★ IRAN
Iran Exposed as Powerless by Israeli Overflight in Beirut
Iran’s show of support for Hezbollah, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and a 40-member delegation, was swiftly overshadowed by Israeli fighter jets flying low over the funeral of Hassan Nasrallah. While Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei praised Nasrallah’s legacy and vowed continued resistance, Israel’s display of air power sent a clear message. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the act as a “violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty,” but Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz dismissed the outrage, warning, “Those who threaten to destroy Israel… it will be their end.”
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★ SYRIA
U.S. Airstrike Targets Alleged Hurras al-Din Leader in Idlib
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the death of Wissam Tahsin Bairqdar in a drone strike carried out on Friday in northwest Syria, describing him as a senior leader of Hurras al-Din, an al-Qaeda affiliate operating in the country. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the strike targeted Bairqdar’s vehicle on the road between Sarmada and Tal al-Karama in Idlib province. Local sources indicated that Bairqdar had been active in the Syrian revolutionary movement since 2011, later joining Jabhat al-Nusra and Hurras al-Din before leaving armed factions over five years ago to focus on business activities in Dana, Idlib province.
Arab States Signal Rapprochement with Syria’s HTS Leadership
Iraq extended its first official invitation to Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani for talks on bilateral relations and regional cooperation, though it has yet to formally recognize President Al-Julani’s leadership. Meanwhile, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi invited Al-Julani to a March 4 emergency Arab summit in Cairo, marking Syria’s return to the Arab League since Assad’s removal.
Syrian Kurds Resume Oil Transfers During Regional Tensions
The Kurdish-led administration restarted oil deliveries to government-controlled areas, marking the first transfer since Assad’s removal. The deal includes 150,000 barrels of oil and one million cubic meters of gas daily for three months. Syria’s new leadership opposes Kurdish autonomy, urging SDF disarmament, while Turkey-backed forces intensify attacks on Kurdish positions, escalating conflict over energy resources and territorial control. Syrian Kurds Resume Oil Transfers During Political and Regional Tensions
Netanyahu Demands Syrian Demilitarization
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for a demilitarized southern Syria, vowing zero tolerance for threats against the Druze community. During an officer graduation ceremony, he emphasized Israel’s expanding military operations, including indefinite IDF deployment in Syria’s Mount Hermon and Lebanon’s border regions. Israeli forces aim to block Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the New Syrian Army from advancing south of Damascus while reinforcing strategic control in Lebanon, ensuring security and preventing militant infiltration.
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★ TURKEY
Türkiye Seeks BRICS Membership During Stalled EU Accession Talks
Türkiye is pursuing BRICS membership after decades of failed EU accession efforts, aiming to expand economic partnerships. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan confirmed interest, though Türkiye holds only “partner state” status. BRICS recently expanded, adding five nations, but internal divisions persist. Meanwhile, Türkiye strengthens African ties, particularly in counterterrorism. The EU cites human rights concerns as obstacles to Türkiye’s membership. President Erdoğan prioritizes economic diversification, seeking alternatives to boost trade and geopolitical influence during shifting global alliances.
Erdogan, Macron Discuss Gaza, Ukraine, and Regional Security
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told French President Emmanuel Macron that Türkiye rejects any plan to displace Palestinians from Gaza. Erdogan emphasized Türkiye’s role in Ukraine’s peace efforts, proposing inclusive negotiations and offering to host talks. Both leaders, as NATO allies, agreed to enhance bilateral coordination on global security. Meanwhile, U.S.-Russia negotiations in Riyadh addressed Ukraine’s war, with European officials stressing that lasting peace requires active European involvement in diplomatic resolutions.
Erdogan Re-Elected as AK Party Leader, Pledges Economic Growth
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan secured his ninth term as AK Party leader with unanimous delegate support, reaffirming his commitment to economic expansion. He highlighted Türkiye’s global leadership in drone production, advancements in defense exports, and strengthened industrial, tourism, and agricultural sectors. Erdogan emphasized Türkiye’s trillion-dollar economy, vowing continued progress in infrastructure, innovation, and national development. His re-election signals sustained economic stability, reinforcing AK Party’s long-term strategy for growth, technological advancements, and global competitiveness.
Türkiye and Ukraine Expand Defense Cooperation with Strategic Agreement
SAHA Istanbul and NAUDI signed a comprehensive defense cooperation agreement at IDEX 2025, strengthening collaboration in aerospace, aviation, and military technology. The deal enhances bilateral strategic ties, fostering innovation and expanding defense industry ecosystems. Türkiye’s largest industrial cluster, SAHA Istanbul, joins forces with Ukraine’s NAUDI to advance military capabilities, boost technological expertise, and solidify long-term cooperation. This partnership positions both nations as key players in global defense innovation and military technology development.
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★ ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR
Hamas Releases Six Israeli Hostages During Propaganda and Ceasefire Tensions
Hamas freed six Israeli hostages, including Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, in the largest release under the ceasefire agreement. The captives appeared frail, with Hamas staging propaganda ceremonies before their handover. Meanwhile, hostages Evyatar David and Guy Gilboa-Dalal were forced to watch others being freed, sparking outrage. Netanyahu delayed releasing 600 Palestinian prisoners, demanding Hamas stop humiliating captives. Hamas still holds 63 hostages, including 36 confirmed dead, complicating diplomatic efforts to secure further releases.
Trump Administration Releases Limited Aid, Allocates Funds to Gaza and Security Programs
The Trump administration unfroze $5.3 billion in aid, including $78 million for Gaza humanitarian relief and $56 million for the Red Cross. Most funding supported military assistance, counter-narcotics, and security programs, while broader humanitarian aid remained restricted. Programs in Syria, Sudan, and Ukraine were excluded, aligning with Trump’s “America First” policy. The freeze disrupted global relief efforts, sparking criticism. Meanwhile, exemptions prioritized defense initiatives, reinforcing alliances while limiting assistance to crisis-stricken regions, impacting vulnerable populations and international diplomacy.
Israel Freezes Prisoner Release as U.S. Supports Decision During Ceasefire Dispute
Israel suspended releasing 620 Palestinian prisoners, citing Hamas’s staged propaganda events and humiliating hostages. Netanyahu demands assurances before resuming releases, while Hamas condemns the move as a ceasefire violation. The U.S. backs Israel’s decision, with Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff seeking an extension of Phase I before negotiating further hostage exchanges. Hamas still holds 63 hostages, including 36 confirmed dead, complicating diplomatic efforts. Ceasefire stability remains uncertain as tensions escalate over prisoner exchanges and ongoing negotiations.
Israel Deploys Tanks in West Bank, Expands Military Operations in Jenin
Israel deployed tanks in the West Bank for the first time since 2002, escalating counter-terrorism operations in Jenin and Tulkarem. Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered military presence in cleared refugee camps, preventing 40,000 displaced Palestinians from returning. The IDF killed 70 militants, detained 300, and acknowledged civilian casualties. The operation follows a failed terror attack linked to the West Bank, intensifying regional tensions as humanitarian concerns grow over mass displacement and military escalation.
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★ LEBANON
Hezbollah’s Qassem Vows Resistance, Rejects U.S. Influence in Lebanon
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem reaffirmed the group’s strength, demanding Israeli withdrawal from occupied areas and denouncing U.S. interference in Lebanon. Speaking at the funeral of Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine, he accused Israel of ceasefire violations. Qassem emphasized Hezbollah’s commitment to defending Lebanon, securing prisoner releases, and resisting political pressure. He warned the U.S. against manipulating Lebanese officials, asserting that patience should not be mistaken for weakness, reinforcing Hezbollah’s stance during escalating regional tensions.
Israel Strikes Hezbollah Launchers During Rising Tensions Before Nasrallah’s Funeral
The IDF launched precision strikes on Hezbollah rocket launchers in southern Lebanon, violating ceasefire terms prohibiting armed presence near Israel’s border. Hours before Nasrallah’s funeral, Israel targeted Hezbollah military sites in Baalbek, 100 km inside Lebanon. Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed IDF jets flew over Beirut, sending a warning to Hezbollah leaders. Later, Israeli warplanes struck Hezbollah weapons depots in southern Lebanon, escalating tensions and reinforcing Israel’s security posture against emerging threats.
EU Links €500 Million Lebanon Aid to Banking and Economic Reforms
The EU conditioned €500 million in aid to Lebanon on banking sector restructuring and an IMF agreement. Commissioner Dubravka Suica stressed reforms are essential for economic recovery. Talks with Lebanese officials covered financial stability, military support, and regional security. Lebanon, hosting two million Syrian refugees, faces mounting pressure for economic changes during worsening financial instability. The EU aims to curb irregular migration while ensuring Lebanon implements necessary reforms to unlock further financial assistance.
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★IRAQ
Iraq, Kurdistan Agree to Resume Oil Exports via Turkey
Iraq’s Oil Ministry and Kurdistan authorities agreed to restart crude exports through Turkey’s Ceyhan port after a year-long halt. A joint technical team will inspect the pipeline’s readiness. Baghdad confirmed adherence to OPEC production limits and budget laws. The suspension since March 2023 caused Iraq losses exceeding $17 billion. The deal strengthens Baghdad-Erbil cooperation, stabilizes oil revenues, and addresses global energy demands, marking a significant step toward resolving disputes over regional oil exports.
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★YEMEN
Houthis Escalate Attacks on U.S. Aircraft, Washington Weighs Response
Houthi forces fired surface-to-air missiles at a U.S. F-16 and an MQ-9 drone over the Red Sea, missing both targets. The Pentagon considers military retaliation as attacks on Israeli-linked vessels now extend to American and British ships. Since January 2024, Houthis launched ballistic missiles and drones targeting Tel Aviv and Eilat, disrupting maritime trade. The escalation threatens regional stability, prompting high-level U.S. discussions on countermeasures to secure shipping routes and deter further aggression.
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★ GULF NATIONS
Arab Leaders Reject Trump’s Gaza Plan, Push Alternative Strategy
Arab leaders met in Riyadh, rejecting Trump’s Gaza redevelopment plan and Palestinian resettlement in Egypt and Jordan, citing security and displacement risks. Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, and Jordan emphasized a two-state solution and opposed forced displacement. Egypt proposed a $20 billion reconstruction plan over three years, pending Gulf funding. The Arab League summit on March 4 will address the proposal. Concerns persist over regional stability, with leaders urging diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis and protect Palestinian rights.
Israel-UAE Trade Survives Gaza War During Political Strains
Israel-UAE trade grew 11% in 2024, reaching $3.2 billion, despite tensions over Gaza. The UAE condemned Israeli military actions but upheld diplomatic ties, advocating a ceasefire at the UN. Economic cooperation under the Abraham Accords remained strong, though public sentiment in the UAE grew cautious. Trump’s Gaza resettlement plan stirred regional concerns, threatening further normalization. While trade continues, Israeli businesses in Dubai face challenges, with security concerns impacting Jewish community activities and business expansion.
Gulf Financial Reserves Exceed $800 Billion During Banking Growth
Gulf financial reserves reached $804.1 billion in mid-2024, growing 7.5% due to rising oil revenues and global asset appreciation. The GCC holds 4.9% of global reserves, ranking fifth after China, the EU, Japan, and Switzerland. Banking assets surged to $4.3 trillion, with deposits hitting a record $2 trillion, marking a 6.2% increase from 2023. Strong financial indicators reinforce the Gulf’s economic resilience, positioning it as a key player in global financial markets and investment stability.
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★ EGYPT & North Africa
Israel Accuses Egypt of Military Buildup in Sinai, Seeks U.S. Mediation
Israel alleges Egypt violated peace agreements by expanding its military presence in Sinai, constructing bases, and deploying unauthorized forces. Satellite images confirm increased troop movements, heightening Israeli security concerns. Egypt denies violations, blaming misinformation campaigns. Diplomatic tensions rise as Egypt rejects Trump’s Palestinian relocation plan and postpones a White House visit. Israel urges U.S. mediation to resolve disputes, emphasizing the need for regional stability and adherence to long-standing peace treaty commitments.
Egypt and Sudan Reaffirm Partnership, Reject Gaza Displacement, Address Nile Water Security
Egypt and Sudan held diplomatic talks in Cairo, emphasizing their strategic partnership, rejecting Palestinian displacement from Gaza, and reinforcing regional stability. Foreign Ministers Badr Abdel Aty and Ali Yusuf Sharif reaffirmed unified water security, stressing the protection of Nile water rights under international agreements. Discussions included Sudan’s reconstruction, Syria’s political future, and Lebanon’s stability. Both nations pledged to enhance economic and security cooperation while reviewing agreements to align with evolving regional developments.
RSF and Allied Factions Form Parallel Government in Sudan
Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied factions signed a charter to establish a parallel government, promoting secular, decentralized rule and regional autonomy. The agreement calls for a professional army under civilian control and unrestricted humanitarian aid access. Over 20 factions, including SPLM-N and the Revolutionary Front, supported the move, directly challenging Sudan’s Port Sudan-based government. The ongoing RSF-army conflict, which began in April 2023, has escalated, prolonging instability, intensifying territorial disputes, and deepening Sudan’s political and security crisis.
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