Bilateral Relations between Middle Eastern Countries and Austria

Middle East Crisis on 70th Anniversary: Wave of Boycotts Shakes Eurovision 2026 in Vienna

What was supposed to be a glittering celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) at the Wiener Stadthalle is turning into the most serious diplomatic crisis in the history of the competition. While the slogan “United by Music” is emblazoned across the preparations for May 2026, the European broadcasting landscape is more deeply divided than ever before.

December 22, 2025

Bloody Advent: 50 Years after the OPEC Raid in Vienna

It was the day the “Island of the Blessed” lost its innocence. Exactly five decades ago today, a heavily armed terrorist commando stormed the OPEC headquarters on Vienna's Ringstrasse. Three people died, the world held its breath, and Austria's security policy changed forever.

December 21, 2025

IAEA Urges Iran: Immediate Need for Action on Uranium Stocks Following Military Attacks

Iran is under increased pressure from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to provide complete transparency regarding its nuclear activities, and in particular its uranium stocks, following the military attacks in June.

November 19, 2025

Iran, China, and Russia Coordinate Ahead of IAEA Meeting

Ahead of the upcoming meeting of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, the ambassadors of Iran, China, and Russia coordinated their positions and met with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. The meeting served as an opportunity to discuss the agenda for the upcoming meeting, which will be held at the Vienna International Center (VIC) from November 19 to 21.

November 18, 2025

Charges Against Officials of the Syrian Assad Regime in Vienna

The Austrian judiciary has brought charges against two former high-ranking representatives of the Syrian Assad regime. They are accused of serious crimes against humanity, including grievous bodily harm, sexual assault, and systematic torture of detained civilians in Syria. The proceedings are based on the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows such atrocities to be prosecuted regardless of where they were committed.

November 17, 2025

Austria's Historical Responsibility: 30 Years of the National Fund and the Promise of “Never Forget”

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the National Fund of the Republic of Austria for Victims of National Socialism, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen reaffirmed the country's ongoing responsibility for Nazi crimes. The federal government and the Jewish Community of Vienna (IKG) are also intensifying their joint fight against anti-Semitism in view of the alarmingly high number of incidents.

November 11, 2025

Former President Fischer Calls for Recognition of Palestine and Criticizes Israel's Warfare

Former Austrian President Heinz Fischer's recent comments on Middle East policy and Austria's role in the world have once again caused a stir in Austrian politics and diplomacy. In conversations with several media outlets, the long-standing SPÖ politician not only called on the federal government to demonstrate its neutrality more strongly, but also urged a change of course in Middle East policy: Austria should recognize the state of Palestine, thereby causing a diplomatic scandal.

November 7, 2025

DSN Uncovers Hamas Weapons Cache in Vienna

The Directorate for State Security and Intelligence (DSN) has dealt a significant blow to a global terrorist organization with ties to Hamas as part of internationally coordinated investigations: a weapons cache was uncovered in Vienna. There is a strong suspicion that the weapons were intended for use in planned terrorist attacks in Europe against Israeli or Jewish institutions.

November 7, 2025

Austrian Foreign Minister in Egypt for Peace Diplomacy

The Egyptian capital was the setting for a unique event that linked the past and the future. While the grand opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza celebrated the country's rich history, Cairo was also at the center of intense diplomatic efforts to achieve stability and peace in the Middle East.

November 5, 2025

Bridge to Riyadh: 15th Arab-Austrian Economic Forum Highlights “Vision 2030”

The 15th Arab-Austrian Economic Forum, organized by the Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC) and the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON), serves as a central platform for deepening economic relations between Austria and Saudi Arabia in light of Saudi Vision 2030.

October 30, 2025

Stocker and Weißmann in Favor of Israel's Participation in the Song Contest

The question of Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2026 in Vienna continues to cause international controversy and political debate. Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker and ORF Director General Roland Weißmann have now spoken out clearly and unequivocally in favor of Israel's participation, citing Austria's historical responsibility.

October 29, 2025

Naturalizations in Austria on the Rise: Majority of New Citizens Live Abroad

The granting of Austrian citizenship increased significantly in the first half of 2025. A total of 11,665 people received a red-white-red passport, which, according to Statistics Austria, represents an increase of 5.6 percent over the previous year. What is striking about this development is that more than a third of the new citizens—exactly 4,369 people—are resident abroad.

September 29, 2025

OMV in Espionage Scandal: CEO Alfred Stern Reassures, Adnoc Relationship to Remain Uncompromised

A suspected espionage case at Austria's largest energy company, OMV, has caused a stir in recent days. While the authorities are investigating a long-standing employee suspected of having supplied sensitive data to the Russian secret service, OMV CEO Alfred Stern is trying to smooth the waters. Stern emphasizes that the incident will not strain the long-standing partnership with major shareholder Adnoc from Abu Dhabi.

September 22, 2025

80th Anniversary of the UN: Diplomatic Week in New York with Austria's President

This week, New York is the center of international diplomacy, where around 150 heads of state and government are meeting for the United Nations (UN) General Debate. This year's assembly is dominated by the 80th anniversary of the UN and the urgent call for reform. Austria is represented by President Alexander Van der Bellen, Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker, and Meinl-Reisinger.

September 22, 2025

OPEC+ Continues to Turn Up the Oil Tap

The OPEC+ oil-producing countries, led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, have announced a further increase in their crude oil production. From October 2025, daily production will be increased by an additional 137,000 barrels (159 liters each). This move is part of a strategy aimed at gradually reversing previous production cuts and regaining market share.

September 7, 2025

Negotiations on Iran's Nuclear Program: Tehran Hints at Concessions

Iran has signaled its willingness to limit its nuclear program under strict supervision, but in return is demanding the lifting of international sanctions.

September 7, 2025

Despite UN Sanctions Looming, Iran Refuses to Make Further Concessions

Iran does not intend to change its stance in the nuclear dispute with the international community, even in light of the imminent reintroduction of UN sanctions.

August 31, 2025

Diplomatic Appeal on Gaza: Meinl-Reisinger Rejects Sanctions

An open letter from 26 high-ranking Austrian diplomats, including former Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner and her predecessor Peter Jankowitsch, has sparked a heated debate about Austria's Gaza policy. The diplomats are calling for tougher action against Israel, but Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) is sticking to the government's current line and rejecting sanctions.

August 28, 2025

Signa Insolvency Proceedings Take a New Turn: €191 Million Claim Against Benko

In the insolvency proceedings involving former Signa founder René Benko, a new development is once again causing a stir. A company from Abu Dhabi has filed claims against Benko in the amount of €191 million at the Innsbruck Regional Court.

August 13, 2025

OPEC Fund Development Forum 2025: Global Partners Seek Ways to Build a Stronger Future

The international development community is gathering in Vienna for the fourth OPEC Fund Development Forum. Under the theme “A Transition that Strengthens Our Tomorrow,” more than 500 high-level representatives, including heads of state, ministers, and heads of international institutions, are coming together in the historic setting of the Hofburg Imperial Palace to discuss pressing global challenges.

July 29, 2025

Nuclear Talks in the Shadow of Tensions: Iran and the E3 Struggle for Nuclear Agreement

Nuclear talks between Iran, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom took place in Istanbul, aimed at finding a solution to the controversial Iranian nuclear program. Although no concrete results have been announced yet, the talks are set to continue.

July 28, 2025

Rubio Received Meinl-Reisinger: Focus on Trade, Global Tensions, and the Transatlantic Partnership

Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger traveled to Washington to meet with her U.S. counterpart, Marco Rubio, to reaffirm bilateral relations and discuss pressing global challenges. The focus was on issues important to Europe, such as transatlantic trade dialogue, the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, and stability in the Western Balkans.

July 28, 2025

AUA Resumes Flights to Tel Aviv in August

Austrian Airlines (AUA) will resume flights to the Israeli metropolis of Tel Aviv on August 1. The Lufthansa subsidiary announced this decision following a “thorough security assessment.”

July 25, 2025

Austria's Clear Stance on Gaza: Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger Defends Call for Ceasefire

Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) has reiterated her support for a joint statement by 28 countries calling for an immediate end to the war in the Gaza Strip, declaring it to be “clear government policy.”

July 23, 2025

Ultimatum to Iran: Four Countries set Deadline for Nuclear Agreement by End of August

Diplomatic efforts to reach a nuclear agreement with Iran are entering a critical phase. The United States and the three European powers, France, Germany, and Great Britain, have set Iran a definitive deadline of the end of August to reach an agreement on its nuclear program.

July 16, 2025

Vienna Airport Defies Global Challenges with Strong Half-Year Results

Vienna International Airport (VIE) experienced solid passenger growth in the first half of 2025, despite a slight decline in June, attributed to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. A total of 14.7 million passengers traveled through Vienna Airport between January and June, representing a 2.4 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

July 15, 2025

Vienna Trilogue on the Future of the Middle East Launched: Vienna Becomes Hub for Peace Efforts

In a significant diplomatic move, Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger welcomed her counterparts from Germany, Johann Wadephul, and Israel, Gideon Sa'ar, for groundbreaking talks on the future of the Middle East. The meeting, which serves as the kick-off for a now regular “Vienna Trilogue,” focused on urgent efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, humanitarian aid for the Palestinian civilian population, and Iran's nuclear program.

July 10, 2025

Meet Asadollah Eschragh Jahromi, Iran's Ambassador in Vienna

H.E. Dr. Asadollah Eschragh Jahromi, the ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, recently presented his credentials to both the Austrian Federal President and the Slovak President, thereby officially commencing his diplomatic missions in both countries.

July 7, 2025

Austria's Meinl-Reisinger Intensifies Middle East Diplomacy and Calls for De-Escalation and Two-State Solution

Austria has ramped up its diplomatic efforts in the Middle East over the last few days, while also massively increasing its humanitarian support for the suffering civilian population in Gaza. Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) completed a trip lasting several days that took her to Cyprus, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, and Ramallah in the Palestinian territories to promote de-escalation, a ceasefire, and a sustainable two-state solution.

July 3, 2025

Iran Suspends Cooperation with IAEA: Escalation in Nuclear Dispute after Israel War

Iran has officially suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). President Massoud Peseshkian enacted a law to that effect, which the Iranian parliament had already passed in June. This decision exacerbates the already tense nuclear dispute and follows a 12-day war between Israel and Iran, which ended with a ceasefire.

July 2, 2025

UNOOSA and Exolaunch Enable Satellite Launches for Bolivia, Guatemala, Jordan, and Nepal

In a move to promote equal access to space, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and Exolaunch GmbH have announced that institutions from Bolivia, Guatemala, Jordan, and Nepal have been selected to launch their CubeSats.

July 1, 2025

Iran Threatens to Suspend Cooperation with IAEA: Escalation in Nuclear Dispute Feared

The Iranian parliament has passed a bill that would suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). If the Guardian Council and the Security Council approve the bill, it would further escalate the already tense nuclear dispute and significantly hamper international efforts to ensure transparency in Iran's nuclear program.

June 25, 2025

Austria Relocates Embassy from Tehran to Baku

The Austrian Embassy in the Iranian capital, Tehran, has been temporarily relocated to Baku, Azerbaijan, due to security concerns. This was announced by the Austrian Foreign Ministry in a statement. The measure is aimed at ensuring the safety of embassy staff. At the same time, the ministry assures that there are still ways for Austrians to leave Iran.

June 24, 2025

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Points Urgent Appeal for Gaza

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and Austrian UN diplomat, Volker Türk, has urged governments worldwide to take action to end the “unbearable suffering” of the people in the Gaza Strip. At the start of the 59th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Türk emphasized that “everyone who bears governmental responsibility must wake up and see what is happening in Gaza.”

June 18, 2025

Iran Tensions Overshadow IAEA Meeting in Vienna: Tehran Warns of 'Strategic Mistake'

A resolution by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) condemning Iran for “failing to fulfill” its nuclear safeguards obligations has led to sharp warnings from Tehran at the ongoing meeting of the Board of Governors in Vienna.

June 12, 2025

Between Return Policy and Skills Shortages: How ICMPD is Redefining Europe's Migration Agenda

The war in Ukraine has been going on for over three years, geopolitical tensions are on the rise, and migration debates in Europe are more polarizing than ever—and right in the middle of it all: the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). In its new annual report for 2024, the Vienna-based center takes stock of a year of intense challenges and far-reaching innovations.

May 13, 2025

Reza Najafi Returned to Vienna as Iran's Permanent Representative

The Islamic Republic of Iran has sent a clear signal of continuity and diplomatic professionalism with Reza Najafi's return as its new Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna. Not so long ago, His Excellency presented his credentials to Ghada Waly, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), marking the second time he has assumed this key diplomatic post at a time when the future of the international nuclear agreement (JCPOA) is once again at a diplomatic crossroads.

May 6, 2025

Nuclear Dispute: Iran Urges Talks with Europe - Vienna and Oman as Key Factors

In the struggle to save the international nuclear agreement with Iran, Tehran wants to seek a meeting with the European signatory states before a possible new round of talks with the USA. According to diplomats, such a meeting could take place soon if the planned round of negotiations with the United States comes to fruition. In the meantime, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has called on Iran to explain suspicious facilities near its suspected nuclear sites.

April 28, 2025

OSCE Secretary General Emphasizes Central Role of the Organization for Europe's Security at Antalya Diplomacy Forum

At this year's Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF), the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) was the focus of numerous discussions on the future of the European security architecture. The Secretary General of the OSCE, Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, emphasized the importance of the organization as a platform for dialogue, stability, and multilateral cooperation.

April 17, 2025

Meet Egypt's Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna

Meet Mohamed Ibrahim Nasr Salem, Egypt's new Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna.

April 10, 2025

Hope for De-escalation: Iran and IAEA Continued Talks on Nuclear Program

A new attempt to revive cooperation between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) gives cause for hope. A meeting in Vienna between IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi marks a potential turning point in an increasingly tense geopolitical conflict over Iran's nuclear program.

March 31, 2025

Steve Witkoff: From Real Estate Mogul to US Envoy to the Middle East

Steve Witkoff, US special envoy to the Middle East, has played a crucial role in brokering the Gaza ceasefire and peace talks on Ukraine, while also negotiating with Russia on Ukraine's future. Steve Witkoff, a lawyer and developer, has a strong bond with President Trump, dating back nearly four decades.

March 23, 2025

Iran Demands Conditions for Nuclear Negotiations With the USA

The Iranian government is prepared to accept the negotiations on its nuclear program offered by US President Donald Trump but has set clear conditions regarding the sanctions against the Iranian economy, society, and the state itself.

March 23, 2025

UN High Commissioner Volker Türk: Israel's Settlement Construction in the West Bank Condemned as a War Crime

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has sharply criticized Israel for accelerating settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territories and described it as a war crime. A recent report by his office documents numerous violations of international law by Israel. “The transfer of parts of its civilian population into the territory occupied by Israel is tantamount to a war crime,” explained Türk.

March 18, 2025

Meet the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the Republic of Austria

With the appointment of Dr. Gürsel Dönmez as the new Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Austria, an experienced political associate of Erdogan takes up his post in Vienna. He presented his credentials to Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and officially began his mission in Austria.

March 6, 2025

Chancellor and Minister Schallenberg Attended Munich Security Conference

The 61st Munich Security Conference, held from February 14 to 16, 2025, served as a crucial platform for global leaders to address pressing international security challenges. Austrian Chancellor and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg took part in the event, engaging in high-level discussions on key geopolitical issues, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and the escalating tensions in the Middle East.

February 16, 2025

Wiiw Forecast: Economic Growth in Central and Eastern Europe Defies Global Uncertainties

Despite weakening industry, private consumption remains a strong growth driver and makes a significant contribution to the region's economic stability. At the same time, the unpredictable economic policy decisions of the USA under President Trump pose considerable risks for the export-oriented countries in Central and Eastern Europe.

February 4, 2025

Suspected Terrorist from Austria: Investigation into Mecca Attack Raises Questions

The Directorate of State Security and Intelligence (DSN) has announced that no suspicious data was found on the seized laptop belonging to Hasan E., a 20-year-old from Lower Austria who allegedly carried out a terrorist attack in Mecca in March 2024. At the same time, the authorities rejected accusations that errors were made in the investigation.

February 2, 2025

Austrian Citizen in Custody for Knife Attack in Mecca

Saudi Arabia confirms the arrest of a 20-year-old Austrian from the district of Bruck an der Leitha — the charge: a knife attack in front of the holy Al-Haram mosque in Mecca. But the story goes further - to foiled plans to attack a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna.

January 28, 2025

AUA to Fly to Tel Aviv Again from February

After a longer break, Austrian Airlines (AUA) will resume flight operations to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv from February 1, 2025. This decision was announced in a company press release on Thursday and affects the entire Lufthansa Group, which includes Lufthansa, Swiss, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings in addition to AUA. The resumption of flights to Tel Aviv signals a certain easing of the security situation in the region but remains characterized by caution.

January 21, 2025