العربية

News of October 4, 2026

Politics

Future of French far-right star in balance after antisemitism claims

After one of the most meteoric rises in the history of French politics, Jordan Bardella, the 31-year-old top ally of Marine Le Pen, is fighting for his political life after allegations he made antisemitic comments as a teenager in 2013. Just a week ago, all was looking rosy for Bardella, with polls predicting Le Pen is on course to win the presidency at the fourth attempt, and the young leader of her National Rally (RN) party subsequently set to take the job of prime minister.

Al-Monitor

News

NAZA: Israeli embassies in UK and US promote rival documentary to challenge Gaza genocide allegations

NAZA: Israeli embassies in UK and US promote rival documentary to challenge Gaza genocide allegations Israeli embassies in the United States and the United Kingdom are promoting a copycat NAZA, nearly a month after the release of the original that focuses on testimony of Israelis killing Palestinians in Gaza. In posts on X, the embassies said that "Naza: The Real Story" is "setting the record straight" and claims to offer a firsthand account from senior Israeli military commanders and intelli…

Middle East Eye

Sports

Al-Dahami grabs show jumping gold as Saudi Arabia ends Asian Games with 17 medals

At the 20th Asian Games in Japan, Saudi Arabia concluded its participation with a record total of 17 medals, including four gold, three silver, and ten bronze, marking their best performance since their debut in 1982. Ramzi Al-Dahami's victory in individual show jumping on the final day contributed significantly, and noteworthy achievements included jiu-jitsu golds for brothers Omar and Abdullah Nada, as well as the Kingdom's first adult medal for a female athlete, Dina Ahmed Mustafa, in karate.

Arab News

News

Tanker hit by unknown projectile in Strait of Hormuz, UKMTO says

Tanker hit by unknown projectile in Strait of Hormuz, UKMTO says A tanker was hit by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, causing damage to its engine room, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said on Sunday, without specifying when the incident occurred. The crew was safe and no environmental impact had been reported at the time the notice was issued, UKMTO added. Reporting by Reuters

Middle East Eye

News

Six-year-old killed by Israeli attacks in central Gaza

Six-year-old killed by Israeli attacks in central Gaza A six-year-old Palestinian girl has succumbed to wounds sustained in an Israeli attack in central Gaza's Deir el-Balah, Wafa news agency reports, citing medical sources. According to the sources, Suha Mohammed Nasser was shot by Israeli forces while sheltering with her family in a tent in Wadi al-Salqa, south of Deir al-Balah. In a separate attack, Saqr al-Qaisi was killed when an Israeli drone struck a vehicle in the city's al-Hawouz are…

Middle East Eye

Sports

‘Special course’: Liam Nolan claims maiden title in style at Abu Dhabi Challenge

Ireland’s Liam Nolan secured his first HotelPlanner Tour title at the Abu Dhabi Challenge, winning by four strokes with a final round of five-under-par 65. His victory elevates him to 12th place in the Road to Mallorca Rankings, enhancing his chances for a DP World Tour card for 2027. Nolan celebrated the win with his caddie and family, emphasizing the support and teamwork behind his success.

Arab News

News

Iran says Hormuz Strait to remain closed until US meets seven conditions

Iran says Hormuz Strait to remain closed until US meets seven conditions Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has said that the Strait of Hormuz will remain shut until Washington meets certain conditions. Ghalibaf, who also acts as Tehran's chief negotiator in the talks, said that the contested waterway will remain closed until seven conditions based on the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding are met by Washington. He conceded that the US had made "some proposals through a med…

Middle East Eye

News

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman: Strait of Hormuz 'main concern' of leadership

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman: Strait of Hormuz 'main concern' of leadership Iran's foreign ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, has said that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is the "main focus" of truce talks with Washington. Speaking at a news conference, Baghaei said that Tehran is "focusing on the strait foremost", and that its primary concern is "to reach a solution and to have peace and stability restored within this waterway". He added that, by contrast, Washington's strategy…

Middle East Eye

Business

From Absorbing the Shock to Recovery: How Is Saudi Arabia Building a More Resilient Economy?

Economic strength is no longer measured solely by GDP growth rates, the size of foreign reserves, or the ability to attract investment during prosperous times. In a world increasingly exposed to successive shocks, ranging from wars and disruptions in energy and trade to pandemics and financial market crises, another equally important standard has emerged: an economy’s ability to withstand changing circumstances, continue functioning during a crisis, and subsequently recover and adapt.

Asharq Al-Awsat English

Sports

Saudi and Moroccan Derbies take Kings League MENA centerstage as Ultra Chmicha maintain perfect record

In Matchday 5 of the Kings League MENA held in Riyadh, Ultra Chmicha remained unbeaten with a 5-3 win over Bakhira FC in the highly anticipated Morocco Derby, while the Saudi Derby saw DR7 narrowly defeat RA2 7-6 in a thrilling contest. With this victory, Ultra Chmicha leads the league standings with five wins, followed by Kuwait’s FWZ with four wins and DR7 along with Jordan’s Red Zone holding three wins each.

Arab News

Sports

UAE tops Asian Games jiu-jitsu standings with record 5 golds

The UAE’s jiu-jitsu national team achieved a historic performance at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya by winning a record five gold medals, topping the medal standings. Overall, the team secured eight medals, including two silvers and one bronze, surpassing their previous best of four golds at the Hangzhou 2022 Games.

Arab News

Sports

Qatar coach Lopetegui praises ‘very strong’ Saudi fans after penalty thriller

Saudi Arabia's head coach Georgios Donis lauded his team's determination after securing a place in the Arabian Gulf Cup 27 final with a penalty shootout win over Qatar, emphasizing the impact of the home crowd. Despite their inability to score during regular time, Donis praised the players' performance, while Qatar's coach Julen Lopetegui expressed disappointment, acknowledging the strength of the Saudi side and its supporters. The final will see Saudi Arabia compete against the UAE on Tuesday.

Arab News

Lifestyle

Could Alien Life Exist on One of Saturn’s Moons?

Aliens could live on a moon in our solar system, scientists have announced. Researchers have long been particularly excited about the possibility of life on Enceladus, one of Saturn’s moons. It not only is one of few places in our celestial neighborhood to have conditions that could provide a home for aliens, but also shoots out jets that mean that it could be easier for future spacecraft to examine.

Asharq Al-Awsat English

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