A growing rift has reportedly emerged between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the future of Gaza. Netanyahu has rejected proposals involving an Israeli troop withdrawal and Hamas disarmament, raising fresh doubts over ceasefire negotiations and the prospects for a lasting peace. The disagreement highlights deep divisions over the next phase of the Gaza conflict and regional security.

Benjamin Netanyahu Refuses to Withdraw Troops from Gaza, Rejects Hamas Disarmament Proposal

U.S. President Donald Trump has once again postponed planned military strikes on Iran, claiming that the outlines of a peace deal are taking shape. However, Tehran has categorically denied asking Washington to halt the strikes, calling the allegations false. As tensions continue to simmer, Gulf nations including Saudi Arabia are reportedly urging de-escalation, fearing the devastating consequences of a wider regional conflict.

In this exclusive interview, Chris Doyle, Director of the Council for Arab-British Understanding (CAABU), analyzes the evolving crisis, Trump's repeated reversals, Iran's military strategy, the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, and the growing role of Gulf countries in preventing a full-scale regional war.

Can diplomacy still succeed, or is another military confrontation inevitable?

Watch the full analysis for the latest developments from the Middle East.

Iran-U.S. War: Trump Losing Credibility as Conflict Drags On, Expert Warns

Russia has launched one of its largest missile attacks on Kyiv, killing at least 10 people and injuring dozens as the war in Ukraine intensifies. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has renewed calls for additional Patriot air defense systems, warning that Ukraine urgently needs stronger protection against Russian ballistic missiles.

Meanwhile, Ukraine claims it struck Russian oil refineries deep inside Russian territory and targeted shipping routes in the Black Sea, while Moscow says it intercepted hundreds of Ukrainian drones. As fighting escalates, the United States says it is exploring ways to revive peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.

Russia Pounds Kyiv With Massive Missile Barrage | Ukraine Pleads For Patriot Missiles |War Escalates

Israeli media reports claim several Arab leaders have privately urged US President Donald Trump to reconsider his support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reportedly viewing Netanyahu's government as an obstacle to broader Middle East diplomatic efforts. The reports come as discussions continue over Trump's regional plans and Israel's upcoming elections. Meanwhile, Israeli President Isaac Herzog has called for progress on normalising ties with Saudi Arabia, expressing hope for closer relations with Riyadh. Saudi Arabia had paused normalisation talks with Israel following the Gaza war and has maintained that any agreement depends on progress toward establishing an independent Palestinian state.

Israel-Saudi peace deal back in focus | Arab leaders raise concerns over Netanyahu

The United States and Iran appear to be moving closer to a potential breakthrough after weeks of stalled negotiations. Reports suggest both sides are discussing a framework that could pave the way for a broader agreement, including ceasefire measures, regional security arrangements, and future talks on key disputes.


US-Iran War: US, Iran Inch Closer to A Deal After Over a Month of Stalemate

The US says it expects Iran to respond soon to its latest peace proposal as tensions rise in the Gulf and the fragile ceasefire comes under pressure. President Donald Trump has indicated he is awaiting Tehran’s reply, even as Iran says the proposal is still under review with no fixed timeline. Renewed clashes near the Strait of Hormuz have further heightened fears of escalation and uncertainty in the region.


US-Iran Peace Talks: Trump Expecting Iran Response Soon on Agreement To End War

The United States has expressed confidence that ​peace talks with Iran will go ahead in Pakistan and a senior Iranian official said Tehran was considering joining, but significant uncertainty remained on Tuesday as the end of a ceasefire ‌loomed.
The two-week truce in the war that the U.S. and Israel unleashed on Iran on February 28 was set to expire in the next day or two, although officials have given mixed messages on the precise timing.

US-Iran War: Iran Rejects Negotiations 'Under Threat'

Iranian state media says Tehran is not currently planning to attend the next round of peace talks with the United States, despite Washington’s announcement that negotiators would travel to Islamabad for discussions. Iranian outlets cited ongoing disagreements, including the continued naval blockade and shifting US demands, as key obstacles to progress.

US-Iran Peace Talks: Iran State Media Says Tehran Not Planning to Attend Talks 

US President Donald Trump has confirmed that a second round of US-Iran peace talks will be held in Islamabad, marking a fresh diplomatic push to de-escalate rising tensions between Washington and Tehran. The announcement comes amid ongoing disputes over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and recent incidents involving ship seizures and blockade enforcement.

US-Iran Peace Talks: Trump Confirms Second Round of Talks with Iran in Islamabad

Iran has stated that negotiations with the United States have made progress, but both sides remain far from reaching a final agreement. Despite diplomatic movement and continued talks, major differences are still unresolved, keeping the situation uncertain as tensions and negotiations continue in parallel.

Breaking | Iran: US Negotiations Have Progressed But Far from Final Deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel is conducting direct negotiations with Lebanon aimed at achieving sustainable peace and the dismantling of Hezbollah, while simultaneously intensifying military strikes. The talks, facilitated by the U.S., focus on enforcing a security zone in southern Lebanon and removing Hezbollah's influence, particularly around Bint Jbeil. 


Israel: Dismantling Hezbollah, Sustainable Peace Key Aim of Talks

Pakistan is set on Friday to host anticipated negotiations between Iran and the United States on the third day of a ceasefire between the two countries, while Tehran’s participation remains unconfirmed following Israeli airstrikes that killed more than 300 people in Lebanon on Wednesday.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Thursday that these strikes—the most intense since the war reached Lebanon—would render the anticipated negotiations with the United States “meaningless.”

Iranian Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei Says Travel to Islamabad is Under Review Ahead of Talks

US negotiators intend to request the release of Americans detained in Iran as part of upcoming talks aimed at permanently ending the war, citing people briefed on the plans.


Report: US To Seek Release of Detained Americans in Iran

High-stakes peace negotiations between the United States and Iran are set to begin in Islamabad, with U.S. Vice President JD Vance leading the American delegation. The talks aim to stabilize the fragile ceasefire and explore a pathway toward a longer-term agreement after weeks of escalation across West Asia. Key issues expected to be discussed include maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, ceasefire compliance, and broader regional tensions, as both sides attempt to prevent a return to conflict.


US-Iran Peace Talks: Stage Set for High-Stakes Negotiations | VP Vance to Lead US Delegation 

According to Iranian media, Tehran has outright rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's ceasefire proposal, terming it excessive. Instead, Iran has laid out five specific conditions, the basis on which it will end the war. Amidst the rhetoric, Israel has called up 400,000 reservists, and the U.S. has increased deployment of elite forces in the region.  


US-Iran War: Iran Rejects US Ceasefire Proposal, Lays Out Conditions for Ending War 

Negotiators involved in the Russia–Ukraine peace talks have departed for Washington for a crucial round of discussions aimed at advancing a potential ceasefire framework. The meeting is expected to focus on security guarantees, territorial disputes, and pathways to de-escalation as the conflict continues to strain global stability.


Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks: Negotiators Depart for Washington for Planned Meeting

Russia-Ukraine peace talks have been postponed, but President Volodymyr Zelensky says he is ready to meet with the U.S. to discuss Russia’s proposals. Get the latest updates on diplomatic efforts, potential timelines, and reactions from international leaders.


Zelensky: Ready For Talks With US To Discuss Russia's Proposals

The White House confirms that Donald Trump will continue his international peace efforts, focusing on reducing global tensions. Germany hits out at Russia, accusing Moscow of testing Europe’s resolve.

White House Confirms Trump’s Diplomatic Push Amid Europe-Russia Tensions

As 2026 begins, the world asks: Will the Russia-Ukraine war finally end? Intensified peace talks, changing battlefield dynamics, and mounting international pressure.


Will 2026 Finally See The End Of Russia-Ukraine War? 

An explosion in southern Moscow has killed three people, including two police officers. The blast occurred near the site where a Russian general was killed in a car explosion earlier this week, raising security concerns and prompting a local investigation. Authorities are working to determine the cause of the incident.


Russia-Ukraine war: Three people, including officers, killed in an explosion in Moscow

The Ukrainian president says more than 600 drones and 30 missiles were deployed in the bombardment, which has killed three people, including a four-year-old child. "As of now, air raid alerts remain in effect across most of Ukraine.


Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv claims Moscow used over 600 drones in overnight attack 

US President Donald Trump, speaking Monday at an event in Palm Beach, Florida, struck a similarly general note. Asked for an update on the Ukraine-related talks that took place in Miami over the weekend, Trump offered little detail, saying only that negotiations are continuing.


Russia-Ukraine War: Trump Blames 'Hatred' Between Zelensky & Putin For Delay in Peace

Ukraine will not be able to afford maintaining an 800,000-strong army after the end of the conflict with Russia, Vladimir Zelensky has admitted, saying he wants Western aid to help finance the military as part of post-conflict security guarantees.


Russia burns Odesa: No power, no heat, no water

Top Russian General Yaroslav Moskalik killed in car explosion near Moscow, hours before Putin-West meeting on ceasefire. Russia launches murder probe, accusing Ukraine of murder plot, and calls Moskalik a 'legitimate target'.


Russia-Ukraine war: Investigators probe Ukraine link to Russian general's killing

The United States and Ukraine hailed the recent Miami talks as productive, aiming to find ways to end the ongoing war with Russia. Officials describe the discussions as constructive, highlighting continued diplomacy amid conflict. 

US Says Talks With Ukraine on Ending War With Russia Constructive

As Christmas draws closer, Ukrainians say they are facing relentless Russian strikes, both on the battlefield and inside their homes. Heavy attacks have plunged cities into darkness, damaged rail lines, and made the fighting even more volatile. Amid this escalation, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Russia would pursue its goals in Ukraine through military means if Ukraine and its backers abandon dialogue. 


Putin deploys Oreshnik missile to Belarus! | Europe in range | Mach 10 hypersonic threat

Kremlin Warns Europe: Russia has captured Kupiansk in a significant advance, but Ukrainian President Zelensky dismissed the setback as the country continues to resist. Europe is now preparing to send troops to Ukraine, prompting Moscow to issue strong warnings and draw a red line against direct involvement. The Kremlin claims Europe is hindering peace efforts, escalating tensions as the war enters a new phase with broader international stakes.


Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine's military chief claims control over 90% of Kupiansk 

Russia unleashed a major missile and drone barrage on Ukraine overnight into Saturday, after U.S. and Ukrainian officials said they'll meet on Saturday for a third day of talks aimed at ending the nearly 4-year-old war.

Russia Launches 653 Drones And 51 Missiles At Ukraine

U.S. and Ukrainian officials held what both sides called productive talks on Sunday about a Russia peace deal, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing optimism about progress despite challenges to ending the more than 3-year-long war. Rubio met with a Ukrainian delegation led by a new chief negotiator in Florida, his home state, for talks that he said were meant to create a pathway for Ukraine to remain sovereign and independent.


Ukraine peace talks: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets Ukrainian delegation in Florida

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio applauded the substantive advancements made during peace negotiations with Ukraine in Geneva, describing the talks as the most productive and meaningful to date. Both sides agreed on the importance of upholding Ukraine’s sovereignty and worked on refining a 28-point peace proposal. 


Russia-Ukraine War: Rubio Praises ‘Tremendous Progress’ at Peace Talks 

Pak-Afghan Peace Talks: Turkey and Qatar have mediated new rounds of peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Istanbul, aiming to solidify the ceasefire agreed in Doha earlier in October 2025. Both sides have committed to continuing the truce and establishing a monitoring mechanism to ensure enforcement and penalties for violations.

Pakistan, Afghanistan To Hold Another Round of Talks in Istanbul 

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