The Latest Breaking News from Middle East

G7 hails unity on Russia as Trump signals tougher line on Moscow

G7 leaders on Wednesday welcomed growing unity in efforts to increase pressure on Russia to end the war in Ukraine, amid signs of President Donald Trump's willingness to take a tougher line on Moscow. Later, at the candlelit dinner in Versailles, Trump signed a memorandum of understanding with Iran aimed…

France 24 · Jun 18

TAT slashes long-haul arrival forecast to 10 million

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has slashed its long-haul arrival forecast to 10 million arrivals this year, on par with last year, mainly due to the Middle East conflict.

Bangkok Post · Jun 18

Middle East live: 12.5 million oil barrels transited the Strait of Hormuz overnight, Vance says

Vice President JD Vance said Thursday that more than 12.5 million barrels of oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz overnight as the US lifted its blockade of Iran, the highest level since the war began in late February. The rise in traffic comes after the signing of a memorandum…

France 24 · Jun 17

Trump says Israel has Iran MoU copy as deal nears; calls Iranians ‘tough negotiators’

US President Donald Trump revealed Israel received a proposed Iran nuclear deal draft. He expressed optimism for a swift agreement and announced immediate technical talks on Iran's nuclear stockpiles. Trump warned of renewed military strikes if Iran breaches the deal. He also outlined parallel diplomatic efforts with Gulf nations on…

The Economic Times · Jun 17

Israel continues strikes on Lebanon ahead of anticipated US-Iran framework deal

While violence has declined in Lebanon since a US-Iran agreement to end the Middle East war was announced on Monday, Israeli strikes on the south have killed at least five people since the deal, according to Lebanese state media.

Euronews · Jun 17

US retail sales beat expectations in May as energy costs stay high

US retail sales significantly exceeded expectations in May, climbing 0.9 percent to $763.7 billion, driven by a substantial 3.4 percent increase in spending at gas stations. This surge, fueled by elevated energy costs due to the Middle East war, indicates robust consumer spending despite inflation pressures.

The Economic Times · Jun 17

BMW warns of ‘significant’ profit decline as shares fall 7%

The German luxury carmaker lowered its profit outlook for 2026 as sales slump in China and the conflict in the Middle East weighs on energy prices and consumer confidence.

Euronews · Jun 17

Japan's Nikkei closes at record high near 70,000 on AI boost

Japan's Nikkei share index hit a new record high for the third day running on Wednesday. The index closed just below the 70,000 mark. Easing Middle East conflict worries and strong buying in AI stocks boosted the market. Investors are also awaiting the US Federal Reserve's policy decision. Oil prices…

The Economic Times · Jun 17

IHCL's domestic hotel demand strong even as Middle East crisis drags on Dubai business: Puneet Chhatwal

Indian Hotels Company Limited anticipates a year-long recovery for its Dubai hotels due to the Middle East crisis, though domestic business remains robust. Despite this, the company is on track for 12-14% topline growth, driven by its expanding capital-light management fee business and a strong pipeline of new hotel openings…

The Economic Times · Jun 17

Australia relaxes Gulf travel advice in boost for Middle Eastern airlines

Australians can now travel to the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Israel, and Kuwait. The government has eased travel warnings for these nations. This change follows a deal between the US and Iran. Gulf airlines are expected to benefit. Airfares may also see adjustments. Travelers can now secure insurance for these routes.

The Economic Times · Jun 17