UNRWA – Middle East Monitor

SummaryTwo French citizens, Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, have spent three years imprisoned in Iran, accused of espionage—a charge dismissed as baseless by their government and families. Held in harsh conditions within Tehran's Evin prison, their health is reportedly deteriorating, with concerns raised about their mental and physical well-being. The French government views their detention as state-sponsored hostage-taking, part of Iran's strategy to leverage foreign nationals in international negotiations, particularly amidst ongoing nuclear talks. Full...

The meeting between US President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, along with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, marks the start of Trump's Middle East visit. This trip aims to secure Gulf investments, advance Gaza ceasefire efforts, and address Iran’s nuclear ambitions, with Iran's Foreign Minister warning against depriving Tehran of its nuclear rights. Accompanying Trump are Special Middle East Envoy Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury...

Iran and China Strengthen Tech TiesOn May 11, Iran's state media reported that Iran and China are pursuing closer cooperation in IT, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence (AI), with an emphasis on disregarding Western sanctions. Iranian Minister of Communications Sattar Hashemi met with Chinese Ambassador Cong Peiwu to discuss enhancing bilateral relations and joint projects in cutting-edge technologies, highlighting the importance of AI for future collaboration. Additionally, Iran's oil industry is acknowledged as a...

Iran's Concerns Over Nuclear Talks with the USIran is increasingly worried that nuclear negotiations with the US may collapse, reflecting internal divisions between optimism from the president and pessimism from the Supreme Leader. Indirect talks hosted by Oman have faced setbacks after initial success, with Iran rejecting US demands to dismantle its nuclear program while insisting on its right to peaceful nuclear energy. Amid these tensions, Iran is exploring diplomatic avenues with Europe, Russia, and...

Shahd Tahrawi, Hossam Abd al-Rahman, and Mohammed Zakaria are young patients receiving treatment at Al-Mowasah hospital in Amman, Jordan, after being severely injured in conflicts in Gaza, Iraq, and Yemen, respectively. Abd al-Rahman, who has undergone numerous surgeries for burns, expressed sorrow for the innocent lives affected by war, while Shahd, who lost family members in an explosion, dreams of becoming a doctor. The hospital, established to aid victims of violence, has treated over 8,367...

An Iranian official claimed to CNN that the US is inconsistent in its nuclear talks with Iran, providing vague responses and not engaging with key proposals, which suggests a lack of sincerity and a potential trap for escalating tensions. The US maintains that President Trump is genuinely committed to a deal that ensures Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons, with officials emphasizing that military action may depend on Iran's actions. As the fourth round...