The American Express Times
Monday, June 15, 2026
As PM tries to hold off U.S.-Iran deal, relations with Trump worsen
An Israeli airstrike on a Hezbollah position in Beirut's southern suburbs killed a key commander and was launched in retaliation for drone attacks on northern Israel, prompting Iranian threats of missile strikes. This escalation complicates ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations aimed at regional stability and has led to tightened security measures and event cancellations within Israel.
★ Featured Stories
Ewing’s big game lifts Mets over Braves
Rookie A.J. Ewing nearly hit for the cycle as the New York Mets defeated the Atlanta Braves 8-1, handing the league-leading Braves their second consecutive…
White Sox Show Playoff Contender Form With Win Over Dodgers
The Chicago White Sox defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-4, improving to 4-1 on a challenging six-game homestand against top opponents. This strong showing against…
PM rejects limits on Ben-Gvir’s police authority, Al-Aqsa
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declined to impose recommended limits on National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's authority over sensitive police matters at the Temple Mount/Al-Aqsa…
Police enforced ban on Sabbath protests near officials' homes
Israel Police enforced a ban on amplified protests near the prime minister’s residence during the Sabbath for the first time by seizing sound equipment at…
★ All Stories
Looking for a job while running to the bomb shelter
Since October 7, 2023, a growing number of young immigrants in Israel, many from Western countries and Ukraine, have been navigating the challenges of living…
Omani Ministry Affirms Civil Society Institutions Law Implementation
The Omani Ministry of Social Development has enacted a new Civil Society Institutions Law to regulate and support various civil society organizations, including associations and…
Loggerhead Turtles Return to Masirah for Nesting Season
Masirah Island in Oman has entered the peak nesting season for loggerhead turtles, hosting one of the largest global concentrations of this species and supporting…
Opinion: Tayyibat Diet Wellness Fad Lacks Scientific Evidence
Health authorities in several regional countries have issued warnings about the safety of the rapidly popular Tayyibat Diet, which has been linked to hospitalizations after…
US President Trump to Meet Egypt’s Sisi at G7 Summit
US President Donald Trump will meet with Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi during the G7 summit in Evian, France, to discuss the ongoing Middle East…
Parental Guidance Crucial to Reducing Children's Screen Time in Summer
As summer begins in Oman with high temperatures limiting outdoor activities, families face growing challenges in managing children’s increased screen time. Experts stress that active…
Egypt Play Down Shirt Changes For World Cup
The Egyptian Football Association confirmed that changes to the national team's World Cup jerseys, including the removal of seven stars and changing the number colors,…
Chinese electric cars excluded from Israeli defense use
Chinese electric vehicles have captured 44 percent of Israel’s new car market but are now being restricted within the country’s defense sector over cybersecurity concerns.…
Free Abu Safiyah
Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza, remains detained by Israel without formal charges, with recent photos showing signs of severe…
U.K., Australia and Canada unveil joint fund for peace building
The United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada have launched a $5.3 million international Peace Fund to support grassroots Israeli-Palestinian peacebuilding initiatives promoting a two-state solution and…
Environment Authority Announces Fifth Phase of Plastic Bag Ban
Oman's Environment Authority announced that the fifth phase of the national plastic bag ban will begin on July 1, extending restrictions to furniture stores, jewelry…
Sayyid Badr Reviews Ties with Chinese Special Envoy
Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidy met with China’s Special Envoy for Middle East Affairs, Zhai Jun, to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation…
Research Advancements in Drug Discovery by Omani Scientist
Dr. Anwaar bint Said Al Maqbali of Sultan Qaboos University led groundbreaking research synthesizing chiral triazoline compounds with carbohydrate appendages, earning recognition at the 12th…
UK Royal Marines Intercept Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker
British Royal Marine Commandos intercepted and boarded the Russian tanker Smyrtos in the English Channel, marking the UK's first seizure of a vessel linked to…
UK Hotels and Airlines Face Weak Demand for World Cup Amid High Costs
Travel and tourism activity in U.S. cities hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup is notably lower than expected due to high ticket prices, visa restrictions,…
Denied US Entry Somali Referee Will Receive Full FIFA Fee
Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied entry to the United States for the World Cup due to alleged links to terror groups but will…
Amid Haredi pressure, Regev requests removal of US planes from Ben-Gurion
Transportation Minister Miri Regev has requested Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to remove U.S. refueling aircraft from Ben-Gurion Airport to alleviate severe congestion that risks canceling…
Returning to its natural dimensions
Israel’s past strategy of relying on great powers, seen in the 1956 Suez Crisis and currently in its cautious support for U.S. efforts against Iran,…
An Israeli guide to meeting kids’ needs during wartime
Trauma-informed educator Yulie Khromchenco published a Hebrew-language book in November 2025 offering practical guidance on supporting children’s emotional well-being during wartime, based on her work…
Sayyid Badr Receives Credentials Copy of Tajik Ambassador
Oman's Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidy officially received Dr. Zubaydullo Zubaydzoda as the new Tajikistani Ambassador to Oman. This formal exchange underscores…
SQU Research Journal Achieves Q3 Ranking
The Journal of Engineering Research (TJER) from Sultan Qaboos University has improved its CiteScore to 1.5 and moved up 15 positions to reach the third…
Hadatha Centre Strengthens Oman’s Cybersecurity Ecosystem
The Hadatha Centre for Cybersecurity Industry at Sultan Qaboos University launched programs that supported 18 students in developing six innovative cybersecurity projects addressing threats like…
Israel Intensifies Strikes on Beirut Suburbs Amid Escalation
Israeli forces carried out intensified airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in Beirut’s southern suburbs and southern Lebanon following attacks on northern Israeli communities. The escalation threatens…
Swiss Voters Reject Population Cap Referendum Limiting Immigration
Swiss voters rejected a proposal to cap the country’s population at 10 million by 2050 through stricter immigration limits, with about 55 percent voting against…
Spain Are ‘Favourites’ Despite Knockout Woes
Spain enters the 2026 World Cup as reigning European champions, aiming to overcome a decade-long knockout stage drought with a talented squad led by coach…
Doctors to PM: Israel damaging West Bank health system
The Israeli Medical Association has urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to release withheld customs revenues to the Palestinian Authority, warning that the West Bank’s healthcare system…
Sweet-talking while bombing
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly addressed the Lebanese population to distinguish between ordinary citizens and Hezbollah amid ongoing military tensions. This messaging aims to…
Is Israel using archaeology to advance West Bank annexation?
The Israeli government approved funding in 2023 to restore the ancient Sebastia archaeological site in the West Bank, but progress has stalled due to security…
Contract Awarded for Fish Landing Centre in Qurayat
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources has awarded a contract to build a fish landing centre in Bimmah, Qurayat, Muscat Governorate. This development…
Plans Envision New Life for Historic Al Saidiya School
Omani officials are planning to preserve and transform Al Saidiya School into a multifunctional centre combining education, culture, and community engagement while respecting its historical…
New GED Holder Batch Joins Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority
A group of Omani nationals with General Education Diplomas and Post-GED diplomas has joined the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority in Muscat after passing rigorous…
Aid Funding Crisis Leaves Chadian Displaced in Limbo
Thousands of Chadian refugees fleeing Sudan’s ongoing conflict have crossed into eastern Chad, overwhelming border areas and aid operations. UN agencies warn that a looming…
The Quiet Work That Keeps Cities Running: Honoring Sanitation Workers
Sanitation workers worldwide perform early morning waste collection that is essential for maintaining public health and urban cleanliness. Global Garbage Man Day on June 17…
Mamdani meets with Israeli and Palestinian activists
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani met with Israeli and Palestinian peace activists Maoz Inon and Aziz Abu Sarah at City Hall to discuss their reconciliation…
Draft the Haredim for their own sake
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized ultra-Orthodox lawmakers for avoiding military service, intensifying tensions in the ongoing debate over integrating the Haredi community into Israel’s army.…
Trump Vows Mideast Deal Is On Despite Beirut Strike
President Trump condemned Israeli airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, which killed three people, urging all parties to stop hostilities amid ongoing peace negotiations. The violence…
Oman and Libya Discuss Ways to Expand Cooperation
Shaikh Abdulmalik bin Abdullah Al Khalili, Chairman of Oman's State Council, met with a delegation from Libya's High Council of State led by Hassan Ali…