Latest fromMiddle East

Israel strikes on Iran kill top military leaders, escalate tensions
Iran's leader warned Israel of a 'bitter and painful' fate after the attacks.

What to know about Israel’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear programme
New York Times: Iran's state media says nuclear scientists, generals and civilians killed.

Iran and Israel: A once covert war has burst into the open
New York Times: An updated timeline of the Israel-Iran conflict over the past years.

'Potentially catastrophic' – Luxon speaks after Israel conducts ‘pre-emptive strike’ on Iran
The Prime Minister will visit China before heading to the Nato summit in Europe.

Israel intercepts drones fired from Iran in retaliation for deadly attacks
Israeli attack killed senior Revolutionary Guards and nuclear scientists.

Analysis: Why Israel may be considering an attack on Iran
New York Times: It's unclear whether there's a real strike plan or if it's sabre-rattling.

Market close: NZ sharemarket flat as tensions rise over potential Iran strike
The S&P/NZX 50 closed up 0.34% today after a spike in oil prices globally.

US on alert for potential Israeli strike on Iran
The US is moving some personnel out of the Middle East.

Controversial ‘run it straight’ NZ final moved to Dubai, contestants' flights paid for
The final was initially scheduled to take place in Auckland this month.

Israel vows to stop aid ship with Greta Thunberg aboard from reaching Gaza
New York Times: Greta Thunberg and Rima Hassan are aboard the Madleen.

'Eliminated': Israeli military claims it has identified Hamas Gaza chief's body
The IDF says Mohammed Sinwar was killed in an airstrike on May 13.

36 killed after Israeli troops fire near aid centre
Israeli forces killed 36 Palestinians; six of them near a US-backed aid centre.

'Brutally murdered': Thai hostage's body retrieved in Gaza
He was a Thai worker abducted during the October 7 Hamas attack.

Aid ship with Greta Thunberg on board nears Gaza
Activists on board say drones have approached the Madleen during its voyage.

'Not in this world': Pilgrims describe spiritual journey under scorching sun
Over 1.5 million pilgrims joined the hajj under intense heat in Mecca.

Israel strikes Syria after projectiles launched, blames Syrian leader
Syria denied firing the projectiles, calling Israel's actions a violation.

In emaciated children, Gaza’s hunger is laid bare
New York Times: Aid began to trickle in last week. But there is never enough.

Letters: Happy to have seen Charles go from a baby to King
OPINION: King Charles has shown dignity and resilience.

Iran warns of retaliation if EU exploits UN uranium report
Iran's enriched uranium stockpile is 45 times over the 2015 deal limit.

Queenstown man runs length of Japan to support Palestinians
'I love this stuff and I’m lucky to enjoy the pain a little bit.'

'Effective rejection': Hamas counters ceasefire terms with new demands
Hamas wants a permanent ceasefire, troop withdrawals and aid flow.