Gaza-bound aid boats were intercepted at sea. Activists involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla have accused Israeli forces of physical and sexual abuse after being detained during an operation to stop Gaza-bound aid boats. The flotilla, made up of more than 50 vessels, had…
Air defenses activated as fresh attacks raise fears of wider regional conflict. The United Arab Emirates says its air defence systems are actively intercepting missiles and drones launched from Iran, as tensions intensify in the Gulf. Authorities confirmed explosions heard across parts of the country were caused by successful interceptions of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles…
Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have escalated after a sharp new warning from Donald Trump. Donald Trump has ordered the United States Navy to “shoot and kill” any boats caught laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. In a social media post, Trump said there should be “no hesitation” in responding to any vessel…
Iran says it will not negotiate under pressure as new U.S-Iran peace talks are expected in Pakistan. Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam said Tehran will “not negotiate under threat and force,” raising fresh uncertainty over a planned new round of U.S-Iran talks in Islamabad. His statement came as American officials prepared for another…
Tensions are rising again as Donald Trump says Iran broke the ceasefire agreement. US President Donald Trump has accused Iran of committing a “serious violation” of the ceasefire, while insisting a peace deal between both sides will still happen. Trump said the agreement would come “one way or another — the nice way or the…
The global economy has lost more than $50 billion worth of oil since the Iran war began nearly 50 days ago. A new report says over 500 million barrels of crude oil and condensate have been removed from the global market since the conflict started in late February, making it one of the biggest energy…
Civilians urged to flee as military operations escalate against Hezbollah. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has issued an urgent evacuation warning to residents in southern Lebanon, calling on those living south of the Zahrani River to move north immediately as airstrikes intensify. In a statement shared on social media, IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee said the…
Tensions rise as nuclear demands stall fragile negotiations. The United States has proposed a 20-year suspension of uranium enrichment by Iran, as talks to ease escalating tensions between the two countries hit a major roadblock. Donald Trump confirmed that Iran’s nuclear programme remains the central issue preventing a breakthrough. According to sources familiar with the…
The Middle East war has a negotiating table — and the world is watching Islamabad. JD Vance arrived in Pakistan on Saturday for high-stakes Iran talks in Islamabad, leading the US team sent by President Trump to negotiate a path toward ending the Middle East war. Iran’s delegation of over 70, led by parliamentary speaker…
