https://editorials.voa.gov/z/3241 Editorials on Voice of America expressing U.S. policy on the Middle East https://editorials.voa.gov/Content/responsive/VOA/en-US-POLICY/img/logo.png https://editorials.voa.gov/z/3241 en 2026 - VOA 60 Fri, 18 Sep 2026 07:41:06 -0400 Pangea CMS – VOA KH and Lebanese Hizballah fuel Iran’s destabilizing influence in the Middle East, endanger U.S. and partner forces, and facilitate extensive sanctions evasion schemes.  https://editorials.voa.gov/a/operation-economic-outcast-strikes-iran-s-terrorist-network/8197302.html https://editorials.voa.gov/a/operation-economic-outcast-strikes-iran-s-terrorist-network/8197302.html Mon, 14 Sep 2026 06:30:00 -0400 Middle East The Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), on September 4, designated Türkiye-based financial institution Golden Global Yatirim Bankasi Anonim Sirketi (Golden Global Bank) and its subsidiaries. https://editorials.voa.gov/a/severing-iran-s-financial-lifelines-in-turkiye/8195978.html https://editorials.voa.gov/a/severing-iran-s-financial-lifelines-in-turkiye/8195978.html Wed, 09 Sep 2026 06:30:00 -0400 Middle East Aid is beginning to reach those in need. Hamas has agreed to disarm in full. The IDF is pulling back. And the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza is authorized to move in. https://editorials.voa.gov/a/president-trump-s-plan-is-the-only-way-forward-in-gaza/8192798.html https://editorials.voa.gov/a/president-trump-s-plan-is-the-only-way-forward-in-gaza/8192798.html Tue, 01 Sep 2026 06:30:00 -0400 Middle East U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio formally rescinded Syria’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism (SST), following the conclusion of the mandatory 45-day Congressional notification period. In an action taken on August 24, Secretary Rubio also delisted Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham’s (HTS) designation as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). “These actions,” the Secretary said, “represent another historic step by President Trump to give the Syrian people a path to prosperity.”... https://editorials.voa.gov/a/8191796.html https://editorials.voa.gov/a/8191796.html Mon, 31 Aug 2026 09:26:00 -0400 Middle EastSecurity “there will be no refuge for violent extremists who wage war on our civilization and plot to undermine law and order, destroy critical infrastructure, assault political opponents, or conceal their crimes from authorities." https://editorials.voa.gov/a/countering-far-left-terrorism/8191198.html https://editorials.voa.gov/a/countering-far-left-terrorism/8191198.html Fri, 28 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0400 AmericasEuropeMiddle EastSecurity The World Food Program now projects an additional 45 million people will suffer from acute food insecurity globally. https://editorials.voa.gov/a/united-states-remains-committed-to-feeding-the-hungry/8190750.html https://editorials.voa.gov/a/united-states-remains-committed-to-feeding-the-hungry/8190750.html Thu, 27 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0400 AfricaAmericasAsiaEuropeMiddle EastAid U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently announced the launch of Operation Economic Outcast – an unprecedented campaign against the Islamic Republic of Iran and its enablers. “Our objective is to sever every economic lifeline that sustains this tyrannical regime until Tehran stands alone,” Secretary Bessent declared. Under President Donald Trump’s leadership, “America is no longer managing the Iranian threat. We are ending it.” U.S. Armed Forces have laid the groundwork for... https://editorials.voa.gov/a/treasury-department-launches-operation-economic-outcast/8190321.html https://editorials.voa.gov/a/treasury-department-launches-operation-economic-outcast/8190321.html Tue, 25 Aug 2026 09:28:00 -0400 Middle EastTrade President Donald Trump announced the launch of what he called an Economic D-Day against Iran - “the most crushing economic operation ever taken against any country.” https://editorials.voa.gov/a/trump-launches-economic-d-day-against-iran/8189904.html https://editorials.voa.gov/a/trump-launches-economic-d-day-against-iran/8189904.html Fri, 21 Aug 2026 17:20:40 -0400 Middle EastEconomySecurity The United States has identified three priority threats in its recent national counterterrorism strategy: narco-terrorists and transnational gangs, Islamist terrorists, and violent left-wing extremists. https://editorials.voa.gov/a/countering-the-terrorist-threat/8188037.html https://editorials.voa.gov/a/countering-the-terrorist-threat/8188037.html Wed, 19 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0400 AmericasAfricaAsiaEuropeMiddle EastDefense The U.S. Department of State has announced a historic $2 Billion investment in health and humanitarian assistance to faith-based and community organizations that provide global health and humanitarian assistance around the world. https://editorials.voa.gov/a/8186976.html https://editorials.voa.gov/a/8186976.html Sun, 16 Aug 2026 16:47:08 -0400 AfricaAmericasAsiaEuropeMiddle EastAid “Iran’s shadow banking system is buckling under Economic Fury, and the regime is running out of ways to move money.” https://editorials.voa.gov/a/u-s-dismantles-iranian-regime-s-global-clandestine-currency-network/8184794.html https://editorials.voa.gov/a/u-s-dismantles-iranian-regime-s-global-clandestine-currency-network/8184794.html Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400 Middle EastTrade The United States is committed to destroying the Iranian regime’s illicit global networks which finance terrorism and  regional aggression. https://editorials.voa.gov/a/u-s-cracks-down-on-networks-enabling-mahan-air-and-irgc/8182436.html https://editorials.voa.gov/a/u-s-cracks-down-on-networks-enabling-mahan-air-and-irgc/8182436.html Mon, 03 Aug 2026 03:32:00 -0400 Middle East On July 12, the UN issued a statement saying Hamas continues to obstruct and exploit humanitarian operations in Gaza. https://editorials.voa.gov/a/hamas-cannot-play-a-future-role-in-gaza/8182435.html https://editorials.voa.gov/a/hamas-cannot-play-a-future-role-in-gaza/8182435.html Fri, 31 Jul 2026 09:25:00 -0400 Middle EastSecurity The United States is holding Babak Zanjani and his sprawling network accountable for enabling the Iranian regime to evade sanctions and finance its destabilizing activities, including supporting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.  https://editorials.voa.gov/a/u-s-targets-those-who-are-helping-iran-evade-sanctions/8180742.html https://editorials.voa.gov/a/u-s-targets-those-who-are-helping-iran-evade-sanctions/8180742.html Wed, 29 Jul 2026 20:52:24 -0400 Middle East The Iranian regime continues to threaten its neighbors in the Gulf and undermine efforts toward peace in the region. https://editorials.voa.gov/a/iran-continues-to-be-a-menace-to-the-region/8172208.html https://editorials.voa.gov/a/iran-continues-to-be-a-menace-to-the-region/8172208.html Wed, 15 Jul 2026 07:48:00 -0400 Middle EastDefense President Donald Trump is leading the way on ending conflicts around the world. At the same time, where conflicts do continue, “it is imperative that we take action, individually and collectively, to protect the most vulnerable – most often, girls and women,” declared Ambassador Tammy Bruce, U.S. Deputy Representative to the United Nations. Sexual violence remains a scourge in war and in domestic life. “Unfortunately, the UN Secretary-General’s latest report on Conflict-Related Sexual... https://editorials.voa.gov/a/8171387.html https://editorials.voa.gov/a/8171387.html Mon, 13 Jul 2026 17:31:57 -0400 AfricaAmericasAsiaEuropeMiddle East U.S. President Donald Trump announced his intent to rescind Syria’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism during a meeting on the sidelines of the NATO Summit in Ankara, Turkey. https://editorials.voa.gov/a/taking-steps-to-further-normalize-syria-relations/8170463.html https://editorials.voa.gov/a/taking-steps-to-further-normalize-syria-relations/8170463.html Fri, 10 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 Middle East After 136 countries told Iran to stop, Iran fired again after its neighbors pleaded for de-escalation. https://editorials.voa.gov/a/iran-must-choose-peace-now/8169601.html https://editorials.voa.gov/a/iran-must-choose-peace-now/8169601.html Wed, 08 Jul 2026 22:36:50 -0400 Middle EastSecurity The demilitarization of Hamas is a central part of President Donald Trump’s peace plan, which was endorsed by Security Council Resolution 2803. https://editorials.voa.gov/a/hamas-must-disarm-as-condition-of-peace/8168744.html https://editorials.voa.gov/a/hamas-must-disarm-as-condition-of-peace/8168744.html Mon, 06 Jul 2026 09:40:00 -0400 Middle East Lebanon, Israel, and the United States have signed the Trilateral Framework - marking another major milestone in President Donald Trump’s effort to bring lasting peace and stability to the Middle East. https://editorials.voa.gov/a/u-s-lebanon-and-israel-sign-trilateral-framework/8166922.html https://editorials.voa.gov/a/u-s-lebanon-and-israel-sign-trilateral-framework/8166922.html Wed, 01 Jul 2026 10:08:00 -0400 Middle EastSecurity