In today’s episode of Trending Middle East podcast, diplomatic efforts to end the war with Iran are gathering pace, with talks under way on a potential 45-day ceasefire that could lead to a longer-term agreement. But even as negotiations continue, US President Donald Trump has renewed threats of further strikes on Iranian infrastructure.

We also learn the latest statements made by diplomatic adviser to President Sheikh Mohamed, Dr Anwar Gargash, who says Iran’s actions are likely to strengthen the US role in the region, while also pointing to growing Israeli influence in the Gulf.

Across the region, Iranian attacks have hit key energy and infrastructure sites in the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain, over the weekend. There are also signs of normal activity in the UAE, with Dubai’s live events sector beginning to recover despite ongoing disruption.

Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East podcast, the UN Security Council prepares to vote on a Bahrain-backed resolution addressing Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, as Gulf states push for measures to protect global shipping and maintain the flow of trade.

We also cover the latest security developments, including missile attacks on Israel claimed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. In Iran, US President Donald Trump says a major bridge linking Tehran and Karaj has been destroyed, indicating continued escalation and pressure on key infrastructure.

In the UAE, churches in Dubai will be closed to the public over the Easter weekend, with some moving services online as a precaution amid continuing missile and drone threats.

The conflict is also affecting education across the region, with a major UK exam board cancelling international GCSE and A-level exams in several countries, including the UAE, as schools look for alternative arrangements.

Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, we look at US President Donald Trump's suggestion that Washington is close to achieving its core objectives. While he pointed to a possible end to operations, questions remain over how the conflict will conclude and what comes next.

We also look at the UAE’s response, as officials reject reports suggesting the country could take part in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by force.

In London, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called an international meeting to address the crisis, warning that even if the war ends, risks to global shipping will persist.

Elsewhere, Unesco, the UN's cultural organisation, has granted enhanced protection to dozens of cultural sites across Lebanon amid the conflict, while Nasa has launched Artemis II, the first crewed Moon mission in more than half a century.

Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated by humans.