الشرق الأوسط: تغطية شاملة لأخبار اليوم العربية والعالمية

Official Contacts Aim to Keep Lebanon out of War on Iran as Israel Raises Readiness on Northern Front

Israel has raised the alert level of its military along the border with Lebanon, raising questions that Lebanon’s south may again be involved in a regional…

Caroline Akoum (Beirut) since 9 minutes

Arab World

Two Israeli soldiers launch a drone. (Israeli Army)

Arab World

Israel Keen to Attack Iran’s Regional Proxies before they Can Join the War

The Israeli army is preparing to carry out “massive and unprecedented” strikes against groups backed by Iran, including the Houthis in Yemen, Hezbollah in…

Nazeer Majli (Tel Aviv) since 57 minutes

World

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright speaks at an IEA ministerial meeting in Paris (X)

World

US Renews Threat to Leave IEA

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright renewed his threat Thursday to pull out of the International Energy Agency, saying Washington would press the organization to…

Asharq Al Awsat (Paris) since 1 hour

World

The US Navy's Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln leads its strike group during a photo exercise in the Arabian Sea, February 6, 2026. US Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Monford/Handout via REUTERS

World

Trump Warns of 'Bad Things' if Iran Doesn't Make a Deal, as Second US Carrier Nears Mideast

Iran held annual military drills with Russia on Thursday as a second American aircraft carrier drew closer to the Middle East, with both the United States and…

Asharq Al Awsat since 1 hour

Trump Tells First Meeting of Board of Peace that $7 billion Raised for Gaza

Arab World

US President Donald Trump speaking in Washington - AFP

Trump Tells First Meeting of Board of Peace that $7 billion Raised for Gaza

US President Donald Trump told the first meeting of his Board of Peace on Thursday that $7 billion has been contributed to a Gaza reconstruction fund that aims…

Asharq Al Awsat Thursday 19/02 - 16:38

Rafah Crossing Traffic Lags Two Weeks after Reopening Thursday 19/02 - 18:07
Israel's Netanyahu Says No Reconstruction of Gaza before Demilitarization Thursday 19/02 - 16:08

Gulf

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and former Commander of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) retired General Michael Kurilla during the ceremony in Riyadh on Thursday. (SPA)

Gulf

Saudi Defense Minister Decorates Former CENTCOM Commander with King Abdulaziz Medal

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz bestowed on Thursday the King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellent Class upon former Commander of the…

since 2 hours

Arab World

Mourners carry the body of Palestinian-American Nasrallah Muhammad Jamal Abu Siyam, 19, who according to the Palestinian Health Ministry was shot by settlers on Wednesday night, during his funeral in the West Bank village of Mukhmas, east of Ramallah, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser)

Arab World

Israeli Settlers Kill 19-year-old Palestinian-American

Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank shot and killed a Palestinian-American during an attack on a village, the Palestinian Health Ministry and a witness…

Asharq Al Awsat since 2 hours

Saudi Crown Prince Performs Prayers at Prophet's Mosque in Madinah

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and other officials perform prayers at the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah on Friday. (SPA)

Mohammed bin Salman, Graham Discuss Relations between Saudi Arabia, US

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, meets with US Senator Lindsey Graham in Riyadh on Thursday. (SPA)

US Pays $160 Million of More than $4 Billion Owed to UN

US President Donald Trump during the Board of Peace meeting at the Donald J. Trump US Institute of Peace in Washington, USA, 19 February 2026. EPA/ALESSANDRO DI MEO

US Slaps Sanctions on Sudan’s RSF Commanders over El-Fasher Killings

FILE - A Sudanese child, who fled el-Fasher city with family after Sudan's RSF attacked the western Darfur region, receives treatment at a camp in Tawila, Sudan, Nov. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Mohammed Abaker, File)

Iran Says No Country Can Deprive it of Enrichment Rights

A handout photo made available by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)'s official website Sepahnews on 17 February 2026 shows IRGC conducting a military drill in the Strait of Hormuz, in the Arabian gulf, southern Iran. EPA/SEPAHNEWS HANDOUT

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There were exceptional communication channels between Saddam Hussein and King Hussein (AFP)

Obeidat to Asharq Al-Awsat: I Left Saddam Meeting Sensing he Misread Threat

The King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia Allows Contracting Exceptions for Firms without Regional HQ

Zindani government holds first meeting after ministers return to Aden (Saba News Agency)

Yemen PM Announces Comprehensive Reform Plan with Saudi Support

A cluster of buildings and hotels surrounding the Prophet’s Mosque (SPA).

Madinah Sees Tourism Surge Ahead of Ramadan, Spending Tops $13.9 Billion

Lockheed Martin took part in the recent World Defense Show in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Lockheed Martin: Saudi Arabia Is Strategic Choice for Global Defense Hub

Microsoft Arabia: Saudi Arabia Accelerates AI Adoption, Turns It Into Competitive Edge

Gulf

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. (Saudi Foreign Ministry)

Saudi FM Receives Message on Bilateral Ties from Russian Counterpart

since 2 hours

Saudi Defense Minister Decorates Former CENTCOM Commander with King Abdulaziz Medal

Saudi Crown Prince Performs Prayers at Prophet's Mosque in Madinah

Mohammed bin Salman, Graham Discuss Relations between Saudi Arabia, US

King Salman Directs Disbursement of over SAR3 Billion as Ramadan Assistance for Social Security Beneficiaries

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA)

Makkah Deputy Governor Carries Out Field Inspection of Grand Mosque Readiness for Ramadan

Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz is seen during his inspection tour at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah. (SPA)

Arab World

This photograph shows a memorial for slain Lebanese Hezbollah longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah at the entrance of the southern village of Qannarit on February 16, 2026. (AFP)

Official Contacts Aim to Keep Lebanon out of War on Iran as Israel Raises Readiness on Northern Front

Caroline Akoum (Beirut) since 9 minutes

Israel Keen to Attack Iran’s Regional Proxies before they Can Join the War

Iraqi Confusion Over Allegations of US Warning of Sanctions

The Coordination Framework faces a dilemma after nominating Nouri al-Maliki for Prime Minister (INA)

Israeli Settlers Kill 19-year-old Palestinian-American

Yemen PM Announces Comprehensive Reform Plan with Saudi Support

Rafah Crossing Traffic Lags Two Weeks after Reopening

Humanitarian and relief aid crosses Rafah Crossing (Egyptian Red Crescent)

World

President Donald Trump gets ready to exit the stage after speaking at a rally at Coosa Steel Corporation in Rome, Ga., Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Florida Airport to be Renamed after US President Donald Trump

Asharq Al Awsat since 17 minutes

Venezuela: Amnesty Law Excludes those who Promoted Military Action

National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez, center, presides over a session debating an amnesty bill in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Crisitian Hernandez)

Türkiye’s Approval of Peace Roadmap is Important Step, PKK Source Says

A Turkish parliamentary commission’s approval of a report setting out a roadmap for legal reforms alongside the disbandment of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) group is an important step and the beginning of a fundamental change in Turkish policy, a PKK source said Thursday. (AFP/File)

US Renews Threat to Leave IEA

Trump Warns of 'Bad Things' if Iran Doesn't Make a Deal, as Second US Carrier Nears Mideast

US Pays $160 Million of More than $4 Billion Owed to UN

Business

A street in the holy city of Makkah is decorated with Ramadan lights. (SPA)

Third ‘Mirkaz AlBalad AlAmeen Platform’ to Open in Makkah on Sunday

since 1 hour

Saudi Arabia’s Mawani Grants Unified License to Global Shipping Line

The initiative is part of Mawani's ongoing efforts to develop the maritime business environment, enable international companies to invest in the Saudi market, and increase competitiveness within the maritime sector. (Mawani)

IMF: Restoring Lebanon's Economic Growth Will Require Comprehensive Reforms

Saudi Arabia Allows Contracting Exceptions for Firms without Regional HQ

IMF Board to Review Staff-level $8.1 Bln Agreement for Ukraine

The city's downtown on a frosty winter day, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine February 19, 2026. REUTERS/Alina Smutko

US Stocks Fall as Iran Angst Lifts Oil Prices

A screen displays a stock chart at a work station on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York City, US, April 6, 2022. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid

Culture

Jeddah's Red Sea Museum Announces Ramadan Program

Culture

Jeddah's Red Sea Museum Announces Ramadan Program

Jeddah's Red Sea Museum announced on Thursday a curated program of creative and cultural activities for the holy month of Ramadan, running from February 22 to…

since 1 hour

Culture

The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth) will offer traditional craft workshops throughout Ramadan. SPA

Culture

Saudi Arabia: Ship of Tolerance Initiative Promotes Cultural Dialogue in Jeddah

The Saudi Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the "Lenobadir" volunteer and community partnership program and the Athr Foundation, has launched the Ship…

Asharq Al Awsat (Jeddah) Wednesday 18/02 - 10:22

Culture

A view of Shakespeare’s Birthplace, William Shakespeare's childhood home, in Stratford-upon-Avon, Britain, February 9, 2026. (Reuters)

Culture

Oscar Contender ‘Hamnet’ Boosts Tourism at Shakespeare Heritage Sites

On a cloudy winter's day, visitors stream into what was once William Shakespeare's childhood home in Stratford-upon-Avon and the nearby Anne Hathaway's cottage…

Wednesday 18/02 - 08:23

Culture

Historic Jeddah has emerged as a leading cultural tourism destination during Ramadan. (SPA)

Culture

Culture Ministry Continues Preparations in Historic Jeddah to Welcome Visitors during Ramadan

The Saudi Ministry of Culture is continuing its efforts to revitalize Historic Jeddah in preparation for welcoming visitors during the holy month of Ramadan,…

Wednesday 18/02 - 06:54

Culture

Skulls of several mammals before the destruction (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Culture

Thousands of Animals, Rare Specimens Stolen from Sudan Museum

“Everything is over.” With that short and painful phrase, a Sudanese government official summed up the loss of nearly a century and a half of history after war…

Asharq Al Awsat (Khartoum) Wednesday 18/02 - 05:58

Sports

Messi Kicks Off MLS Season in Key World Cup Year

Sports

Argentine forward Lionel Messi won the MLS Cup for Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham. CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP/File

Messi Kicks Off MLS Season in Key World Cup Year

Lionel Messi kicks off a critical season for Major League Soccer this weekend as the rapidly growing US domestic league seeks to cash in on a huge spike in…

Asharq Al Awsat since 19 minutes

Sports

Nottingham Forest's Portuguese head coach Vitor Pereira (CR) gestures from the techincal area during the UEFA Europa League - knockout round play-off first leg - football match between Fenerbahce SK and Nottingham Forest FC at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul on February 19, 2026. (Photo by Yasin AKGUL / AFP)

Sports

Perfect Start for Pereira as Forest Enjoy Record Win at Fenerbahce

Nottingham Forest's new head &zwnj;coach Vitor Pereira said he had encouraged his players to express themselves at Fenerbahce on Thursday and they responded in…

Asharq Al Awsat since 1 hour

Sports

FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks during a Board of Peace meeting at the US Institute of Peace, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Sports

FIFA President: All 104 World Cup Matches Will be 'Sold Out'

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said all 104 matches of &zwnj;the 2026 World Cup will be "sold out" despite tickets available for the tournament running from…

Asharq Al Awsat since 1 hour

Sports

Sports Investment Forum Allocates Third Day to Women's Empowerment to Promote Sustainable Investment in Women’s Sports

The Sports Investment Forum announced that the third day of its 2026 edition will be dedicated to empowering women in the sports sector, in partnership with…

Asharq Al Awsat Thursday 19/02 - 15:22

Sports

Soccer Football - FA Cup - Fourth Round - Liverpool v Brighton & Hove Albion - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - February 14, 2026 Liverpool manager Arne Slot celebrates after the match REUTERS/Phil Noble

Sports

Liverpool Boss Slot Says Isak in 'Final Stages of Rehab'

Liverpool manager Arne Slot said on Thursday he believes striker Alexander Isak is in the "final stages of rehab" and could return by the end of next month to…

Asharq Al Awsat Thursday 19/02 - 10:52

Cartoon

Friday 20/02 - 05:21

Thursday 19/02 - 05:58

Wednesday 18/02 - 05:29

Varieties

Trump Says he’s Ordering Release of Data on UFOs, Aliens

Varieties

US President Donald Trump speaks aboard Air Force One (AP)

Trump Says he’s Ordering Release of Data on UFOs, Aliens

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday he is ordering federal agencies to begin “identifying and releasing” government files related to UFOs and aliens, a…

Asharq Al Awsat (Washington) since 6 minutes

Varieties

Paleontologist Paul Sereno poses in his Fossil Lab at the University of Chicago with a reconstructed skull of the dinosaur Spinosaurus mirabilis. The photograph was released by the University of Chicago on February 19, 2026. Keith Ladzinski/Handout via REUTERS

Varieties

Fossils of New Species of Huge Dinosaur Unearthed in Niger

At a remote and barren Sahara desert site in Niger, scientists have unearthed fossils of a new species of Spinosaurus, among the biggest of the meat-eating…

Asharq Al Awsat since 53 minutes

Varieties

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company's Dragon spacecraft on top launches from Space Launch Complex 40 for the Crew-12 mission at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on February 13, 2026. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP)

Varieties

Rocket Re-entry Pollution Measured in Atmosphere for 1st Time

When part of a SpaceX rocket re-entered Earth's atmosphere exactly a year ago, it created a spectacular fireball that streaked across Europe's skies,…

Asharq Al Awsat Thursday 19/02 - 16:47

Varieties

A close-up showing the shiny silver-green photophores (light organs) on the lower head of the deep-sea fish Maurolicus muelleri from the Red Sea, seen in this photograph released on February 11, 2026. Dr. Wen-Sung Chung/Handout via REUTERS

Varieties

Deep-sea Fish Break the Mold with Novel Visual System

For more than a century, biology textbooks have stated that vision among vertebrates - people included - is built from two clearly defined cell types: rods for…

Asharq Al Awsat Thursday 19/02 - 15:31

Varieties

FILE PHOTO: Factories line the port of Osaka, western Japan October 23, 2017. REUTERS/Thomas White/File Photo

Varieties

Japan City Gets $3.6 Mn Donation in Gold to Fix Water System

Osaka has received an unusual donation -- 21 kilograms of gold -- to pay for the maintenance of its ageing water system, the Japanese commercial hub announced…

Asharq Al Awsat Thursday 19/02 - 10:19

Cartoons

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