Yemen 2026: Southern Transitional Council’s fall and renewed Houthi-Saudi conflict
In 2026, the Southern Transitional Council collapsed in the south, Houthi-Saudi/Yemen government fighting resumed, and humanitarian need is high.
Israel–Hezbollah conflict 2026 and UK response
Israel-Hezbollah fighting continued into June. Issues in talks include disarming Hezbollah and both Israel and Hezbollah withdrawing from southern Lebanon.
Lebanon and the end of UN Interim Force in Lebanon’s mandate in 2026
The UN Interim Force in Lebanon’s mandate will end in 2026 and it will withdraw in 2027. The force has been in place since 1978. What are the plans post-UNIFIL?
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Research Briefing
A new president and prime minister for Iraq: What challenges face the country in 2026?
In 2026 Iraq selected a new president and prime minister. Issues facing Iraq include disarming or integrating Iran-backed militias into the state armed forces.
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Research Briefing
Syria in 2026: How are the UK and others engaging?
Assad had been militarily reliant on Russia and Iran. Since his fall, the UK has been among those to engage with the interim government and lift many sanctions.
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Research Briefing
UK-Israel relations 2026: E1 settlement plan, trade and sanctions
The UK announced measures in response to Israeli settlement construction and violent settlers in the occupied West Bank. Israel has taken four steps in response.
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Research Briefing
Syria in 2026: Interim government and Kurdish integration
Following President Assad’s fall in 2024, an interim Syrian parliament and government are in place. In 2026, steps are underway to integrate Kurdish areas.
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Research Briefing
Syria in 2026: Minority religious and ethnic groups after Assad
Extensive violence targeted some religious minorities in 2025. Tensions continued in 2026. The UK has called for accountability and an inclusive transition.
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Research Briefing
Iran in 2026: Six months after the US/Israeli strikes
There are no talks between the US and Iran on ending the conflict. The US is imposing more economic sanctions. Iran’s high use of the death penalty persists.
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Research Briefing
UK forces in the Middle East region
The UK armed forces use a range of bases and facilities in the Middle East.
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Research Briefing
US-Iran ceasefire and nuclear talks in 2026
Describes issues in US-Iran talks in 2026, including the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programme and US sanctions.
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Research Briefing
Iranian state threat activities in the UK
What is the assessment of state threats from Iran, and what has been the UK response?
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Research Briefing
Israel/US-Iran conflict 2026: Reopening the Strait of Hormuz
What diplomatic efforts are being made to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a major trade route for oil, gas and other supplies?
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Research Briefing
The UAE exits OPEC and Saudi-UAE tensions in 2026
The Arab Gulf is not a unified block. The two leading Gulf states have been diverging over Yemen, Sudan, Israel and oil.
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Research Briefing
Israel/US-Iran conflict 2026: Background and UK response
US-Israel strikes and Iranian counter strikes, the Israel-Hezbollah conflict and UK actions and response.
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