★ SYRIA
Spain Resumes Diplomatic Ties, Raises Flag Over Damascus Embassy
Spain raised its flag over its Damascus embassy for the first time since 2012 during a visit by Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares. leader of Syria’s new administration welcomed Albares, who emphasized hope and commitment to Syria’s future. The visit marks renewed Western engagement with Damascus following the fall of the Assad regime and the establishment of a transitional government, led by Al-Sharaa, with Mohammed Al-Bashir tasked with forming a new administration.
Al-Shibani: Syria Poses No Threat, Demands Israeli Withdrawal
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani affirmed Syria’s commitment to the 1974 Agreement and its stance as non-threatening to Israel. He urged respect for Syrian sovereignty and called on the UN to pressure Israel to withdraw from captured territories. His comments followed an Israeli strike in southern Syria, killing three, including two military officials. This was Israel’s first attack on Syria’s new administration, highlighting ongoing tensions and calls for international efforts to ensure stability.
U.S. CENTCOM Reaffirms Commitment To Preventing ISIS Resurgence
General Michael Erik Kurilla emphasized the U.S. commitment to preventing ISIS resurgence through cooperation with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Visiting Al-Hol and Roj camps, housing 40,000 displaced individuals linked to ISIS, he stressed repatriating residents and fighters to their home countries. In 2024, hundreds of Iraqi detainees and over 3,000 refugees were transferred to Iraq. These efforts reflect intensified U.S. actions to address the ISIS detainee crisis and enhance regional stability in northeastern Syria.
Mazloum Abdi And Barzani Discuss Kurdish Unity And Turkey Mediation
SDF commander Mazloum Abdi met Masoud Barzani in Erbil to discuss uniting Kurdish factions and mediating with Turkey. Talks focused on Kurdish unity ahead of drafting Syria’s constitution and securing rights within a decentralized framework. Potential mediation could open three border crossings between Turkey and SDF areas, enhancing economic ties. They also addressed removing PKK fighters from Syria to ease Turkish tensions, emphasizing the importance of Kurdish representation and stability post-Assad.
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★ ISRAEL
Harris Discusses Ceasefire and Hostage Deal With Israeli and Jordanian Leaders
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris spoke separately with Israeli President Herzog and Jordanian King Abdullah II about the Gaza ceasefire. She praised the deal for ensuring hostage releases, delivering humanitarian aid, and fostering peace. Harris emphasized the importance of timely implementation and stability, acknowledging Jordan’s role in facilitating aid to Palestinians. She reaffirmed U.S. commitment to Israel’s security and Palestinians’ rights to dignity, freedom, and self-determination.
Rafael Secures $5.2B U.S. Air Defense Contract
The Israeli Defense Ministry and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems signed a $5.2 billion contract funded by U.S. military aid. This funding, part of the $8.7 billion U.S. package, will enhance Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Iron Beam systems. Iron Dome protects against rockets and UAVs, while Iron Beam is a cost-effective laser interception system. Rafael, collaborating with Israel Aerospace Industries and Elbit Systems, plays a key role in strengthening Israel’s defense capabilities against various threats.
Israeli Ministers Threaten Resignation Over Hostage Deal Terms
Israeli ministers Amichai Chikli,Itamar Ben-Gvir , and Bezalel Smotrich opposed the proposed hostage deal with Hamas, threatening to resign. Chikli criticized the potential withdrawal from Gaza’s Philadelphi Corridor, focusing on the war’s goals of defeating Hamas and securing hostages. Ben-Gvir labeled the deal reckless, fearing it would undo the war’s achievements. Smotrich conditionally supported the deal, demanding military operations against Hamas continue afterward. All three stressed the importance of ensuring Israel’s security and Hamas’s destruction.
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★ LEBANON
Macron Visits Beirut With International Support for Stability
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Lebanon to support President Joseph Aoun and PM-designate Nawaf Salam in stabilizing the country. Macron pledged international backing for Lebanon’s sovereignty, unity, and prosperity. He is also set to meet Speaker Nabih Berri. The UN Security Council urged swift formation of Salam’s government and expressed concerns over ongoing Israeli military actions in Lebanon, highlighting the need for international efforts to address tensions and ensure regional stability.
Lebanese President Pledges Support in Search for Austin Tice
Debra Tice, mother of missing U.S. journalist Austin Tice, met Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, urging assistance in uncovering her son’s fate. Joined by Nizar Zakka of Hostage Aid Worldwide, the meeting highlighted reports suggesting Tice is alive in Syria. President Aoun promised efforts to resolve cases of missing individuals, while U.S. officials revealed Syria’s new administration is aiding searches, and inspecting key sites. Tice, missing since 2012, was last seen blindfolded in an unidentified location.
Lebanon Sees Monetary Improvement Following Aoun’s Election
Lebanon’s interim Central Bank Governor Wassim Mansouri announced a $300 million rise in foreign reserves after President Joseph Aoun’s election. He highlighted monetary improvements, policies stabilizing the Lebanese pound, and the need for fiscal coordination with the government. Foreign reserves, last reported at $8.96 billion, signaling progress amid Lebanon’s financial crisis. Mansouri also noted increased international interest in aiding Lebanon’s recovery and stressed the importance of addressing depositor concerns over restricted foreign currency withdrawals.
Beirut Port Explosion Investigation Resumes After Two Years
Judge Tarek Bitar resumed the Beirut Port explosion investigation, accusing 10 officials , including military and security leaders. Interrogations start February 7, with sessions continuing through April. The probe, stalled since 2021 due to political interference, coincides with pledges by President Joseph Aoun and PM Nawaf Salam to ensure judicial independence. The 2020 explosion, caused by improperly stored ammonium nitrate, left officials accused of negligence, marking a critical step toward accountability in Lebanon’s worst industrial disaster.
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★ ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire and Hostage Deal Faces Delays
Israel and Hamas finalized a ceasefire and hostage exchange deal mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., ending 15 months of conflict. Delays in the Israeli cabinet vote, due to coalition politics, postponed hostage releases to Monday. Russia urged Hamas to include Sasha Trupanov, a dual Russian-Israeli hostage, in the agreement, emphasizing its importance for stabilizing Gaza and fostering regional peace. Both the U.S. and Russia stressed the deal’s potential to support reconstruction and advance a two-state solution.
WHO: $10 Billion Needed to Rebuild Gaza’s Health System
The WHO estimates $10 billion is needed over seven years to rebuild Gaza’s devastated health system, with over half its hospitals non-functional. WHO urged removing political barriers to ensure rapid aid delivery. Following the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal set for Sunday, WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus stressed peace as vital for recovery, urging immediate action to support Gaza’s health infrastructure and accelerate humanitarian efforts in the territory.
Tensions Escalate Amid Prisoner Swap Agreement and Ceasefire Announcement
Amid a ceasefire and prisoner swap agreement set for Sunday, tensions remain high between Israel and Palestinian resistance forces. Al-Quds Brigades targeted Israeli forces along Gaza’s Netsarim axis with mortars, coordinated with Omar al-Qassem Forces. Abu Ubaida, Al-Qassam Brigades’ spokesperson, revealed Israeli strikes targeted a location holding an Israeli prisoner, warning further aggression could jeopardize releases. Israeli airstrikes killed 70 Palestinians and injured 200, while resistance retaliated. The truce includes Israeli withdrawals and prisoner exchanges, but violence continues.
Israeli Strikes Kill 81 in Gaza Amid Escalating Violence Before Ceasefire
Israeli airstrikes hit 50 targets in Gaza, killing 81 Palestinians and injuring 188, including women and children, in Jabalia, Khan Younis, and Nuseirat. Strikes targeted Hamas and Islamic Jihad operatives, including Mohammed Abu al-Rous, linked to the October 7 attack. Resistance forces, including Al-Quds Brigades, retaliated with mortar attacks on Israeli troops in Jabalia and Netsarim, also seizing an Israeli drone. Despite a ceasefire set for Sunday, violence escalates, with Gaza suffering over 46,000 deaths since October 2023.
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★ TURKIYE
Turkey And Mongolia Strengthen Ties With 10 Cooperation Agreements
Turkey and Mongolia signed 10 agreements, including a strategic partnership, covering transport, health, education, sports, environment, and forestry. Cooperation protocols were established for media, competition policies, and historical park twinning. The agreements aim to enhance bilateral relations, support development, and foster economic integration. Presidents Erdogan and Ukhnaa emphasized the strategic partnership’s significance, highlighting their shared vision for expanded collaboration across various sectors.
World Bank Commits Additional $1 Billion For Türkiye’s Earthquake Zone
The World Bank will provide an extra $1 billion to Türkiye’s earthquake-affected southeast in 2025, raising total aid to $4 billion. Collaborative projects focus on health, infrastructure, and railways, enhancing Türkiye’s regional connectivity via initiatives like the Middle Corridor. Economic stabilization and improved credit ratings have boosted investor confidence, with IFC highlighting private sector resilience supported by Türkiye’s strategic location and young workforce. The IFC also anticipates further inflation decline and economic growth.
Turkey Strengthens NATO Defense Role With Increased Contributions
Turkey plans to double its NATO defense contributions, focusing on innovation and collaboration, according to Defense Industries head Haluk Görgün. Meeting NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, he highlighted Turkey’s advanced systems, including drones and secure communications. In 2023, Turkey exported $7.1 billion in defense products to 180 countries, mainly in Europe. With over 3,500 defense companies, including 1,600 exporters, Turkey plays a vital role in NATO manufacturing and supply chain security, driving advanced defense capabilities.
Turkey Neutralizes 62 Terrorists And Welcomes Gaza Ceasefire Agreement
Turkey neutralized 62 terrorists in northern Iraq and Syria this week, bringing the total to 3,226 since January 2024. The military continues efforts to ensure regional stability and facilitate refugee returns. Ankara also welcomed the Gaza ceasefire agreement, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S., set to begin Sunday. The 467-day Gaza conflict caused devastating humanitarian losses, with Turkey supporting peaceful resolutions to enhance long-term regional security and stability.
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★ IRAN
Iran Creates Air Route to Smuggle Arms to Hezbollah
Iran is exploring new methods to funnel illicit funds to Hezbollah, using its airline, Mahan Air, which has ties to the Quds Force. According to the Israeli newspaper Yisrael Hayom, this effort comes after the loss of the Syrian route, and Iran is now working to establish a new air supply line. The airline has been conducting frequent flights to Beirut via Turkey since mid-December, raising suspicions that Iran is setting up an alternative smuggling route for Hezbollah. Israel and the U.S. view disrupting this network as a critical interest.
Iran Claims Gaza Ceasefire Deal is “Defeat for Israel”
Iran exerted significant efforts on Thursday to portray Hamas and other Palestinian factions as victorious in the Gaza conflict, labeling the anticipated ceasefire agreement as a “defeat for Israel.” Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei accused Israel of killing thousands of women and children in Gaza, praising Palestinian resistance for forcing the Israeli military to retreat. Amid heavy setbacks faced by Tehran and its allies in recent months, Khamenei claimed that history would remember Israel as a killer of women and children, framing the ceasefire as a major blow to Israel’s military and political objectives.
Iran-Tajikistan Trade Grows by 9.3% to $261.2 Million
Trade between Iran and Tajikistan reached 362,000 tons worth $261.24 million, marking a 9.3% value growth. According to Iran’s Trade Development Committee spokesperson, Rouhollah Latifi, the trade volume between the two nations saw a 44.3% increase in weight and a 9.3% rise in value during the first nine months of the current Iranian year, which began on March 20, 2024. This growth comes ahead of President Masoud Bezhashkian’s visit to Dushanbe, highlighting strengthened bilateral economic relations.
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★ IRAQ
Iraq Urges Iran-Backed Militias to Disarm or Integrate
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein revealed efforts to persuade Iran-backed armed factions to disarm or integrate into official security forces. These factions, known for targeting U.S. forces and launching attacks on Israel, face growing pressure amid significant regional transformations. The Middle East’s shifting dynamics have weakened Iran’s allies in Gaza and Lebanon and witnessed Syria’s government replaced by rebels. Iraq’s initiative reflects broader regional realignments and aims to stabilize its security landscape.
Iraq Finalizes $1.7 Billion Gas Development Agreement
Iraq is finalizing a $1.7 billion deal with Halliburton and a Chinese firm to develop the Nahr Bin Omar field. The project aims to boost oil production from 50,000 to 300,000 barrels daily and generate 300 million cubic feet of gas, reducing import costs. PetroChina plans to increase West Qurna 1 field output to 750,000 barrels daily by 2025. In December, Iraq’s southern oil exports averaged 3.232 million barrels daily, highlighting ongoing energy sector expansion.
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★ YEMEN
After Houthi Threats: 5 U.S. Airstrikes Target Yemen
U.S. airstrikes hit Harf Sufyan in Yemen’s Amran Governorate following Houthi threats to attack Red Sea vessels and Israel if the Gaza ceasefire is breached. The Iran-aligned Houthis, launching missiles and drones since October 2023, claim solidarity with Palestinians. Israel and the U.S., with occasional UK support, have responded with retaliatory strikes, emphasizing the protection of maritime trade. The escalating tensions highlight the Red Sea’s strategic importance amid rising regional geopolitical confrontations.
Yemen’s Houthis Threaten Attacks If Gaza Ceasefire Violated
Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi warned of renewed attacks on ships or Israel if the Gaza ceasefire is breached. The Iran-aligned group, which has conducted over 100 maritime attacks since November 2023, vows military support for Palestinians if Israeli violations continue. The ceasefire, set to begin Sunday, aims to end the conflict, but tensions remain high as the Houthis’ actions have disrupted global shipping, including sinking two vessels and seizing another.
UN Launches $2.5 Billion Yemen Aid Plan for 2025
The United Nations unveiled its 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan for Yemen, aiming to raise $2.5 billion to assist 10.5 million vulnerable individuals. The initiative prioritizes life-saving aid, including food, clean water, and healthcare. Farhan Haq, UN Deputy Spokesperson, emphasized the need for increased support to alleviate suffering, foster peace, and bolster economic recovery. Julian Harneis, the UN Resident Coordinator in Yemen, highlighted the effectiveness of humanitarian efforts but stressed the need for greater collaboration. In 2024, donors contributed $1.4 billion, enabling 200 aid organizations—two-thirds Yemeni—to assist over 8 million people.
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★ GULF NATIONS
Gulf States Discuss Strategic Plan to Stabilize Syria
A Thursday’s virtual Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) meeting outlined a strategic vision and practical steps to support Syria’s security and stability. Ambassador Najib Al-Badr, Kuwait’s Assistant Foreign Minister for GCC Affairs, chaired the meeting of senior officials, emphasizing its alignment with regional efforts to enhance security and address Syria’s evolving situation. The discussion built on outcomes from the December 26 ministerial meeting, reaffirming the GCC’s commitment to monitor developments closely and advance shared regional interests.
Qatar Pledges Major Support For Syria’s Reconstruction
Qatar pledged 200 megawatts of electricity for Syria, gradually increasing supplies, and funding public sector salary hikes. Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani emphasized restoring essential infrastructure, including electricity and Damascus Airport operations. Qatar reopened its Damascus embassy and resumed Qatar Airways flights, reaffirming its commitment to Syria’s reconstruction and future partnership following the Assad regime’s fall. These efforts aim to ensure sustainable recovery and economic stability during Syria’s transitional phase.
UAE and Egypt Presidents Discuss Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria Developments
On Thursday, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to discuss bilateral relations and key regional developments, including the Gaza ceasefire and the situations in Lebanon and Syria. According to the UAE news agency WAM, the two leaders discussed strengthening their countries’ cooperation in various fields, particularly in development, economics, and investment, with a focus on advancing mutual interests for both nations.
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★ EGYPT &North Africa
Egypt Proposes Hosting International Conference for Gaza Reconstruction
On Thursday, Egypt proposed hosting an international conference on Gaza’s reconstruction following the ceasefire agreement and the exchange of hostages between Hamas and Israel. In a statement, Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the urgent need to immediately implement the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. The ministry stressed the importance of all parties adhering to the terms of the agreement and working to implement its stages according to the specified timelines.
Egypt’s Non-Oil Exports Reached Nearly $41 Billion in 2024
Egypt’s non-oil exports saw a significant increase in 2024, driven by higher exports from the engineering and electronics sectors. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced that the value of non-petroleum exports in 2024 approached $41 billion, compared to $35 billion in 2023. During a press conference on Thursday, Madbouly highlighted that this achievement reflects positive progress in boosting various economic sectors in Egypt.
EBRD Records Over €1.4 Billion in Investments in Egypt in 2024
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) announced a record year of investments in Egypt in 2024. Egypt was the main recipient of EBRD investments in the South and East Mediterranean region, with new commitments for 26 projects totaling more than €1.4 billion, 84% of which was allocated to the private sector. The bank allocated €765 million to Egypt in 2024 to support major infrastructure projects and improve access to financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
U.S. Treasury Imposes Sanctions on Sudan’s Al-Burhan, Sudanese Foreign Ministry Condemns
The U.S. Treasury announced financial sanctions on Sudan’s Sovereign Council President and army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who arrived in Wad Madani on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Egyptian Foreign Minister met with several Sudanese ministers in Port Sudan. The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the U.S. decision, stating that the sanctions on al-Burhan “reflect only confusion and a lack of a sense of justice.”
Italy Commits 400 Million Euros to Tunisia for Development Support
Italy pledged 400 million euros to Tunisia as part of a “bilateral development cooperation framework for the period 2025-2027.” The commitment was made during a working session in Rome between Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti and his Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani, according to a statement from the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On Wednesday, Minister Nafti began a two-day visit to Italy to strengthen bilateral relations and discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest.
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