Middle East Update: Jordan Intercepts Iranian Missiles, West Bank Violence Investigated, and Iraqi Officials Jailed

Today on Trending Middle East, Jordan has successfully intercepted eight Iranian missiles following a US strike on Iranian forces near the Strait of Hormuz. This exchange marks the first direct fighting between the two countries in over a month.

Meanwhile, in the occupied West Bank, residents informed The National that a concerning pattern of settler violence and land seizures points toward a co-ordinated campaign. This follows statements from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who recently blamed these attacks on a “handful of rioters”.

In other developments, Iraq has sentenced a deputy oil minister and a former MP to seven years in prison in separate corruption cases, ordering them to repay millions in illicit gains. In North Africa, Libya’s rival political factions have signed a UN-backed agreement that clears the path for long-delayed national elections.

Additionally, the UAE has dispatched 83 tonnes of food and shelter supplies to Nepal following devastating flash floods that killed hundreds of people. Although thousands remain missing, heavy rain and ongoing fears of further flooding continue to severely disrupt search and rescue efforts. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, utilizing original reporting published in The National while being curated and edited by humans.