The latest on podcasts from The National
Houthis hit Saudi Arabia and Dubai foils gold smuggling plot
How Palestine's economy has been pushed to the brink
Lebanon violence, Hormuz breakthrough hopes and Salah's Trabzonspor move
US-Iran talks continue, Strait of Hormuz proposal and UAE economy picks up
Trump warns Iran, Gulf diplomacy intensifies and regional travel is disrupted
Trump revives Iran talks, Egypt earthquake and UAE approves cholesterol pill
Mike Pompeo on where the US-Iran war could go next
US hails Hamas disarmament deal and Saudi Arabia aims to protect Red Sea ships
What the US-Saudi strikes on militias in Iraq reveal about the wider war
US and Iran exchange attacks, Egypt investigates port fire
US-Saudi strikes hit Iraq and Fifa announces World Cup investment plan
Trump hosts Netanyahu and Lebanon explores new oil route
US commander questions Iran campaign and Gaza plan moves forward
Trump considers major attack on Iran and Iraqi PM visits Tehran
Can Lebanon find a winning formula in peace talks with Israel?
Trump trades threats with Iran and Saudi Arabia's nuclear programme deal with US
![A damaged car and a damaged building are seen at the site of a strike in Bartalla in the northern Iraqi Nineveh province on July 29, 2026. US-Saudi strikes on Iraq on July 29 killed at least 20 members of a former paramilitary alliance that includes pro-Iran groups, the alliance said. The United States and Saudi Arabia said they had struck Iran-backed militants in Iraq in response to attacks on US forces and Saudi oil facilities. (Photo by Zaid AL-OBEIDI / AFP) / Attention editors: AFP covers the war in the Middle East through its extensive regional network, including bureaus in Tehran, Jerusalem and several neighboring countries. Since the start of the conflict, journalists have been working under increasingly restrictive conditions. Authorities in several countries have limited reporters’ movements, photo and live video coverage from sensitive locations. Some governments and armed groups have banned images of missile or drone strikes and other security-related sites. / “The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by Ziad OBEID has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: corrects byline [Zaid AL-OBEIDI] instead of [Ziad OBEID]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post notification usage. Therefore we thank you very much for all your attention and prompt action. We are sorry for the inconvenience this notification may cause and remain at your disposal for any further information you may require. ”](https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/PLSC2TSQZTFNYGSCPBJVUPIB2I.jpg?smart=true&auth=b0d3bd2d2b21bfcd8f9d5a89db763ef91727ee31e46f2bd5651027a66d97a8f5&width=290&height=162)
