The Latest Breaking News from Beirut

France urges Iran-backed groups to show restraint if US-Iran tensions escalate

France's foreign minister is urging Iran-backed groups in the Middle East to show restraint if tensions escalate between Iran and the U.S. He made the remarks in Beirut on Friday after visiting Syria and Iraq

The Independent UK · Feb 6

Lebanon’s €42.4bn gold dilemma: A crisis lifeline or a last resort?

As trust in banks evaporates, citizens buy coins and jewellery while officials argue over whether to unlock the nation’s vast reserves.

Euronews · Feb 6

Deal is signed in Beirut to transfer 300 Syrian prisoners in Lebanon to their home country

Lebanon and Syria have signed an agreement to transfer over 300 Syrian detainees from Lebanese prisons to continue their sentences in Syria

The Independent UK · Feb 6

World famous DJ Priest draws cheers and controversy with sold-out set in Beirut

Pope Leo XIV visited Lebanon as part of his first official trip abroad in November

The Independent UK · Jan 13

Toni Geitani: Wahj review – radiant new frontiers in Arabic electronic experimentalism

The Beirut-born producer’s masterly second album revels in dark tension to cinematic effect, finding beauty in ruinous sound

The Guardian - UK · Jan 9

Mika: ‘Scrutiny over my sexuality was kind of brutal’

THE SATURDAY INTERVIEW: The Beirut-born pop star is back with his first English-language album in six years, the dazzling ‘Hyperlove’. He opens up to Roisin O’Connor about the lasting influence of his late mother, Joannie, his lambasting by music critics when he broke through in 2007, and why his pursuit…

The Independent UK · Jan 3

Bulgarian court rejects extradition of Russian owner of ship linked to Beirut port blast

The supervising prosecutor, Angel Kanev, said that the key issue is whether sufficient guarantees have been provided that a death sentence will not be imposed.

Euronews · Dec 10, 2025

Bulgarian court rejects extradition of Russian owner of a ship linked to Beirut port blast

A Bulgarian court has rejected Lebanon's request to extradite Igor Grechushkin, the owner of a ship linked to the 2020 Beirut port explosion

The Independent UK · Dec 10, 2025

Photos of a Beirut woman's rooftop sanctuary for pigeons

Every evening as the sun drops behind Beirut’s concrete skyline, Loubna Hamdan steps onto her rooftop and whistles. A flutter of wings follows. Dozens of pigeons — white, speckled, chestnut, black — circle above her, catching the day's last light. Here, the 36-year-old office worker has found an unexpected refuge.

The Independent UK · Dec 9, 2025

Why Lebanon's Christians wield power greater than their numbers

Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Lebanon this week underscores the unique position of Christians in the Middle East’s most religiously diverse nation – the only Arab country led by a Christian president. As Lebanon faces multiple crises, Christians wield influence far greater than their numbers.

Radio France Internationale · Dec 5, 2025