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Middle East
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- 1Renewables Hit 61% of Turkey's Electricity Amid Hormuz CrisisβAmid Hormuz Energy Crisis, Renewables generate 61% of Turkish Electricity
Turkey generated 61% of its electricity from renewable sources at a time when the Strait of Hormuz crisis has raised fears over global oil and gas supply. Analysts point to the figure as evidence that investment in wind, solar and hydro can reduce exposure to Middle East energy shocks. The milestone has drawn attention to Turkey's energy strategy and to renewables more broadly as a hedge against supply disruption.
- 2New migrant arrivals on Mallorca spark criticism of SpainβA new group of illegal migrants has just arrived in Mallorca, Spain. The Spanish government continues to flood the count
A new group of migrants has arrived on the Spanish island of Mallorca, drawing sharp criticism of the Spanish government's handling of irregular migration. Posts from Spain accuse Madrid of allowing continued arrivals from Africa and the Middle East, framing the landings as part of a wider debate over migration pressure on Europe's southern borders.
- 3Pezeshkian Sets Out Iran's Red Lines at UN General AssemblyβPezeshkian Draws Iranβs Red Lines at UNGA 80 β Nuclear Weapons, Israel and Regional Security | APT
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the 80th UN General Assembly in New York, laying out what Iran describes as its red lines on nuclear weapons, Israel and regional security. His speech touched on Tehran's position that it does not seek nuclear arms while pressing its grievances against Israel and outlining its stance on stability across the Middle East.
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A new US intelligence assessment warns that Saudi Arabia may still choose to pursue nuclear weapons, despite ongoing diplomacy over a potential normalization deal with Israel that would include US civilian nuclear cooperation. The warning highlights persistent concern in Washington that Riyadh wants a nuclear option as a hedge against regional rival Iran, complicating negotiations.
- 5US intelligence: Saudi Arabia has not ruled out nuclear weaponsβUS intelligence says Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing nuclear weapons
US intelligence agencies assess that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing nuclear weapons, according to a recently reported intelligence finding. The assessment underscores persistent concerns in Washington and beyond about nuclear proliferation in the Middle East, particularly as tensions with Iran continue and Riyadh weighs its strategic options. Analysts say the finding could complicate US-Saudi relations and any future nuclear cooperation talks.
- 6Saudi Arabia has not ruled out nuclear weapons, US intelligence saysβSaudi Arabia has not ruled out nuclear weapons: US intelligence
US intelligence has assessed that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out acquiring nuclear weapons, according to reporting carried by Gulf News. The finding underscores longstanding concerns about nuclear proliferation in the Middle East, particularly as tensions with Iran persist and Riyadh weighs its strategic options. Commentators are debating what the assessment means for regional security and US-Saudi relations.
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Iraq and the United States have agreed to resume shipments of US dollar cash into Iraq, according to Middle East Monitor. The move matters because Iraq relies heavily on physical dollars for banking and currency exchange, and earlier halts to cash deliveries strained the country's financial system and contributed to pressure on the Iraqi dinar.
- 8Saudi Arabia Signals Openness to Developing Nuclear WeaponsβSaudi Arabia Open to Possibly Developing Nuclear Weapons https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/25/us/politics/saudi-arabia-nuc
Saudi Arabia has indicated it would be open to possibly developing nuclear weapons, according to a New York Times report on US-Saudi politics. The statement marks a significant shift in the kingdom's stance on nuclear proliferation and is likely to intensify debate over arms races in the Middle East and Washington's nuclear cooperation talks with Riyadh.
- 9Saudi Arabia has not ruled out nuclear weapons, intelligence saysβSaudis have not ruled out developing nuclear weapons, intelligence assesses
Intelligence assessments indicate Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing nuclear weapons. The finding underscores long-standing concerns that Riyadh could pursue a nuclear deterrent if regional rivals, particularly Iran, advance their own nuclear programmes, and it raises fresh questions about nuclear proliferation in the Middle East and the future of any US-Saudi nuclear cooperation agreement.
- 10Palantir Co-Founder Urges Less Judgment Over Deadly Iran School StrikeβPalantir's Co-Founder Wants Us Less Judgmental About Deadly Iran School Strike
Peter Thiel, co-founder of data-analytics firm Palantir, is drawing criticism after arguing that people should be less judgmental about a deadly strike on a school in Iran. The comments, reported by Mother Jones, sparked debate over the ethics of civilian casualties in the Middle East conflict and the role of tech executives in shaping public attitudes toward military action.
- 11US signs nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia easing enrichment limitsβThe U.S. just signed a nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia that could let the kingdom enrich its own uranium, skipping the "g
The United States has signed a nuclear cooperation deal with Saudi Arabia that could allow the kingdom to enrich its own uranium, dropping the strict 'gold standard' non-proliferation commitments Washington demanded from the UAE in 2009. Lawmakers from both parties are voicing concern that the weaker safeguards could fuel proliferation pressures and heighten tensions across the Middle East.
- 12Ex-bodyguard of Hamas leader arrested over alleged plot against European JewsβIsmail Haniyeh's ex-bodyguard arrested for planning terror attack against European Jews - report
A former bodyguard of Ismail Haniyeh, the assassinated Hamas political chief, has been arrested on suspicion of planning a terror attack against Jewish targets in Europe, according to a report. The case has heightened concerns about Iranian-linked or Hamas-linked surveillance of Jewish communities abroad following Haniyeh's killing in Tehran last year.
- 13Houthi offensive leaves Saudi Arabia exposed and Iran emboldenedβHouthi blitz leaves Saudi Arabia exposed, Iran emboldened The lack of international military support for Saudi Arabia, p
A renewed Houthi offensive is being described as a major blow to Saudi Arabia, exposing gaps in its defences. Analysts argue the lack of international military support for Riyadh, particularly from the United States, has emboldened Iran and its regional allies. The developments are seen as further complicating an already volatile geopolitical landscape across the Middle East, with observers questioning Washington's commitment to its Gulf partner.
- 14RAF base in counter-terror probe hosts US strikes on Iranian missile sitesβRAF base at centre of counter-terror operation is used by US planes to hit Iranian missile sites
A British RAF base that has become the focus of a counter-terror operation is reportedly being used by US aircraft to conduct strikes against Iranian missile sites. The disclosure ties the base to American military operations against Iran while UK police investigate a separate terrorism case connected to the site, raising questions about Britain's role in the escalating confrontation.
- 15U.S.-Saudi Nuclear Deal Raises Uranium Enrichment QuestionsβU.S.-Saudi Nuclear Deal Raises Questions Over Uranium Enrichment
A potential nuclear cooperation agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia is drawing scrutiny over whether Riyadh would be permitted to enrich uranium on its own soil. Observers in Israel and the wider Middle East are weighing the implications for nonproliferation commitments, regional security, and the possibility of a broader U.S.-brokered normalization arrangement involving Saudi Arabia and Israel.
- 16MENA startup funding keeps momentum despite regional headwindsβStartup wrap β Funding momentum continues in MENA despite regional headwinds
MENA startups continue to attract investment despite ongoing economic and political headwinds across the region. A roundup of recent funding activity shows deal momentum holding steady, with investors still backing ventures across the Middle East and North Africa. The sustained interest is being read as a sign of confidence in the region's startup ecosystem even amid broader uncertainty.
- 17CADD Emirates partners with Hotelworld.ai to expand AI hotel techβCADD Emirates Partners with Hotelworld.ai to Expand AI Hotel Technology Across the Middle East
CADD Emirates has announced a partnership with Hotelworld.ai to roll out artificial intelligence-driven hotel technology across the Middle East. The deal aims to bring AI solutions for hotel operations to properties in the region. Details on financial terms and rollout timelines have not been disclosed, and there has been limited public discussion of the announcement so far.
- 18Iranian official says Israel's nuclear arsenal cannot be ignoredβIsraeli regime nuclear arsenal cannot be ignored: Gharibabadi
Kadri Gharibabadi, Iran's deputy head of judiciary for international affairs, said Israel's nuclear arsenal cannot be ignored, according to the Mehr News Agency. The remark reflects Iran's longstanding criticism of Israel's undeclared nuclear weapons program and its calls for international scrutiny, with officials arguing that Western powers apply double standards on nuclear issues in the Middle East.
- 19Gharibabadi: Nuclear Disarmament Cannot Come by Shielding IsraelβGharibabadi: Nuclear Disarmament Cannot Be Achieved by Granting Israel Immunity
Iranian diplomat Kazem Gharibabadi said nuclear disarmament cannot be achieved while Israel is granted immunity, arguing that selective treatment of Israel's undeclared nuclear capabilities undermines global non-proliferation efforts. The remarks were carried by Iran's WANA News Agency and come amid ongoing international debate over nuclear accountability in the Middle East.