Middle East Overview: June 2026
Israel stepped up pressure on Hamas in Gaza, and Iran continued targeting the Gulf while an agreement with the US stalls
Staff
Nasser Khdour
Middle East Assistant Research Manager
Nasser Khdour is the Middle East Assistant Research Manager at ACLED, where he has been working since 2021, initially joining as a Palestine Researcher. He holds a master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the Australian National University and another master’s degree in International Studies from Birzeit University. Before joining ACLED, Nasser had ten years of experience in international organizations and civil society projects. He is currently based in Basel, Switzerland.
Spoken languages: Arabic and English Timezone: Central European Time - CET
Content by this author
Will US Pressure Contain Deepening Operations in Lebanon?
ACLED’s Middle East Assistant Research Manager Nasser Khdour comments on Israel's military expansion in Lebanon
What does Israel’s killing of key Hamas chief mean for Gaza?
ACLED’s Middle East Assistant Research Manager Nasser Khdour comments on Israel's killing of Mohammed Odeh.
Is settler violence getting worse in the West Bank?
ACLED’s Middle East Assistant Research Manager Nasser Khdour comments on rise in settler violence in the West Bank
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.
Nasser Khdour on Israel’s escalation in Gaza amid Hamas’ refusal to disarm
ACLED’s Middle East Assistant Research Manager Nasser Khdour comments on new developments in the Gaza Strip as Israel intensifies attacks
Who are the Israel-backed armed groups fighting Hamas in Gaza?
The Board of Peace wants Hamas to disarm. But the group's reluctance to do so stems from more than just Israel's repeated ceasefire violations.
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.