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Middle East news — August 16, 2026

Publications tagged with Middle East published on August 16, 2026 (UTC). This is a fixed calendar-day archive.

181 publications

  1. PoliticsRegulatorsMiddle East

    Temporary Management Considered for Russian Nestle Entities

    Russian logistics company KS Logistics has requested President Vladimir Putin to introduce temporary management in five Russian legal entities of Nestle. This move could potentially be the first step in changing the ownership of the company, valued at 160-170 billion rubles. The Russian government is expected to assess the feasibility of this step by the end of the year.
    2 sourcesSee all sources
  2. PoliticsElectionsThink TanksMiddle East

    Putin Personally Removes Anti-War Party 'Yabloko' From Russian Elections

    Vladimir Putin personally ordered the removal of the 'Yabloko' party from the Russian State Duma elections, fearing its growing anti-war sentiment and potential impact on public opinion. The party, which had been gaining significant support, was excluded after Sergei Kiriyenko and the FSB also advocated for its withdrawal. If allowed to participate, 'Yabloko' could have received up to 20% of the votes, mainly from the anti-war electorate.
    20 sourcesSee all sources
  3. PoliticsMiddle EastCommodities

    Secret Oil Shipments Through Hormuz Strait Keep Prices Stable

    Middle Eastern oil producers, including the UAE, Iraq, Qatar, and Kuwait, are covertly transporting large volumes of crude through the Strait of Hormuz, helping to maintain global oil prices around $80-90 per barrel despite recent conflicts and attacks on ships. These 'dark' shipments, involving tankers with turned-off transponders and oil transfers in the Gulf of Oman, exceed 4 million barrels per day and help mitigate disruptions in oil exports through the strait. However, the operation carries risks, with 23 Adnoc ships attacked since the start of the war, resulting in casualties and injuries.
    61 sourcesSee all sources
  6. WorldRegulatorsMiddle EastNorth America

    Mexico and USA Strengthen Military Cooperation with Anti-Drone Technology

    Mexico and the United States have signed a non-binding Declaration of Intent allowing Mexico's military access to the US digital market for acquiring Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) technology. This agreement aims to bolster Mexico's strategic and operational capabilities in combating organized crime, particularly the use of drones by criminal organizations like the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and the Sinaloa Cartel. The agreement was signed during a visit by the US Army Secretary to Mexico, with both countries emphasizing cooperation without subordination and respect for sovereignty.
    9 sourcesSee all sources
  7. PoliticsRegulatorsConstitutionProtestMiddle East

    Israel Launches Deadliest Airstrikes on Lebanon Since Ceasefire

    Israel carried out extensive airstrikes on southern Lebanon overnight, resulting in numerous civilian casualties and injuries. The attacks were the most significant since the US-Iran memorandum was signed on June 17, which called for a ceasefire on Lebanese territory. The Israeli military confirmed targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in response to an attack on Israeli troops. Rescue operations are underway.
    27 sourcesSee all sources
  9. CultureMiddle East

    Massive Protests in England Over Asylum Seeker Housing Plan

    Protests have erupted in England, particularly in a town near Thetford with around 700 inhabitants, against the Home Office's plans to house about 1,200 asylum seekers at the former military base RAF Barnham. The proposed accommodation would mean almost two migrants for every local resident. Journalists are heading to the region to document the protests and report on the situation.
    3 sourcesSee all sources
  10. WorldMiddle EastNorth America

    Italian Tourist in Coma After Barcelona Attack

    A 21-year-old Italian man, Nicola Maggiotto from Asolo (Treviso), is in intensive care in a Barcelona hospital after being attacked while on vacation with a group of friends. Maggiotto is in a pharmacological coma due to severe injuries, including brain injuries, sustained during the assault outside a club. The attack occurred on Wednesday night, and the motive remains unclear. No theft was reported.
    26 sourcesSee all sources
  11. PoliticsMiddle EastIsrael

    KC-135R Stratotanker Wing Inscribed with Controversial Messages in Middle East

    A KC-135R Stratotanker belonging to the US Air Force deployed in the Middle East has been photographed with controversial messages written on its right wing flap. The messages include 'I love Israel and I am a good goyim', 'Peace Agreement 64 is coming', 'Epstein's wrath/Revenge', 'Be a good goy, do what Israel says', and 'Bibi's money/cucks'. The origin and intent behind these messages remain unclear.
    5 sourcesSee all sources
  14. WorldMiddle EastPublic HealthDefense

    India Successfully Tests Indigenous Jet-Powered Loitering Munition Divyastra Mk3

    Kawa UAV Pvt. Ltd. (HoverIt) conducted a successful flight of the Divyastra Mk3, a next-generation, jet-powered loitering munition developed entirely in India. The flight marks a significant achievement in India's indigenous defense capabilities and signals the country's growing prowess in advanced precision-strike technology. The drone is powered by an indigenous jet engine and is modeled on Iran's Shahed-136 loitering munition.
    15 sourcesSee all sources
  15. WorldMiddle EastNorth America

    Karol G Launches Fund for Earthquake Victims in Venezuela and Colombia During 'Tropitour' in Los Angeles

    Colombian singer Karol G kicked off her 'Viajando por el mundo Tropitour' in Los Angeles, opening a fund to support victims of earthquakes in Venezuela and Colombia. Through her foundation Con Cora, Karol G committed to doubling each dollar donated by her followers during the weekend concerts. The singer invited her fans to donate via QR codes distributed throughout the stadium, with funds going directly to the reconstruction of homes in both countries.
    6 sourcesSee all sources
  16. WorldBillMiddle East

    Turkish President Erdogan Condemns Israeli Attacks on Lebanon, Calls for US Intervention

    Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly expressed concern over Israel's ongoing attacks on Lebanon, describing them as a major source of worry for Turkey. In interviews with Al Jazeera and other media outlets, Erdogan emphasized the importance of the American role in halting the war, revealing that he had discussed the issue with President Trump during the latter's recent visit to Turkey. Erdogan also criticized Israel's aggressive stance towards Lebanon, stating that it is Turkey's duty to help Lebanon escape from the circle of fire.
    34 sourcesSee all sources
  17. WorldMiddle East

    Trump Orders Reduction in US-South Korea Military Exercises

    US President Donald Trump has ordered a reduction in the scale of joint military exercises with South Korea, citing his 'very good' relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and expressing dissatisfaction with South Korea's refusal to support the US in the Iran war. The exercises, scheduled for August 17-27, involve nearly 18,000 South Korean military personnel and include operations to counter drone attacks, disrupt GPS signals, and block cyber attacks. Trump's decision comes despite South Korea's refusal to comment on his statements and its insistence on proceeding with the exercises as planned.
    1,003 sourcesSee all sources
  18. WorldMiddle East

    Erdoğan Urges Reopening of Strait of Hormuz

    Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, stating that its closure is not in anyone's interest and poses a significant problem for global trade. He expressed support for lifting restrictions on navigation and ensuring free passage through the strait, along with hopes for peace in the region. Erdoğan also criticized Israel's role in the conflict and its continuous attacks on Lebanon.
    27 sourcesSee all sources
  23. PoliticsMiddle East

    Blind Mechanic Uses Touch and Hearing to Repair Cars

    Patrick Liaschi Marçal, a 34-year-old mechanic from Cornélio Procópio, northern Paraná, has lost his sight completely since the age of nine due to a retinal detachment. Despite this, he runs his own workshop, relying on touch, hearing, and technology to diagnose and repair car faults. He started the business during the COVID-19 pandemic after giving up his job as a musician. Patrick has developed methods to create mental maps of vehicle structures and uses accessible scanners to aid his work. Clients have praised his professionalism and quality of work.
    2 sourcesSee all sources
  24. PoliticsBillRegulatorsMiddle East

    Launch of Flávio Bolsonaro's Presidential Campaign

    Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, launched his presidential campaign on Sunday, with a concentration held at Post 5 in Copacabana. The campaign aims to 'rescue Brazil' and is supported by the Liberal Party (PL). Bolsonaro is running with Alfredinho as his vice-presidential candidate, and voters are encouraged to press '22' on their ballots to support the ticket.
    5 sourcesSee all sources