Middle East Overview: May 2026
April was the deadliest month in Gaza this year, conflict in Iraq took on its own trajectory, and violence continued in southern Lebanon despite the ceasefire.
All analysis on Iran
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Bassel Doueik on systematic property destruction in southern Lebanon
ACLED’s Lebanon and Jordan Researcher Bassel Doueik comments on Israel’s use of Gaza-style tactics in Lebanon.
Nohad Eltayeb on how Middle East tensions are reshaping Sudan’s war economy
ACLED’s Senior Research Assistant, Nohad Eltayeb, comments on the growing impact of regional pressure and shifting supply networks on Sudan’s conflict dynamics
60 days of the Iran war — 6 conflicts you didn’t see
While global attention was fixed on Iran, violence, unrest, and instability continued to escalate elsewhere — largely out of view.
Is civil unrest poised to escalate in Lebanon?
Even as the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire begins, potential Israel-Lebanon peace talks could exacerbate domestic tensions.
Will the Strait of Hormuz blockade lead to a diplomatic breakthrough, or more violence?
A look at the violence in the Gulf of Oman and Persian Gulf during the war, and what may keep the US and Iran at the negotiating table now.
Bassel Doueik on escalation of Israeli attacks over Lebanon after “Black Wednesday”
ACLED’s Lebanon and Jordan Researcher Bassel Doueik comments on Israel’s military shift towards Lebanon.
Nasser Khdour on massive Israeli attacks over Lebanon despite ceasefire
ACLED’s Middle East Assistant Research Manager Nasser Khdour comments on Israel’s targeting of Lebanon after US and Iran agree to halt fighting.
Clionadh Raleigh on ceasefire deal after record number of strikes in Iran
ACLED’s Prof. Clionadh Raleigh comments on the ceasefire as strike activity in Iran reaches a new high
Middle East Overview: April 2026
On the heels of the US-Iran two-week ceasefire agreement, ACLED experts detail the impacts in the region, including in Lebanon, the Gulf, Yemen, Israel, and Iraq — and their outlook on what's to come.