Recent news from the Middle East has been dominated by escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, with Iran launching a direct attack on Israel, which was largely intercepted or unsuccessful. The US and Europe have responded by considering tougher sanctions against Iran to prevent further conflict. Additionally, there have been discussions about the need for de-escalation and the potential for a major retaliatory attack from Iran.
The Middle East is a transcontinental region that includes countries in Western Asia, parts of North Africa, and parts of Southeast Europe. It is known for its geopolitical significance due to its vast oil reserves, ongoing conflicts, and complex relationships between countries. The region has a long history of political and religious tensions, with ongoing conflicts such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Syrian Civil War, and the war in Yemen. The Middle East is also a major hub for global trade and commerce, with key waterways like the Persian Gulf and the Suez Canal playing a crucial role in international shipping.
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They were the first round of discussions between the two countries since January.
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Middle East veteran Chang Hua makes the move after Beijing brokered a deal between the two countries to restore diplomatic relations last year.
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Ex-CEO Howard Schultz says Starbucks needs a "maniacal focus on the customer experience" and to make its app an "uplifting experience" to boost sales.
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For now, negotiators have prioritized a bilateral security accord that would then be part of a wider package presented to Israel.
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Despite increase, fast food mega-chain does not expect significant improvement until war ends
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Udi Levy, former head of spy agency’s financial division, says if Israel's partners seriously intend to weaken Tehran, they must target its money-transferring infrastructure
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Although they support rival camps and pursue divergent geopolitical games, the US and China are also working for the same thing: the region’s security and stability.
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Palestinian leader rails at Washington which he says 'continues to support the occupation, has violated all international laws and abandoned all promises'
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Experts say Washington’s plan to rely on surge troops could be tested now the arch-foes have broken the taboo of open military strikes against each other.
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Biden calls for ‘de-escalation’ in Iran-Israel showdown while hurling money at the most unrestrained actor in equation.
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Markets have been on edge since over fears of a widening of the conflict in the Middle East — a major oil-producing region.
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IMF has revised up growth forecasts but medium-term prospects remain poor as globalisation goes into reverse
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The first-ever direct Iranian attack on Israel has brought the conflict between the two countries “out of the shadows and into the light”.
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Airports in Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan briefly shuttered, Iran's western airspace cleared during attack; cancellations compound woes for water-logged Dubai
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Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news
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Hoping to steer Israel away from massive retaliation, the US and Europe flagged a toughening of economic and political sanctions against Iran.
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Readers discuss Iran’s missile and drone attack on Israel, and how Benjamin Netanyahu should respond
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Iran's attack on Israel was largely unsuccessful, with munitions being intercepted by the US and allied forces — or failing to launch.
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Directly and through proxy groups like the Houthis in Yemen, Iran has been disrupting commercial shipping in the Persian Gulf for years.
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US president: 'We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed'; report warns Tehran could launch major drone and missile attack within hours in retaliation for strike on IRGC