Daily Archives: December 17, 2025

Latest world news: rising tensions in the Middle East

Rising tensions in the Middle East have made headlines in recent months, resulting from a number of interrelated factors. This tension was triggered by a number of prolonged conflicts and intervention by international powers, which made this region prone to turmoil. One of the main causes of tension is the feud between Iran and Saudi Arabia. These two countries continue to be trapped in a struggle for influence, both within the region and in their allied countries. Iran, as a Shia ruler, supports like-minded groups in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, while Saudi Arabia, as a Sunni leader, strives to block Iranian influence through support for various opposition groups. The prolonged conflict in Yemen has also worsened the situation. The civil war that began in 2015 between the Saudi-backed government and the Iran-backed Houthis has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis. The UN estimates that millions of people face famine, and access to humanitarian aid is increasingly limited by increasing attacks. The situation in Syria is no less complex. With the presence of various local and international actors, including Russia, the US, and Türkiye, efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution appear increasingly difficult. Terrorist attacks that occurred in areas free from ISIS control also added to the list of problems that must be addressed immediately. On the other hand, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is heating up again, especially with increasing violence in the West Bank and Gaza. The demolition of Palestinian homes, illegal settlements, and Israel’s military attacks on Gaza have invited international condemnation. This tension is exacerbated by provocative actions from both parties, making peaceful dialogue even more difficult to carry out. Economic hardship is also a driving factor in tensions. Many countries in the Middle East are facing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and deteriorating economic conditions have led to increased unemployment and dissatisfaction among the people. The government, already weak, is finding it increasingly difficult to maintain stability and deal with pressure from its citizens. Lastly, climate change factors contribute to tensions in this region. Prolonged droughts have disrupted food production, resulting in increasingly intense competition for resources, especially in the context of water management. Countries such as Iraq and Syria are experiencing serious problems related to access to clean water, creating the potential for new conflicts. Rising tensions in the Middle East have far-reaching impacts not only for the surrounding countries, but also for the entire world. The involvement of global powers such as the US and Russia adds complexity to the solution. The world’s attention is now focused on how these developments will affect global geopolitical and economic stability in the future.