Resource Packages

Conflicts in the Middle East

9 April 2026

Topic

Defence and security

Foreign policy

Society

Subtopic

National security

Total Defence

Tensions in the Middle East have been heightened since the latest conflict involving the United States (US), Israel and Iran in February 2026.

On 28 Feb 2026, the US and Israel initiated a coordinated military campaign against Iran, with extensive air and missile strikes against key targets.

The strikes aimed to disrupt Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes and instigate regime change. The attack resulted in the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks against US and Israel military bases across the Gulf states.

Iran has also used its strategic location to effectively disrupt and control the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz (located to the south of Iran). They have issued threats and attacked and sabotaged foreign tankers, causing global energy price spikes and destabilising global markets.

To better understand the situation in the Middle East and Singapore’s position, below are some useful resources for consideration.

Further updates will be made to this resource page as the situation continues to develop.

Download:

NE engagement package on Middle East conflict 2026 (opens in new tab)[New]

Talking points for Middle East conflict 2026 (opens in new tab)[New]

Israel-Hamas conflict

Tensions in the Middle East have been heightened since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023.

On 30 September 2025, the White House released Trump’s 20-point peace plan that was negotiated with the support of other Arab countries. A major development came on 9 October 2025, when Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of the peace plan, which included a ceasefire and hostage release deal. The agreement marked a significant step towards ending nearly two years of war in Gaza. Since the ceasefire agreement, Hamas has handed back 20 surviving hostages to Israel in exchange for over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners as part of a reciprocal exchange. However, challenges remain, including the return of the remains of Israeli hostages, reconstruction and governance of Gaza, and Hamas disarmament.

Since the start of the conflict in October 2023, intense fighting in Gaza has led to countless civilian casualties and a dire humanitarian crisis. The impediment of humanitarian aid had caused food insecurity, displacement, and limited access to medical services. The suffering of innocent civilians underscores the urgency of a lasting peace solution between the two countries.

In June 2025, hostilities between Israel and Iran had intensified. The fight had drawn in Iran-backed groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen. Although tensions have somewhat eased following the ceasefire, concerns of a broader regional spillover persist.

Download:

NE Insights on the Conflicts in the Middle East (opens in new tab)

MFA's Infographics on the Conflict (opens in new tab)

MFA's Infographics on Singapore's Foreign Policy Interests (opens in new tab)

MFA’s Infographics on Singapore’s Position on the Israel-palestinian Issue (opens in new tab)

Key Developments

How the Iran war is disrupting the Strait of Hormuz (opens in new tab), Channel News Asia, 12 Mar 2026.

US-Israeli attack on Iran: What we know so far (opens in new tab). The Straits Times, 2 Mar 2026.

Ceasefire holds in Gaza ahead of hostage release and Trump's visit to Israel (opens in new tab), Channel News Asia, 13 Oct 2025.

Hamas swaps last Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, Trump says Gaza war over (opens in new tab), Channel News Asia, 13 Oct 2025.

Trump’s Gaza deal: What we know so far (opens in new tab), Channel News Asia, 9 Oct 2025.

Gaza peace plan: Donald Trump's 20-point peace proposal that would end the war (opens in new tab), Channel News Asia, 30 Sep 2025.

Hamas under pressure as Trump issues deadline on Gaza peace plan, Reuters, 30 September 2025 (opens in new tab), Reuters, 30 Sep 2025.