Welcome to our live coverage of the latest developments from West Asia. Follow real-time updates on regional geopolitics, oil and energy markets, diplomacy, security tensions, economic reforms, civil movements and religious dynamics. Track the actions and policies of major regional powers as they navigate ongoing conflicts, international negotiations and domestic challenges
A Palestinian girl carries buckets of water amid shortages, in Gaza City, August 6, 2025. Reuters
Tensions, diplomacy, and market risks are dominating the West Asia agenda today, with fresh conflict escalations, sharp political disputes, and shifting international alignments. From deadly incidents deepening media and diplomatic rifts, to high-stakes ceasefire talks, blackout-triggered unrest fears, and commercial fallout from controversial remarks, the region faces a volatile mix of security, humanitarian and economic challenges. Follow our rolling updates for real-time developments and expert context on the fast-changing situation:
West Asia today in news
Welcome to our live coverage of the latest developments from West Asia. Follow real-time updates on regional geopolitics, oil and energy markets, diplomacy, security tensions, economic reforms, civil movements and religious dynamics. Track the actions and policies of major regional powers as they navigate ongoing conflicts, international negotiations and domestic challenges
August 13, 2025, 05:00:02 (IST)
Gaza’s public health crisis deepens with spread of antibiotic-resistant diseases, signalling long-term economic strain
Gaza is facing a severe public health escalation as antibiotic-resistant diseases spread, a development with profound economic implications for the region, according to a report in The Guardian. The crisis, fuelled by malnutrition and a collapsed healthcare system amid the 22-month conflict and Israel’s blockade, will necessitate a far greater and more prolonged international aid response. Experts warn that the rise of untreatable infections will not only increase mortality but also lead to a long-term public health catastrophe, crippling any future economic recovery and placing a multi-decade financial strain on aid organisations and any future governing authority in the territory.
August 13, 2025, 03:30:02 (IST)
Argentinian president launches initiative to boost Israel-Latin America ties
Argentina’s President Javier Milei has announced the launch of the ‘Isaac Accords’, a new diplomatic initiative aimed at improving relations between Israel and countries in Latin America, Al Jazeera says in a report. The initiative will be funded by the $1 million Genesis Prize, which was awarded to Milei. The name ‘Isaac Accords’ echoes the previous US-brokered ‘Abraham Accords’ that normalised relations between Israel and several Arab nations, suggesting a similar goal of fostering diplomatic and economic cooperation, but with a focus on the Latin American region.
August 13, 2025, 03:17:04 (IST)
Iraq to prosecute pro-Iran fighters after deadly Baghdad clash
The Iraqi government has announced it will prosecute members of the pro-Iran militia Kataib Hezbollah following a recent deadly clash in Baghdad, according to a report in The New Arab. The legal action comes after an attack on a government office in the capital that resulted in the deaths of three people. Kataib Hezbollah is a powerful faction within the state-sponsored Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), an umbrella group of militias formed in 2014 to fight ISIS, but it often operates outside of the state’s command structure and maintains close ties to Iran.
August 13, 2025, 03:15:14 (IST)
Blast kills six Lebanese soldiers near Hezbollah facility in southern Lebanon
Six Lebanese soldiers have been killed following a blast at a Hezbollah weapons depot in southern Lebanon, near the border with Israel, The New Arab says in a report. The incident occurs amidst persistent ‘disarmament tensions’ surrounding Hezbollah’s status as a heavily armed non-state actor, a key point of political contention within Lebanon and a source of regional instability. From a financial and economic perspective, the event underscores the fragility of the Lebanese state, which is already contending with a severe economic crisis and a political vacuum. Such incidents increase perceived risk for investors and may further complicate international efforts aimed at providing financial aid and fostering economic recovery, as they highlight the central government’s lack of a monopoly on force and its inability to control all of its territory.
August 13, 2025, 03:14:21 (IST)
Bishara Bahbah denies resigning as US President Trump’s Gaza negotiator
Bishara Bahbah has denied reports that he resigned from an unofficial US negotiating team focused on ending the war in Gaza, according to a report in The New Arab. Bahbah, a Palestinian-American academic, is reportedly part of an informal advisory group for US President Donald Trump. The role is not an official government position but is framed as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to address the ongoing conflict, which began in October 2023.
August 13, 2025, 03:12:46 (IST)
Israel reportedly considers resuming hostage negotiations in Doha
Israel is considering a resumption of hostage negotiations in Doha, Qatar, following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s rejection of a ‘partial deal’ for the release of captives, Israel National News says in a report. This potential return to the negotiating table aims for a more comprehensive agreement to free all remaining hostages and comes amid significant international pressure from mediators including the US, Qatar, and Egypt, as well as sustained domestic pressure from the families of the hostages. Multiple previous rounds of talks have failed to bridge the fundamental disagreements between Israel and Hamas, particularly over the demand for a permanent ceasefire.
August 13, 2025, 03:10:21 (IST)
Severe heatwave across West Asia strains infrastructure and threatens economic activity
A severe heatwave is sweeping across several West Asia and North African nations, causing significant strain on public infrastructure and posing risks to key economic sectors, according to a report in The New Arab. Countries including Kuwait and Egypt are experiencing extreme temperatures and humidity, leading to failures in power grids and water systems unable to cope with surging demand. The extreme weather event is disrupting economic activity, particularly in sectors like construction, agriculture, and tourism, which are crucial for regional economic diversification plans. The crisis also exacerbates existing vulnerabilities such as water scarcity and food insecurity, heightening concerns over potential social unrest and increasing pressure on government resources.
August 13, 2025, 03:09:02 (IST)
Italian defense minister compares Netanyahu to Putin over Gaza war, considers sanctions
Italy’s defense minister has drawn a comparison between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the ongoing war in Gaza, Haaretz said in a report. The minister is also reportedly considering the possibility of imposing sanctions in response to the conflict, a move that signifies notable international criticism from a key European nation and G7 member.
August 13, 2025, 03:06:16 (IST)
Over 600 pilgrims hospitalised following chlorine gas leak in Iraq
A chlorine gas leak in Iraq has resulted in the hospitalisation of over 600 pilgrims, an event that highlights the critical state of the nation’s public infrastructure, The New Arab says in a report. The incident is being attributed to systemic failures, including dilapidated facilities and lax safety standards, which are direct consequences of decades of conflict and pervasive corruption. This event places significant pressure on the Iraqi government, exposing its inability to ensure basic public safety and maintain essential services. For businesses and investors, it reinforces the high operational risks within the country, stemming from fragile infrastructure and weak regulatory enforcement, which can lead to severe public health crises and fuel further social and political instability.
August 13, 2025, 03:04:28 (IST)
Egypt’s expanded gas import deal with Israel faces public opposition
An expanded energy deal for Egyptian firms to import 64 billion cubic metres of natural gas from Israel is facing growing public and political opposition in Egypt, according to a report in The New Arab. The agreement builds upon a 2018 deal involving companies such as Egypt’s Dolphinus Holdings and Israeli field operators, and is economically significant for both nations. For Israel, it provides a key market to monetise its large offshore gas reserves, while for Egypt, it supports the strategic ambition to become a regional energy hub by liquefying and re-exporting the gas via its Mediterranean LNG facilities. However, the backlash, rooted in widespread anti-normalisation sentiment connected to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, presents a notable political risk for the Egyptian government and could affect the long-term stability of the commercial arrangement.
August 13, 2025, 03:02:21 (IST)
Iraq experiences nationwide power outage amid record 50C heatwave
Iraq has announced a widespread power outage across the country after its dilapidated electricity grid failed under the strain of a severe heatwave, with temperatures reaching 50C, as per a report in The New Arab. The crisis is exacerbated by high demand for cooling and a significant influx of religious pilgrims, further taxing the fragile infrastructure. Systemic issues, including a grid degraded by decades of conflict, chronic underinvestment, and corruption, are the root causes of the recurring power failures. In the absence of a reliable state supply, many Iraqis are forced to depend on expensive private generators for electricity.
August 13, 2025, 03:01:38 (IST)
Syria forms committee to review public sector dismissals from 2011 to 2024
The Syrian government has established a central committee to review public sector dismissals that occurred between 2011 and 2024, a period corresponding with the country’s civil war, according to a report in The New Arab. The initiative comes as Syria faces a severe economic crisis, but its potential economic impact is being questioned due to significant concerns over a lack of transparency. The committee’s mandate reportedly excludes dismissals driven by security decisions, which analysts suggest reinforces that political loyalty, rather than administrative reform or rule of law, remains the primary driver within state institutions. This framework is seen as a major impediment to creating a stable environment for business or attracting the foreign investment needed for economic reconstruction.
August 13, 2025, 02:59:39 (IST)
Syrian man dies under torture in Aleppo detention
A man in Aleppo has died under torture while being held in a detention facility for allegedly stealing a motorcycle, according to a report in The New Arab. The incident is presented as an example of ongoing human rights abuses in areas of Syria under the control of Bashar al-Assad’s government.
August 13, 2025, 02:58:46 (IST)
Ben-Gvir’s call to topple PA raises concerns over regional stability and economic fallout
Israel’s Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has publicly called for the toppling of the Palestinian Authority (PA) and labelled its leader, Mahmoud Abbas, a ‘terrorist’ in a statement on social media, The New Arab says in a report. This declaration significantly escalates political tensions and introduces considerable uncertainty for the region’s economic stability. The rhetoric threatens to undermine the PA’s role in security coordination, which is vital for maintaining the relative calm necessary for economic activity in the West Bank. Analysts suggest that the collapse of the PA could create a power vacuum, leading to widespread instability that would deter investment and disrupt commerce, while potentially straining economic and diplomatic relations with key international partners such as the US and European Union, who provide financial support to the authority.
August 13, 2025, 02:54:46 (IST)
Greta Thunberg to join flotilla aiming to deliver aid to Gaza on 31 August
Climate activist Greta Thunberg is set to participate in a new flotilla scheduled to depart for Gaza on 31 August in an attempt to break the Israeli-enforced blockade, The New Arab says in a report. Thunberg has urged other activists to join the flotilla, which aims to deliver humanitarian aid and draw global attention to the humanitarian situation in the enclave. Similar past attempts to break the blockade by sea have led to confrontations, most notably the Mavi Marmara incident in 2010.
August 13, 2025, 02:54:19 (IST)
Heightened West Bank tensions signal increased geopolitical risk for regional markets
A report detailing the detention of 662 Palestinians in the West Bank in July, and over 18,500 since October 2023, underscores a significant escalation in regional instability, according to a report in The New Arab. From a market perspective, such sustained security operations contribute to heightened geopolitical risk, a key consideration for investors in Israel and the wider West Asia region. This environment can deter foreign direct investment, disrupt local commerce and supply chains, and potentially introduce volatility in local equity markets and currency valuations. The continued unrest undermines business confidence and complicates the operational landscape for companies with a presence in the territory, signalling potential long-term economic consequences stemming from the ongoing conflict.
August 13, 2025, 02:47:40 (IST)
Turkey detains contractor after deadly earthquake causes building collapse
The owner and builder of a collapsed apartment building in Balikesir, Turkey, have been detained by authorities amid fears of negligence, according to a report in The New Arab. The detention follows a 6.1 magnitude earthquake that struck the region, resulting in the building’s collapse, which killed one person and left 29 others injured. The action against the contractor comes as questions are raised about adherence to construction standards in the seismically active country.
August 13, 2025, 02:47:14 (IST)
US congressman’s meeting with HTS leader in Syria signals potential policy shift and market uncertainty
US Congressman Abraham Hamadeh, a known associate of President Donald Trump, has met with Ahmed Al-Sharaa, the leader of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), in Damascus, The New Arab says in a report. This development presents a significant challenge to established US foreign policy, which formally designates HTS as a terrorist organisation and imposes sanctions on Syria through the Caesar Act. From a market perspective, this unauthorised diplomatic engagement introduces considerable geopolitical uncertainty into West Asia, potentially affecting investor confidence and risk assessments for the region. The meeting signals a potential divergence from official US policy, creating ambiguity for businesses regarding the future of sanctions enforcement and regional stability, which could in turn impact energy markets and firms with exposure to the area.
August 13, 2025, 02:33:59 (IST)
Disabled women in Gaza face severe conditions in overcrowded shelters
Disabled women in Gaza are experiencing severe difficulties in overcrowded shelters due to the ongoing war and mass displacement, as per a report in The New Arab. The conditions are reportedly characterized by a significant lack of privacy, inadequate hygiene facilities, and insufficient access to necessary medical care for this vulnerable group.
August 13, 2025, 02:32:48 (IST)
Political instability and conflict in West Asia impact viewing of Perseid meteor shower
The peak of the Perseid meteor shower on August 12-13 offers a celestial display across West Asia, but political and security realities on the ground starkly contrast with the universal nature of the event, as per a report in The New Arab. For millions living in conflict zones such as Syria, Yemen, and parts of Iraq, or in regions with high insecurity, traveling to the remote, dark locations ideal for stargazing is prohibitively dangerous. Furthermore, governmental restrictions on freedom of movement and assembly in several countries in the region present another significant barrier, highlighting a disparity where the simple act of watching a meteor shower is a privilege unavailable to those affected by instability and authoritarian control.
August 13, 2025, 02:31:48 (IST)
New gas shipments fail to end severe power cuts across Syria
Syrians are facing persistent and lengthy power outages that significantly impact daily life, even with the recent import of new gas supplies, The New Arab says in a report. The crisis is not being resolved by the new shipments because of a combination of factors, including extensive war damage to power plants and transmission lines, and a lack of maintenance and spare parts. The situation is further exacerbated by US sanctions under the Caesar Act, which restrict trade and investment in Syria’s energy sector, and the Syrian government’s lack of control over major domestic oil and gas fields, which are primarily in areas held by other factions.
August 13, 2025, 02:30:24 (IST)
Lebanon replaces intelligence chief in Hezbollah stronghold, raising political risk
The Lebanese government has replaced the head of army intelligence in Beirut’s southern suburbs, a significant Hezbollah stronghold, a dev