Articles
ExclusiveHouthis plan to escalate Yemen conflict in support of Iran
Sources reveal multipronged strategy as other militant groups retreat underground, while timing escalation to maximise potential gains
Why are the Houthis escalating attacks on Saudi-backed targets?
Iran-backed rebels could be preparing for new war in Yemen just as regional powers push to end current conflict
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey sign joint defence pact
Deal aims to 'strengthen collective security and promote peace'
Tanks on the streets: Iraqi forces on high alert as militia deadline expires
Hadi Al Ameri, head of the Badr Organisation, calls on fighters to delay response to US-Saudi strikes
Beyond the HeadlinesHow Palestine's economy has been pushed to the brink
From suspended work permits to frozen tax revenue, Israeli policies are reshaping daily life across Gaza and the occupied West Bank
Dozens of Yemeni troops killed in Houthi drone and missile attack
Iran-backed rebels say operation was response to Saudi Arabia's 'blockade'
ExclusiveUS and Iran revising June deal with focus on Hormuz, Pakistani source says
Talks to 'open the strait and keep it open' at advanced stage
![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=267&height=149)
Beyond the Headlines What the US-Saudi strikes on militias in Iraq reveal about the wider war
We look at how Saudi Arabia's escalation fits into the broader trajectory of the US-Iran war
Iraq-Gulf ties at risk as Saudi strikes on Iran-backed militias raise escalation fears
Drone strikes that prompted attacks were attempt to sabotage Baghdad-Riyadh ties, Iraqi sources say
RevealedUS and Iran's exchange of messages turns attention to Red Sea crisis
Pakistani source tells The National attacks on shipping are focus of 'another round of message exchanges'
No US strikes reported on Iran after 13 consecutive nights of attacks
President Donald Trump says Tehran is not yet ready for a deal, but he is 'willing to listen'
Arab and Islamic countries condemn Israeli incursions into Al Aqsa mosque compound
At least 3,200 settlers stormed the mosque on Thursday under the protection of Israeli forces
Beyond the HeadlinesCan Lebanon find a winning formula in peace talks with Israel?
High-profile diplomatic visit to Washington yields promising wins but reality on the ground remains dire
Gaza reconstruction to cost seven times more than three previous wars combined
Israel's two-year bombardment has affected every facet of daily life in the strip
InterviewFormer US diplomat backs Ali Al Zaidi to pull off Iraq's balancing act
Former ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad praises new PM's youthful exuberance and says lack of 'political baggage' will work in his favour
