Iran and Israel have held a rare meeting, with Qatar serving as mediator. Discussions focused on easing regional tensions, and observers hope the talks could pave the way for a broader regional cooperation framework.

Record heat grips the Middle East as water systems fail and power grids strain. Southern Iraq faces 52–53°C heat, protests grow over collapsing services, while displacement rises from Syria to Iraq. Gulf states warn of widespread blackouts as climate stress fuels mounting and widespread instability.