Antoine Khoury

Australia secured its place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday with a 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia in Jeddah. 

The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) will conclude its operations by December 31, 2025, following a formal request from the Iraqi government. 

Leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have extended their congratulations to the Saudi leadership for the successful organization and execution of the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, which drew nearly 1.4 million Muslim pilgrims since its start on Wednesday.

Interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa made a landmark visit to Daraa on Friday, marking his first trip to the city since the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad nearly six months ago.

Jordan etched its name into football history on Thursday by securing its first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup, following a commanding 3-0 victory over Oman in the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 tournament.

The European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, announced on Thursday a €175 million aid package for Syria, calling it a "clear message" of support from the European Union. 

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, declared on Wednesday that the United States has no authority to dictate Tehran’s uranium enrichment policies, amid ongoing indirect negotiations between the two countries over the Iranian nuclear program.

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received a phone call on Tuesday from President of the European Council, António Costa, during which the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening Egypt-EU cooperation on multiple fronts. 

Sami Gemayel, Member of Parliament and leader of the Lebanese Kataeb Party, participated in a panel discussion at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) held in Budapest, Hungary, from May 29 to 30, where he addressed the ongoing crisis of Syrian displacement and its profound impact on Lebanon.

Syria’s Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Hind Kabawat, has welcomed the recent easing of Western sanctions on her country, calling it a crucial step toward national recovery and the reintegration of millions of displaced citizens.

The Arab Media Summit (AMS) 2025 opens on Monday in Dubai.

As Egypt’s Hajj Mission begins transporting thousands of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, many are once again turning their attention to Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam and one of the most significant spiritual journeys in the Muslim faith.