Middle East

The Middle East, here running from Turkey and Iran to Egypt and the Maghreb, is shaped by energy exports, by chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and Bab al-Mandab, and by the military weight of Israel, Iran and Turkey. The standing conflicts include the armed confrontation between Iran, the United States and Israel, the Gaza war, Syria's transition after Assad, the war in Yemen and the Red Sea front, and Sudan's civil war. This page covers the region's countries, including Israel, Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Egypt: politics, conflicts and news, month by month.

Geopolitical tensions and standing conflicts: Middle East

The disputes that keep coming back, from armed confrontation to economic and diplomatic rivalry, in which countries of this region take part or have a stake.

Iran in regional and international confrontation

Iran and the United States, with Israel, are in an armed confrontation over Iran's nuclear programme, its government and the Strait of Hormuz. Gulf Arab states are drawn in as they try to protect their coasts and shipping. The fighting has spread across the region.

Israel in regional confrontation

Israel, Iran and allied armed groups are fighting over influence and security in the Middle East. Israel says it is defending itself against groups it considers existential threats. Iran and the groups aligned with it say they are resisting Israeli military power and occupation. Palestinians seek an end to occupation and a state of their own.

Yemen and the Red Sea front

Fighting in Yemen pits the Houthi movement, which governs the north and the Red Sea coast, against Yemen's internationally recognized government and a Saudi-led coalition that intervenes on its side. The United States and Britain also strike Houthi targets at sea. The dispute concerns who rules Yemen and control of Red Sea shipping.