The National - Latest world news, sport & opinion

Live updates

Iran's Ghalibaf says reopening Hormuz not possible due to US-Israeli actions

This US Navy handout photograph released on April 21, 2026, by US Central Command Public Affairs shows US forces patrolling the Arabian Sea near the Touska, an Iranian-flagged cargo ship, on April 20, 2026. Iran on April 21 called on the United Nations to condemn the seizure by the United States of an Iranian cargo ship, characterizing the move as an act of piracy and a breach of a ceasefire between Tehran and Washington. The US president announced on April 19 that the US Navy had fired on and then taken control of the Touska cargo ship in the Sea of Oman. (Photo by various sources / AFP) / XGTY / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / US NAVY / US CENTRAL COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS" - HANDOUT - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

Iran's Ghalibaf says reopening Hormuz not possible due to US-Israeli actions

Police divert traffic from a road leading to the Serena hotel in Islamabad, which is expected to host the US delegation during talks with Iran. Reuters

Islamabad stuck on standby as push for further US-Iran talks stalls

Each side is waiting for the other to blink first, says Pakistani official

MENA

'Nocturnal threat': Rodents and disease spread through Gaza’s camps

MENA

UN envoy holds Yemen talks with Saudi and Houthi representatives

MENA

President Sheikh Mohamed receives Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara. Photo: UAE Presidential Court

00:28

President Sheikh Mohamed holds talks in Abu Dhabi with Syrian leader Al Shara

UAE

Middle East leaders head for war summit in Cyprus with European counterparts

Europe

Libya progress not where we want it to be, warns top UN official

The Dubai Gold line will span 42 kilometres and will feature 18 stations. Photo: Dubai Media Office

00:54

Dubai unveils underground $9bn Metro Gold Line to serve 1.5 million passengers

UAE

Video

War comment and analysis

Headlines

Spotlight

On The Record

20:03

Trump Hormuz blockade effective, says US Interior Secretary

Doug Burgum insists American economy is well-positioned to cope with market turmoil

TN Magazine

Business

Culture

Du is expecting revenue growth of between 5 per cent and 7 per cent this year. Photo: du

Du maintains full-year guidance despite geopolitical uncertainty

Technology

Libya hits record output and approves first unified budget in 13 years

Economy

UAE can deal with severe shock from Iran war, IMF says

Economy

Culture

Pride and patriotism: 10 songs by Gulf artists in response to the Iran war

Music & On-stage

Inside Lego’s World Cup challenge to turn Messi and Ronaldo into brick form

Pop Culture

Death by a Thousand Cuts shows evacuation leaflets being airdropped over Gaza between October 2023 and October 2025. Photo: Forensic Architecture

From Gaza to Syria: Stories from Middle East dominate art exhibition in Portugal

Art & Design

Podcasts

Beyond the Headlines

Delve deeper into the biggest stories from the Middle East and around the world

Culture Bites

Your guide to the arts and culture scene in the UAE

Business Extra

The stories, companies, trends, tech, Innovation and leaders shaping your world

Tarab

Explore the creative worlds of the Middle East’s most compelling musicians

More podcasts

Data Explained

Gulf jet fuel exports plunge 80% due to Iran war

Gulf states produced more than a third of the world's supply before the war

Overall supply of jet fuel from the Gulf slumped in April

Despite US pressure, the Lebanon-Israel talks process should not be rushed

Michael
Young

AI needs to understand the world, not just describe it

Magzhan Kenesbai

Why Gulf nations should be at the US-Iran negotiating table

Ebtesam Al Ketbi

A possible Keir Starmer exit suggests it's time to examine what ails British politics

Gavin Esler

Earth Day is as much about exploring space as it is about preserving our planet

Dimitra Atri

The US has secured a ceasefire in Lebanon. But its role shouldn't end there

Paul Salem

Today's cartoonShadi's take on Syria and Lebanon's 'basketball diplomacy'

Newsletters

Middle East Today
Expert insight, analysis, exclusive reports plus all the latest news from the region, about the region
Preview Sign up
The UAE Today
Your essential source for must-read news from Abu Dhabi, Dubai and the rest of the Emirates
Preview Sign up
Energy This Week
Your insight into the latest trends in oil, clean energy and more in the UAE and beyond
Preview Sign up
Beshara
Your weekly dose of good news and inspiration, delivered to your inbox
Preview Sign up
The Arts Edit
Your guide to Middle Eastern arts and culture from the region, and about the region
Preview Sign up
Future Beat
A round-up of stories shaping the world, from AI and green tech to science and medicine
Preview Sign up
Checking In
Expert travel advice on destinations, getting there, and what to do on arrival
Preview Sign up
View From London
The stories that matter to you from across Europe, brought to you directly by our London bureau
Preview Sign up
Weekender
Make the most of your weekend with long reads, features and our quiz of the week
Preview Sign up
On The Money
Stay ahead in personal finance with expert tips on investing, saving and spending
Preview Sign up
View From DC
Insight from The National's Washington DC team on US politics and its impact on the Mena region
Preview Sign up
Emirati
UAE Chief Reporter Shireena Al Nowais explores stories shaping the Emirates and its people
Preview Sign up
The Climate Edit
Stay updated on climate change, sustainability and innovations shaping the Mena region’s future
Preview Sign up

New $9bn Dubai Metro Gold Line announced

President Sheikh Mohamed receives Syria’s Al Shara

Manus on Markets: Is ceasefire extension a pivot or a Taco?

Lebanese town in ruins after Israeli troops clash with gunmen

Egyptian women fish in dirty canals to make a living

Emirati artists turn entrepreneurs to blend heritage and creativity

Abu Dhabi hotline supports residents during Iran war

New UAE platfom helps residents with their shopping budgets

Al Shara shoots hoops before Syria-Lebanon basketball game

Masdar-backed biggest wind turbine in the North Sea

Despite US pressure, the Lebanon-Israel talks process should not be rushed

AI needs to understand the world, not just describe it

Why Gulf nations should be at the US-Iran negotiating table

A possible Keir Starmer exit suggests it's time to examine what ails British politics

Earth Day is as much about exploring space as it is about preserving our planet

The US has secured a ceasefire in Lebanon. But its role shouldn't end there

New $9bn Dubai Metro Gold Line announced

President Sheikh Mohamed receives Syria’s Al Shara

Manus on Markets: Is ceasefire extension a pivot or a Taco?

Lebanese town in ruins after Israeli troops clash with gunmen

Egyptian women fish in dirty canals to make a living

Emirati artists turn entrepreneurs to blend heritage and creativity

Abu Dhabi hotline supports residents during Iran war

New UAE platfom helps residents with their shopping budgets

Al Shara shoots hoops before Syria-Lebanon basketball game

Masdar-backed biggest wind turbine in the North Sea

QuoteDespite US pressure, the Lebanon-Israel talks process should not be rushed

QuoteAI needs to understand the world, not just describe it

Why Gulf nations should be at the US-Iran negotiating table

A possible Keir Starmer exit suggests it's time to examine what ails British politics

Earth Day is as much about exploring space as it is about preserving our planet

The US has secured a ceasefire in Lebanon. But its role shouldn't end there

Despite US pressure, the Lebanon-Israel talks process should not be rushed

AI needs to understand the world, not just describe it