Middle East News Live: Palestinian communities report missile debris landings amid Iran-Israel confrontation

President Donald Trump will not endorse a Group of 7 (G7) allies' statement calling for restraint from both Israel and Iran, which have engaged in several days of attacks, a White House official announced on June 16, 2025, The New York Times said in a report. The drafted statement was intended as a joint message from G7 nations aimed at de-escalating the recent conflict between the two Middle Eastern countries.

Palestinian authorities have reported that roughly 80 pieces of missiles, originating from Iran's attacks targeting Israel, have fallen on Palestinian communities since the direct confrontation between Israel and Iran began on Friday, June 14, 2025, The New York Times says in a report. This development highlights the impact of the escalating regional conflict on Palestinian areas, which are being affected by projectiles related to the clashes between the two states.

President Donald Trump on Monday, June 16, 2025, warned individuals in Tehran to "immediately evacuate," stating this on Truth Social while lamenting Iran's decision not to sign an agreement with the United States aimed at limiting its nuclear program, The Hill said in a report. President Trump posted, "Iran should have signed the 'deal' I told them to sign. What a shame, and waste of human life."

Bahrain is bolstering its emergency preparedness by readying 33 public shelters and planning tests of its warning siren system, Khaleej Times said in a report. These measures are being undertaken to enhance public safety and civil defense capabilities in response to potential emergencies, particularly in light of current regional security concerns in the Middle East.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted on Monday that Israel's military actions against Iran are 'changing the face of the Middle East,' as direct strikes between the two countries entered their fourth day, Gulf Today said in a report. An Israeli aerial campaign, which began Friday with the stated aim of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, saw a significant attack on the Iranian state TV (IRIB) building in Tehran on Monday, prompting threats of retaliation against Israeli news channels. Iranian authorities reported at least 224 fatalities, including military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians, from Israeli strikes. US President Donald Trump urged Iran to return to nuclear negotiations, which he said were derailed by Israel's attacks, while Iran's foreign minister claimed President Trump could halt the Israeli actions. Iran's Revolutionary Guards vowed to continue missile attacks, and early Tuesday, inhabitants of Tel Aviv were briefly told to seek shelter. Additionally, the Iranian Red Crescent reported three of its rescuers were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Tehran on Monday.

Israel struck state-run Iranian television during a live broadcast on Monday, causing a reporter to flee on camera after an explosion, following a new wave of Iranian missiles that killed at least eight people in Israel, according to a report in AP. Explosions from the Iranian missiles were also reported in Tel Aviv, Petah Tikva, and near the Haifa oil refinery. An unnamed official stated that the Israeli strikes have set Iran back a "very, very long time" and added that Israel is not attempting to topple the Iranian government.

Abu Dhabi International Airport and Sharjah International Airport are advising passengers of potential travel delays and have consequently issued travel advisories, Gulf News said in a report. Travelers using these airports are encouraged to verify their flight status with their respective airlines and to anticipate longer processing times at the airport. The advisories did not immediately specify the reasons behind the potential disruptions.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated on Monday that he has ordered the deployment of further defensive capabilities to the Middle East, citing the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran as a key driver of heightened regional tensions, Reuters said in a report. Hegseth did not specify the exact military capabilities being sent to the region, although Reuters had earlier on Monday reported the deployment of a large, unspecified military capability.

Local authorities in Gaza reported that at least 37 Palestinians were killed on Monday, 2025-06-16, in new shootings near food distribution centers run by private US contractors and guarded by Israeli troops, The Guardian said in a report. Witnesses attributed the shootings to Israeli troops who allegedly opened fire as crowds of hungry Palestinians gathered at two hubs managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a private organization that recently began operating with Israeli and US support. The incident reportedly marks the highest death toll in near-daily shootings since the US-backed group initiated food distribution in the territory.

Iran launched a new salvo of missiles aimed at Israel on Monday night, as announced by Iranian state media, continuing a major exchange of strikes between the two nations for a fourth day, Gulf Today said in a report. State TV reported the missile launch against what it termed "the occupied territories (Israel)." Concurrently, the Iranian Red Crescent stated on Monday that an alleged Israeli airstrike in northwest Tehran killed three of its rescuers who were aiding the wounded in the city's Shahid Bagheri district, an incident the organization denounced as a "crime against international humanitarian law" and a "blatant attack on humanity and morality."

Global markets are on edge due to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, which raises the risk of disruptions to global oil supplies and threatens to reignite inflation, The Guardian says in a report. Investors have consequently started to re-price a range of products, including gold, currencies, oil prices, and stocks, amid fears that a broader Middle East conflict could take hold.

More than 350 Iranian Australians are currently seeking assistance to leave Iran due to the regional conflict situation that escalated following Israeli attacks in April 2024, The Guardian said in a report. These individuals, described as being 'torn between two worlds,' express significant fear for the safety of their loved ones who are unable to leave the country. The article highlights cases such as Mohammad Reza Azimi, who was visiting family in Iran when an Israeli attack occurred, illustrating the precarious circumstances faced by dual nationals due to the heightened tensions in the Middle East.

A French-led conference on Palestinian statehood has been postponed, President Emmanuel Macron of France announced on June 15, 2025, citing the direct exchange of military strikes between Israel and Iran that occurred in April 2024 as making the diplomatic meeting currently impossible, New York Times said in a report. Macron stated that these past hostilities rendered the planned conference, which aimed to discuss prospects for Palestinian statehood, unfeasible and emphasized the immediate need to prioritize de-escalation in the Middle East.

Syrian General Bassam Hassan has reportedly been questioned and is said to have shared grim news regarding the fate of Austin Tice, an American journalist and former Marine who disappeared in Syria in August 2012, The New York Times said in a report. Tice is believed to have been held by the Syrian government or its allies, though the regime has never publicly acknowledged holding him. The United States does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with the Syrian government; the U.S. embassy in Damascus closed in 2012, and the Syrian embassy in Washington D.C. was closed in 2014.

Israeli military forces have conducted repeated strikes against Iran's air defense systems since the previous year, according to a report in The New York Times. On Sunday, June 15, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel's actions were aimed at systematically "peel[ing] off the layers of protection" of Iranian defenses. This ongoing effort by Israel is intended to diminish Iran's defensive capabilities.

At least eight people were killed in Israel, including four in Petah Tikva, and dozens more were injured following Iranian strikes overnight, New York Times said in a report. The authorities reported the casualties as a four-day-old conflict between the two nations showed no signs of de-escalating, with Israel concurrently striking military sites within Iran.

Amid factors such as ongoing economic hardship, government restrictions on information, and a history of perceived mismanagement of crises, Iranians are increasingly turning to informal networks and mutual support systems due to a perceived lack of reliable official guidance, The New York Times says in a report. This reliance on non-state channels for information and assistance highlights a growing trend of citizens seeking alternative means to navigate daily challenges, reflecting a disconnect from official sources.

Global stock markets have risen despite recent military exchanges between Israel and Iran, signaling investor belief that the immediate conflict might be contained, New York Times says in a report. This market upturn occurred even as the two nations engaged in further attacks, following an initial large-scale retaliatory strike by Iran on Israel and a subsequent limited response from Israel. Despite the market's rebound, concerns persist over potential disruptions to global oil supplies due to the ongoing regional tensions.

Key events marked the fourth day of the direct conflict between Israel and Iran on June 16, 2025, Al Jazeera says in a report. The developments detailed include ongoing direct military exchanges, representing a significant escalation from previous indirect proxy confrontations. The account of the day's events reportedly covers the nature of targets involved and the evolving stance or involvement of international third parties as regional tensions persist.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated he would not rule out the possibility of targeting Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as a measure to bring an end to the continuing military conflict between the two nations, The Hill said in a report. This statement comes in light of past reports indicating that current U.S. President Donald Trump, during his first presidential term (2017-2021), had allegedly rejected a proposal to target the Iranian leader.

Israel's opposition, led by Yair Lapid, has united behind Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government regarding the ongoing military operation against Iran, a significant shift occurring just days into the campaign, AP says in a report. This development marks a suspension of months of intense criticism previously directed at Netanyahu by opposition parties, who had charged his decision-making, particularly concerning other conflicts, was politically motivated.

The escalating crisis between Israel and Iran has triggered the largest single-day oil price surge in the last three years, as concerns grow that the conflict could impact regional oil supplies, The Guardian says in a report. The price of Brent crude has jumped by approximately $10 a barrel since the beginning of June 2025, reaching a high of $78 a barrel on Friday, June 14, 2025. Markets are reacting to fears that the conflict could disrupt Iran’s oil exports or reduce crude oil flows from the broader Middle East to the global market.

An Israeli strike targeted the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) building in Tehran on Monday, causing an abrupt halt to a live television broadcast amid sounds of an explosion, dust, and debris, Gulf Today said in a report. Iran's state TV resumed coverage later, with IRIB senior official Hassan Abedini condemning the attack and stating the "voice of the Islamic revolution" would not be silenced. Israel had issued an evacuation warning for the area an hour prior, and Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated Iran's state media were "about to disappear." The Israeli military confirmed its intent to strike military infrastructure in Tehran. This incident occurred on the fourth day of a conflict that began when Israel attacked Iran over its nuclear program, and followed a new wave of Iranian missile attacks on Israel earlier on Monday, escalating fears of a wider regional war.

Medical facilities in Tehran, including the Imam Khomeini hospital, are overwhelmed with casualties following a renewed wave of Israeli strikes on Iran's capital on Sunday, The Guardian said in a report. A doctor at Imam Khomeini hospital described the emergency unit on Monday as a "bloodbath," with dozens of people arriving with life-threatening injuries, minor wounds, and bodies, amidst chaotic scenes and grieving families. Exhausted medical workers indicate that facilities are struggling to cope and believe the actual death toll from the strikes is higher than the 224 officially reported.

British citizens in Israel are being instructed by the UK government to register with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to receive guidance on leaving the country, as Israel has closed its airspace amid an escalating conflict in the Middle East, The Guardian said in a report. Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy informed Members of Parliament on Monday that the FCDO is requesting all British nationals to notify the government and await instructions on the best way to depart.

The Israeli Defense Ministry reported its weapons exhibits were blocked at the Paris Air Show, providing pictures of defense industry stands covered by black partition walls, Deutsche Welle said in a report. The ministry condemned the action, describing it as 'outrageous and unprecedented.'

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a leading political opponent of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was in court on June 16, 2025, over accusations he threatened the city's public prosecutor, Deutsche Welle said in a report. Imamoglu faces this new charge amid several other ongoing investigations and a previous conviction from December 2022 for insulting officials, which carried a prison sentence and political ban that is currently under appeal; the term "jailed mayor" in the original report refers to this potential outcome rather than current incarceration for the prosecutor threat charge.

Indian Prime Minister Modi is expected to engage in discussions regarding Cyprus's potential participation in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a significant trade venture perceived as an alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative, DW said in a report. These talks aim to explore how Cyprus, located in the Eastern Mediterranean, could function as a strategic maritime and logistical hub for the IMEC, which seeks to connect India with Europe via the Middle East through multimodal transport links. The IMEC was formally announced in September 2023 with backing from key partners including the US, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the EU, and Modi's discussions signify ongoing efforts to operationalize this ambitious project.

Etihad Airways and flydubai will resume some flights to Jordan and Lebanon on June 17 with adjusted schedules, while airspace closures in parts of the Middle East continue to impact other routes, Gulf Today says in a report. Etihad announced the resumption of specific flights between Abu Dhabi and Amman, Jordan, and Abu Dhabi and Beirut, Lebanon, advising passengers to check flight statuses and ensure correct contact details. A flydubai spokesperson stated the ongoing regional situation is impacting its network, resulting in cancellations, rerouting, and delays, with flights to Iran, Iraq, Israel, and Syria remaining suspended until June 20, 2025; flights to Jordan and Lebanon are anticipated to recommence daytime operations on June 17. Both airlines affirmed they are continuously monitoring the situation and that passenger and crew safety is paramount.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and the Prime Minister of Greece met to discuss regional de-escalation efforts, focusing on the Middle East, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report on June 16, 2025. The talks centered on ways to reduce regional tensions and promote stability in the area.

Abu Dhabi's real estate and hospitality company, Eagle Hills, will participate in a $215 million renovation of a historic and iconic hotel in Venice, Italy, Arabian Business said in a report. This investment marks a significant international venture for the UAE-based firm, focusing on the restoration of a prominent Venetian landmark.

The UAE is likely to experience a gradual decline in temperatures from Wednesday, June 18, 2025, with the possibility of fog formation and dust-stirring winds in western regions, according to a report in Gulf Today. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) indicated that Tuesday's weather is expected to be generally clear and humid during the night and early Wednesday morning, with possible light fog in some coastal and inland areas. For Wednesday, the NCM forecasts generally clear to partly cloudy conditions with a gradual temperature drop, and humidity at night and early Thursday morning leading to possible fog or light fog in some coastal and inland areas; winds are expected to be southwesterly to northwesterly, light to moderate, occasionally becoming active and stirring dust in western regions. The Arabian Gulf will be light to moderate, occasionally rough in the west, while the Sea of Oman will remain calm. The NCM also noted that the lowest temperature recorded in the UAE on Monday, June 16, 2025, was 23.2°C in Damtha, Al Ain.

United States military forces stationed in Syria intercepted missile attacks aimed at their bases on June 16, 2025, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The attacks were attributed to Iranian sources, continuing a pattern of regional escalations involving Iran-backed groups and US personnel.

An escalating conflict between Israel and Iran commenced on Friday when Israel launched predawn strikes against over 100 targets, including nuclear facilities and missile sites, and killed senior military commanders and scientists, The Guardian says in a report. This initial attack has since triggered an escalating series of tit-for-tat exchanges, raising fears of a wider regional war. Residential areas in both countries have suffered deadly strikes, with Iran's health ministry reporting 224 people killed and 1,277 injured as of Monday, while official Israeli sources stated 23 civilians had been killed and nearly 60 injured by the same day.

Iran's Quds Force operates as an elite, extraterritorial unit of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), reporting directly to the Supreme Leader, and is central to projecting Iranian influence in the Middle East, The New York Times said in a report. Its primary mission involves supporting non-state actors, conducting intelligence operations, and facilitating asymmetric warfare, notably in what is described as a 'shadow conflict' with Israel, characterized by indirect actions, cyberattacks, and support for proxies rather than declared conventional warfare. Recent developments linked to the Quds Force include Israeli strikes targeting alleged Iranian-linked military assets in Syria, attacks by affiliated militia groups on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria, and maritime incidents in the Persian Gulf, all of which carry significant political implications for Iran, Israel, the United States, and regional proxy groups supported by the Force.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister received a phone call from their Canadian counterpart on June 16, 2025, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. This communication is a follow-up to the full restoration of diplomatic relations between the two countries in May 2023, which occurred after a five-year period of strained ties and included the appointment of new ambassadors.

Saudi Arabia achieved a 1-0 victory against Haiti in a Gold Cup football match, with the decisive goal scored via a penalty kick, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. This match saw the Middle Eastern nation competing as a guest team in the tournament, which primarily features teams from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.

Heightened tensions stemming from the Israeli-Iranian escalation are sending ripples through Arab financial markets, leading to increased volatility and investor concern, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. Among the affected economies, Egypt has been identified as the hardest hit by this regional instability. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran is perceived as a significant risk factor, undermining economic confidence and affecting trade, investment, and overall financial stability in the Middle East.

Israeli forces have issued an evacuation order to residents in a significant part of Tehran, warning of the imminent bombing of “military infrastructure” in the area; this development comes as Iran threatens to leave a nuclear weapons treaty, according to a report in The Guardian. The warning was disseminated via a social media post on X from the account of Col Avichay Adraee, the Israel Defense Forces’ Arabic spokesperson. The article states this action indicates an evolving Israeli campaign against Iran, which initially targeted air defenses, nuclear sites, and the military chain of command, and is now reportedly focusing on Iran’s oil and gas industry and its capital. The evacuation order is described as very similar to those Israel has regularly directed at Palestinians in Gaza over the past 20 months.

Iran's state television, identified as a key propaganda outlet for the government, was targeted in an incident believed to be a cyberattack or other form of electronic interference, Al Jazeera says in a report. The event has not been characterized as a physical military strike, and details of the incident are under examination.

Iran's state television network, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), has reportedly suffered a "strike," which is believed to be a cyberattack, Al Jazeera said in a report. The incident, impacting what is described as Iran's most-watched TV station and a key instrument for state narrative control, occurs amidst a backdrop of ongoing internal dissent, previous cyberattacks on Iranian infrastructure, and heightened regional tensions. Attribution for such attacks is typically challenging, with potential perpetrators ranging from state actors to dissident groups.

The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) announced on June 16, 2025, the start of engagement with firms chosen for its Tokenisation Regulatory Sandbox, part of its Innovation Testing Licence programme in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Gulf Today said in a report. This development follows the sandbox's launch in March 2025, which attracted 96 expressions of interest globally for tokenising assets like bonds and fund units. The DFSA, which has been developing its digital asset regulatory framework with an Innovation Testing Licence (since 2017), an Investment Token regime (2021), an enhanced Crypto Token regime (2022), and further refinements in June 2024, will now work with selected firms to co-develop bespoke testing plans, with trials expected to begin in the coming weeks. Charlotte Robins, DFSA's Managing Director for Policy & Legal, noted the global interest in the sandbox. The outcomes are intended to inform future DFSA regulatory policy for digital assets and support Dubai's Economic Agenda D33.

Stock markets have shown a positive response to a report suggesting Iran is willing to enter talks, a development to which US President Donald Trump commented that Iran is "not winning," Bloomberg says in a report. This news, emerging on June 16, 2025, points to potential diplomatic movement amid ongoing US-Iran tensions, which have been characterized by the US "maximum pressure" campaign. The rise in stocks indicates investor optimism regarding a possible de-escalation of geopolitical risks in the Middle East.

Palestine, particularly Gaza, faces an immediate risk of starvation as part of a wider UN warning about rising extreme hunger in 13 global "hunger hotspots," Al Jazeera said in a report. The critical situation in the Palestinian territory is attributed to the ongoing conflict and severe restrictions on humanitarian aid, leading to a catastrophic hunger crisis. While the UN report also highlighted other regions such as Sudan and Mali, the developments in Gaza underscore a severe humanitarian emergency in the Middle East.

Pets rescued from a fire in Dubai Marina are receiving free veterinary care, Gulf News said in a report. The assistance is being provided to animals impacted by the blaze in the prominent Dubai district.

Israel bombed Iran’s state TV, striking a secure media compound during a live broadcast, an action described as highly symbolic amid soaring tensions between the two nations, Al Jazeera said in a report. The bombing followed an Israeli threat that the state broadcaster would ‘disappear’.

The U.S. military has relocated a significant number of refueling aircraft to Europe, a move intended to provide President Donald Trump with expanded military options as Middle East tensions erupt into conflict between Iran and Israel, Reuters said in a report. Two U.S. officials, speaking anonymously on Monday, confirmed this deployment and also stated that the U.S. aircraft carrier Nimitz is heading to the region.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif expressed Pakistan's keenness to benefit from UAE experiences in modern management during a meeting in Islamabad on June 16, 2025, with a UAE delegation led by Abdullah Nasser Lootah, UAE’s Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange, Gulf Today said in a report. Following their discussions, Pakistan and the UAE signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate in improving government performance by exchanging knowledge and development models in areas including good governance, development planning, public sector reforms, human resource development, urban planning, and science and technology. Sharif highlighted Pakistan's administrative reforms, such as digitization, and also recalled a past meeting with UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, noting the UAE's role in reducing Pakistan-India tensions. Lootah affirmed the UAE's willingness to share experiences and acknowledged strong bilateral ties. The MoU was signed by Pakistan's Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal and UAE's Abdullah Nasser Lootah.

No further damage has been seen at Iran's Natanz and Isfahan nuclear sites, and radiation levels outside these facilities remain normal following Israeli strikes that occurred on Friday, 2025-06-14, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated, as per a report in BBC. The global watchdog's assessment on 2025-06-16 confirms the status of these key Iranian nuclear installations, which are among the country's most sensitive and are monitored by the IAEA.

Israel has closed its airspace to civilian traffic, leaving thousands of its citizens stranded abroad, The New York Times said in a report. The closure followed a recent Israeli retaliatory strike against Iran. This Israeli action was a response to a large-scale drone and missile attack by Iran on Israel which occurred on April 13, 2024. Iran's April 2024 attack was, in turn, a retaliation for an Israeli strike on an Iranian consulate in Syria on April 1, 2024. The current airspace closure reflects the heightened security situation stemming from these escalations.

UN agencies and workers are providing the latest updates on the Middle East crisis, including information on ongoing hostilities in Gaza, challenges related to humanitarian aid delivery, efforts concerning ceasefire and hostage negotiations, and broader regional tensions, UN News said in a report. These developments are being communicated by various UN bodies operating globally and within the affected region.

A Dubai court has sentenced a five-member Asian gang to one month in jail, to be followed by deportation, and fined them Dhs9,900 for defrauding an Arab national of the same amount, Gulf Today said in a report. The crime, which occurred in March 2025, involved one of the gang members calling the victim, impersonating a police officer, and falsely claiming to be updating bank details for the Central Bank. The fraudster threatened to freeze the victim's account if he did not provide his card details and PIN, which the victim did, leading to the immediate withdrawal of Dhs9,900. Dubai Police’s Cybercrime Unit discovered the gang operated from a residential apartment in Deira, using smartphones hidden in plastic bags and shoes to contact victims. The gang members confessed to impersonating officials and admitted they were recruited and directed by a fugitive who rented the apartment for them and instructed them to collect bank details, sending them monthly payments.

European leaders attending the G7 summit in Canada are actively working to bring Iran back to the negotiating table, employing Gulf leaders to act as intermediaries in this diplomatic effort, The Guardian said in a report. This initiative, aimed at de-escalating conflict, faces significant challenges, as Iran is reportedly demanding a joint ceasefire with Israel as a precondition. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently resisting such a move. The stance of US President Donald Trump on these diplomatic maneuvers remains unclear, as he has not yet indicated his position.

US Democratic Senator Tim Kaine introduced a legislative measure on June 16, 2025, aimed at curbing President Donald Trump’s power to commence military hostilities against Iran without explicit authorization from Congress, Al Jazeera says in a report. This move occurs as some foreign policy hawks are advocating for the United States to join or support Israel in potential military actions targeting Iran, against a backdrop of heightened US-Iran tensions in the Middle East.

The Al Ain Civil, Commercial and Administrative Cases Court has mandated a car showroom to return Dhs68,000 to a customer and imposed a Dhs15,000 fine on the showroom for not remitting the payment from a vehicle sale to its owner, Gulf Today said in a report. The customer had asked the showroom to help sell his car, subsequently transferring ownership to the showroom's name to ease the sale process. After an agreement on the sale price of Dhs68,000 was reached and the car sold, the showroom failed to transfer the amount to the car owner and began stalling, leading the owner to file a lawsuit. The court found in favor of the car owner, ordering the showroom to pay the claimed amount plus Dhs15,000 in compensation for material and moral damages.

The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has affirmed that five categories are exempted from the Unemployment Insurance Scheme (UIS), Gulf Today said in a report. These categories include investors (business owners) working in their registered business, domestic workers, temporary contract workers, minors under 18, and pensioners (retirees receiving a pension and joining new employment). MoHRE also outlined four eligibility conditions for receiving compensation under the UIS: the insured must have a minimum of 12 consecutive months of subscription, must not have been dismissed for disciplinary reasons, claims must not involve fraud or fictitious employment, and compensation ceases if the insured obtains a new job during the payout period.

Schools in the United Arab Emirates are concluding the academic year with a series of significant events such as kindergarten graduations, final examinations, award ceremonies, and athletic competitions, as they prepare for the upcoming summer break, Khaleej Times said in a report. These activities, part of the end-of-year transition, also include various academic evaluations across the school community.

Saudi Arabian aircraft leasing company AviLease, reportedly backed by the kingdom's Public Investment Fund (PIF), announced an order for up to 77 Airbus aircraft at the Paris Air Show on June 16, 2025, as per a report in Arabian Business. The significant deal includes A320neo passenger jets and A350F freighter models, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 objectives to diversify its economy and develop its aviation and logistics sectors.

A human resources ministry in the Middle East has announced that an upcoming occasion will be an official paid holiday, Gulf News says in a report. This decision means workers will receive a paid day off for the specified event. Such announcements in the region typically cover both public and private sector employees and often relate to national or religious observances.

Cyprus has received requests from Portugal and Slovakia to assist in the evacuation of their citizens from the Middle East, Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos stated on Monday, Reuters said in a report. Kombos noted that there are two active requests and emphasized that such evacuations are highly dependent on the ability of these civilians to access neighboring countries by road. It was also mentioned that Cyprus had activated a mechanism last week to facilitate such operations.

Iranian state television broadcaster IRINN experienced an interruption during a live transmission, after which the sound of a blast was heard and black smoke became visible, The Guardian said in a report. The news network, IRINN (Islamic Republic of Iran News Network), alleged that it was targeted by an Israeli attack. The initial report description did not specify the location of the affected studio.

A high-ranking Syrian general under former president Bashar al-Assad, Bassam Hassan, who is now in Lebanon, has reportedly informed US investigators that American journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared in Syria in 2012, is dead, The Guardian says in a report. Hassan, a former top security adviser, allegedly claimed in a recent meeting with the FBI and CIA that Assad – ousted in December and now in Moscow – ordered Tice’s execution, an allegation reportedly first shared by The New York Times and the BBC, citing sources familiar with the matter; Hassan's claims remain unverified.

Iran has stated that Israeli strikes hit a hospital in Kermanshah, with most victims being civilians, Al Jazeera says in a report. The Al Jazeera article further characterizes these events as the latest Israeli attack on civilian infrastructure in Iran.

The Group of Seven (G7) summit commenced in Kananaskis, Alberta, on Monday, with world leaders working to contain the escalating conflict over Tehran's nuclear program, AP said in a report. President Trump reiterated his call for Israel and Iran to begin immediate negotiations. The British Prime Minister stated that all G7 leaders agree on the need to find a way to de-escalate the situation in the Middle East.

Renowned Iranian artist Mansoureh Alikhani was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Tehran on Saturday, June 14, 2025, Gulf Today said in a report. Alikhani was known for her paintings reflecting Iranian religious and cultural identity, and her death reportedly shocked cultural and artistic circles, with many mourning her as a significant loss to Iranian culture. The airstrike, described as targeting military and civilian sites, resulted in extensive human and material losses and sparked widespread international condemnation.

Oil prices are experiencing a rebound driven by an increased geopolitical risk premium associated with ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran, according to a report in Gulf News. This market reaction is fueled by fears of potential disruptions to oil supply, particularly through the critical Strait of Hormuz, which handles approximately 20% of global petroleum consumption. Past direct military exchanges, such as Iran's missile and drone attack on Israel in April 2024 and Israel's subsequent retaliatory strike, along with continued threats and rhetoric from both nations, contribute to the sustained market anxiety and the pricing-in of this risk, even without current significant supply interruptions.

The Al Dhafra region in the United Arab Emirates recorded temperatures nearing 50 degrees Celsius on June 16, 2025, Gulf News said in a report. This weather event signifies a period of extreme heat in the Gulf nation.

Many Israelis are reportedly experiencing shock and concern regarding the performance of the nation's air defence system following Iran's large-scale missile and drone attack in April 2024, during which some projectiles penetrated Israeli airspace, Al Jazeera says in a report. While Israel’s multi-layered defence systems, including Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow, alongside significant assistance from international allies, successfully intercepted the vast majority of the hundreds of incoming threats, the penetration by a number of ballistic missiles has reportedly prompted public scrutiny over the system's comprehensive effectiveness. The Iranian offensive in April 2024 was stated by Tehran to be a retaliation for an alleged Israeli strike on its consulate in Damascus.

Amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, Pakistan has closed its border with Iran while Jordan has suspended flights, although its land crossings with Israel remain operational, Al Jazeera says in a report. These measures, reported on June 16, 2025, follow a period of heightened regional tension. The current border and airspace adjustments reflect immediate security concerns in the region, stemming from escalations that included Iran's attack on Israel (a past event on April 13-14, 2024) and an alleged Israeli strike on an Iranian consulate in Damascus (a past event on April 1, 2024).

An Abu Dhabi workshop is focused on shielding workers from the intense conditions of the summer heat, Gulf News said in a report. This initiative in the United Arab Emirates aims to protect laborers as seasonal temperatures rise.

Social media videos show extensive traffic queues and lines at fuel stations in Tehran as residents attempt to depart the Iranian capital, BBC says in a report. This movement is understood to be driven by public anxiety and the anticipation of potential military strikes or severe disruptions stemming from significantly heightened regional tensions, particularly following recent direct military exchanges between Iran and Israel.

United Nations Human Rights Chief Volker Türk issued a strong condemnation on June 16, 2025, describing the suffering in Gaza due to Israeli actions as "horrifying and unconscionable," Al Jazeera said in a report. This statement comes amid ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza, which followed the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas, and a severe humanitarian crisis in the territory. Türk's comments add to international pressure and scrutiny regarding the conduct of the conflict and its impact on the civilian population.

Israel has warned residents in a part of Iran's capital, Tehran, to evacuate ahead of potential military strikes, AP said in a report. This development follows recent escalations, including Iran's large-scale missile and drone attack on Israel and an earlier Israeli strike on an Iranian consulate in Damascus. In response to the heightened tensions, a Democratic US senator has stated an intention to force a congressional vote on the use of military force against Iran. Meanwhile, Cyprus has received requests from Portugal and Slovakia for assistance with evacuations. Russia has not yet announced plans to evacuate its citizens from Israel and Iran, though Russians have been urged to leave Israel. Poland is planning to evacuate approximately 200 of its citizens from Israel. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan have condemned Israeli actions concerning Iran.

The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) in the United Arab Emirates has issued a circular announcing Friday, June 27, 2025, as the official holiday for the Hijri New Year, 1447 AH, for all federal ministries and entities, Gulf Today said in a report. On this occasion, the FAHR extended its congratulations to the leadership, government, and people of the UAE, as well as to Arab and Islamic nations.

Energy is increasingly central to conflicts in the Middle East, effectively becoming a battlefield amid the current regional war, according to a report in FinancialTimes. The situation is reportedly exacerbated by ongoing tensions surrounding Iran's nuclear ambitions, with the article referencing historical context such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's 2012 United Nations presentation where he depicted a bomb to illustrate concerns about Iran's nuclear development.

French authorities have ordered the shutdown of four main Israeli defence company stands at the Paris Airshow, Al Jazeera said in a report. This action, which applies specifically to the companies' exhibition presence at the trade show and is not a comprehensive arms embargo, reportedly follows heightened international criticism of Israel's military operations in Gaza and was specifically triggered by a recent Israeli strike on a refugee camp in Rafah.

Stands belonging to four main Israeli companies at the Paris airshow have been closed down, with reports indicating this followed the exhibitors' refusal to remove certain weapons from their displays, The Guardian said in a report. A source informed The Guardian that the stands at the aerospace industry event were concealed from public view due to pressure on the event organizers from the French government. This action has reportedly prompted fury from Israel’s defence ministry and visiting US Republicans.

The United Arab Emirates has initiated Phase 2 of its Zero Bureaucracy Programme, aiming to eliminate digital red tape, shorten service delivery times, and enhance governmental efficiency, according to a report in Arabian Business. This initiative is a continuation of previous efforts and forms a key part of the UAE's wider digital transformation strategy and its goals for economic diversification, seeking to foster a more competitive and attractive environment for businesses and investors by streamlining administrative processes. The program focuses on significantly reducing bureaucratic complexities through measures such as the digitization of services and automation of procedures.

French President Emmanuel Macron is contemplating the recognition of a Palestinian state, a potential decision that has escalated tensions in the French-Israeli relationship, New York Times says in a report. This consideration follows formal recognition of a Palestinian state by other European nations including Spain, Ireland, and Norway, and occurs amidst the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has intensified international focus on the Israeli-Palestinian issue. France's potential move could significantly impact its relations with Israel and the United States, which opposes unilateral recognition outside of a negotiated agreement, while potentially boosting its standing in the Arab world and among some European partners. Recognition by France would be a notable diplomatic development for the Palestinian Authority; historically, France has supported a two-state solution but preferred recognition to be part of a negotiated peace agreement.

Ballistic missiles, defined as long-range weapons designed to deliver conventional or nuclear warheads at great speeds, are a central element in the Middle East, particularly concerning the Israel-Iran conflict, Al Jazeera says in a report. The article details their operational mechanics and potential reach, a subject underscored by historical events such as Iran's direct missile and drone attack on Israel on April 13, 2024, and Israel's retaliatory strike on April 19, 2024. It also notes the use of similar technology by groups like the Houthis. While these missiles can carry nuclear warheads, recent exchanges have reportedly involved conventional payloads, and the decision to launch such weapons is a significant political act requiring high-level authorization due to their strategic implications.

Iran's parliament is reportedly preparing a bill that could lead to the country's withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT), Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. This legislative move, currently in its initial stages, has not yet become official government policy but indicates a significant potential escalation in Iran's nuclear stance. The development occurs against a backdrop of increased uranium enrichment by Iran, stalled negotiations to revive the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA), and ongoing challenges faced by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in monitoring Iran's nuclear activities.

Israel and Iran have exchanged missile strikes, representing a direct state-on-state confrontation amid ongoing regional hostilities, The New York Times said in a report. This escalation, occurring against the backdrop of the Gaza conflict and as a potential Iranian retaliation for previous Israeli actions, including the killing of senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders, signifies a shift from proxy warfare. While believed to be calculated to avoid a full-scale war, the direct strikes carry a substantial risk of miscalculation and further destabilization in the Middle East, drawing concern from international actors including the United States, which seeks to prevent wider conflict.

Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has warned that the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran significantly threatens regional nuclear facilities and undermines diplomatic peace efforts, Al Jazeera said in a report. Grossi highlighted the severe risks, including potential "nuclear fallout" and threats to human lives, stemming from the hostilities. This warning occurs amid heightened Middle East tensions, driven by recent direct military exchanges between Israel and Iran, the ongoing Gaza conflict, and international concerns regarding Iran's advancing nuclear program.

Saudi Arabia's inflation rate remained unchanged in May, with rising housing rental costs being the primary factor sustaining the current inflation level, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This stability in the overall inflation figure occurred as residential rents continued to exert upward pressure on the consumer price index, reflecting ongoing challenges within the Kingdom's housing sector.

Cement sales in Saudi Arabia topped $800 million during the first quarter of 2025, indicating robust construction activity despite a concurrent dip in profits for cement companies, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. The strong sales volume reflects significant ongoing development, widely understood to be connected to the Kingdom's large-scale infrastructure projects under initiatives like Vision 2030.

The Kremlin has announced Russia's readiness to act as a mediator in matters involving Iran and to accept Iran's enriched uranium, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. This development occurs amidst stalled international negotiations to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) and international concerns over Iran's expanded nuclear activities, which include enriching uranium up to 60% and maintaining a stockpile that significantly exceeds JCPOA limits. Russia's offer is reminiscent of its role under the original JCPOA, a past agreement under which it accepted Iran's excess low-enriched uranium. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) continues to monitor Iran's nuclear program, which has been a point of contention following the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018, a past event.

Israel's opposition parties have temporarily suspended their months-long criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government, choosing to support the current military operation against Iran, AP says in a report. This development, occurring just days into the operation, marks a significant reversal from the opposition's previous stance, during which they had consistently criticized Netanyahu's leadership throughout the ongoing war, accusing him of politically motivated decision-making.

Bitcoin.com has established a new operational base in Dubai, situated within the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), a move that highlights the UAE's ongoing efforts to cement its role as a significant global hub for the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry, Arabian Business said in a report. This development aligns with Dubai's broader strategy to attract international digital asset companies, supported by a dedicated regulatory framework managed by the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), which oversees virtual asset activities across the emirate, including within free zones like DMCC.

The United Arab Emirates government has announced a three-day public holiday for public sector employees to mark the Hijri New Year, Arabian Business said in a report. This decision, reported on June 16, 2025, aligns with the UAE's initiatives to support employee well-being and work-life balance within the public sector. The announcement pertains specifically to the public sector, as holidays for private sector employees are typically declared separately by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has initiated the rollout of School Performance Plaques in all private educational institutions within the emirate, Arabian Business said in a report. These newly introduced plaques will publicly feature each school's Irtiqa’a inspection rating, an assessment of overall educational quality, and its National Identity Mark, which evaluates the institution's efforts in promoting UAE culture, heritage, and values. The primary objective of this initiative is to enhance transparency for parents, providing them with readily accessible, standardized information to inform their school choices and understand institutional performance.

The United Arab Emirates government has officially announced the Hijri New Year holiday for both its public and private sectors, scheduled for June, according to a report in Arabian Business. This decision is in line with the UAE's ongoing policy of unifying holidays across both sectors to ensure consistency for the workforce. The Hijri New Year marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar, and its precise date is typically confirmed closer to the time based on a moon sighting.

The chairman of Burjeel Holdings has pledged AED2.5 million in financial assistance for the families of Air India crash victims, Arabian Business said in a report. The aid is set to be delivered through coordination with the Junior Doctors' Association at BJ Medical College.

State-owned Dubai developer Nakheel has awarded contracts valued at $204 million for infrastructure works on the Palm Jebel Ali island, Arabian Business said in a report. This investment marks a step in restarting the development of the large-scale project, which was largely halted after the 2008 financial crisis. The awarded sum is for establishing infrastructure, paving the way for the broader, multi-billion dollar development of the man-made island in Dubai.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides on Monday voiced shared concern regarding the ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Europe, with both leaders concurring that 'this is not an era of war,' according to a report in NDTV. Their discussions highlighted a joint perspective on the current global crises, with PM Modi reiterating a sentiment he has previously expressed in international forums concerning the unsuitability of war in the present times.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited a residential block in Bat Yam, Israel, on June 16, 2025, that was impacted by an Iranian missile, Al Jazeera said in a report. This visit follows Iran's direct missile and drone attack on Israel on April 13, 2024, which Iran stated was retaliation for an Israeli strike on an Iranian consulate building in Damascus on April 1, 2024.

Israeli forces have put the occupied West Bank under lockdown, sealing the entrances of several cities and villages, as Israel reportedly engages in bombing Iran, Al Jazeera said in a report. These restrictive measures in the Palestinian territory are being implemented amid the broader ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.

News from the Middle East focuses on the continuing Israel-Hamas conflict, with reports detailing sites attacked by Israel and specific military operations in areas such as Rafah, a focal point of humanitarian concern, Haaretz said in a report. The critical situation regarding hostages held by armed militias remains a prominent issue, with efforts related to securing their release being closely followed. Separately, there are also developments in the case of Yehuda Meshi Zahav, former head of the ZAKA search and rescue organization.

A nuclear agency head warned of potential radiological and chemical contamination at Iran's main nuclear site, and Iran stated its rights under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) are not respected, Haaretz said in a report. In related developments, Michael Nahum was identified as one of eight killed in an Iranian missile strike in Bat Yam, Israel. Iranian state media also announced the arrest of dozens of alleged saboteurs and 'spies' linked to Israel since a recent escalation described as 'war began Friday,' while an IDF spokesperson claimed the Israeli army destroyed one-third of Iran's missile launchers.

The mother of an Israeli soldier, taken hostage during the October 7 attacks by Hamas, has released video footage showing his capture in an appeal for a ceasefire, CNN says in a report. This release occurs amid ongoing, but so far unsuccessful, negotiations between Israel and Hamas aimed at a temporary ceasefire and hostage exchange, with mediation efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and the US. The mother's action is part of wider efforts by hostage families to increase pressure on the Israeli government to secure a deal, as Israeli military operations continue in Gaza.

Humanitarian aid to Gaza is facing critical disruptions, with its continued flow described as hanging by a thread due to severe challenges including widespread looting and acute starvation among the civilian population, CNN said in a report. The difficulties in distributing essential supplies are reportedly exacerbated by a breakdown of effective governance and security structures within Gaza, alongside extreme desperation stemming from the lack of basic goods. International organizations continue efforts to deliver and distribute aid amidst significant operational and security risks.