Editor’s Note: Please stay tuned for a forthcoming Special Report on Syria, which will be sent in a separate email.
★IRAN
Khamenei Rejects U.S. Negotiations as Iran Signals Conditional Talks
A day after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected negotiations under U.S. “bullying,” Iran’s U.N. mission stated on X that Tehran would consider talks only if limited to concerns over potential militarization of its nuclear program. Khamenei also dismissed President Donald Trump’s letter proposing nuclear talks, condemning U.S. demands as coercive and rejecting negotiations on Iran’s missile program and regional influence. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf asserted that Iran’s economic resilience and ties with JCPOA members could force the U.S. to lift sanctions without concessions. He also dismissed Trump’s Gaza plan as empty rhetoric, insisting Palestinians would ensure its failure.
Iran Hosts Security Belt-2025 Drill with China and Russia
Iran will host the “Security Belt-2025” naval drill near Chabahar, showcasing its growing military cooperation with China and Russia. The exercise will feature warships, combat vessels, and logistical ships, with China deploying a destroyer and a supply ship to bolster Tehran’s maritime capabilities. The drill includes maritime attack simulations, damage control, and joint search-and-rescue operations. China’s defense ministry emphasized the exercise as a step toward strengthening military trust and naval coordination, reinforcing Beijing’s strategic support for Iran amid regional tensions.
Iranian Hackers Leak Data on 100,000 Israeli Gun Owners
Iranian hackers obtained and leaked sensitive data on over 100,000 Israeli gun owners, exposing their identities, addresses, and firearm details. The breach, affecting police, security firms, and government databases, endangers gun owners by enabling theft and threats. Israeli cybercrime unit Lahav 433 launched an investigation with U.S. firm Data Breach. The Iranian group “Handala” claimed responsibility, threatening further leaks amid ongoing cyber warfare between Israel and Iran.
Iran Calls Accusations of Syrian Attack Involvement “Ridiculous”
Iran denied involvement in recent attacks on Syrian government security forces by remnants of the Assad regime, calling the accusations “ridiculous.” Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei condemned the violence in Syria, stressing the need to halt massacres against minorities such as Alawites, Christians, and Druze. Iran also called on Türkiye to refrain from making false claims. Hezbollah, an Iranian ally, similarly denied involvement in the coastal attacks. Meanwhile, the Syrian Ministry of Defense announced the completion of the second phase of military operations on the coast, achieving its objectives. The death toll from the operations reached 642, with 315 killed by Assad’s forces and 327 by General Security.
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★ ISRAEL
Israel Cuts Gaza’s Electricity Supply as Talks Stall
Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen ordered an immediate halt to electricity supply to Gaza, citing pressure tactics against Hamas. Officials are also considering cutting water pipelines, starting with northern Gaza. Israel had maintained one power line for desalination plants but now aims for a complete shutdown. Humanitarian groups warn that Hamas has limited fuel for generators, risking a worsening crisis.
Israel Reports Progress in Hostage Release Talks with Hamas
Israel confirmed some progress in U.S.-mediated talks with Hamas following discussions between envoy Adam Boehler and Hamas official Khalil Al-Hayya. An Israeli delegation will visit Doha for negotiations, while U.S. mediator Amos Hochstein arrives Tuesday. Hamas accepted Egypt’s proposal for a temporary governance committee in Gaza but denied claims of agreeing to new hostage terms.
Israeli-Linked Network Amplifies Syria Misinformation on X
Arabic and Syrian media platforms are highlighting a report by Arabi Post detailing a network of Israeli and pro-Assad regime accounts on X spreading misinformation to justify Israeli intervention in Syria under the guise of minority protection. The investigation analyzed 20,000 tweets from March 4, 2025, revealing three types of accounts—Israeli, pro-Assad, and anonymous—working together to push divisive narratives, including calls for Syria’s partition and false claims of an “Alawite genocide.” Prominent figures like Israeli journalist Eddie Cohen and Hebrew University’s Meir Masri are central, with their tweets amplified by automated accounts. The network also saw pro-Assad accounts surge in activity after Bashar al-Assad’s December 2024 downfall, promoting Israeli-aligned views. Despite Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, intensifying rhetoric on Druze protection, protests in Suwayda have firmly rejected Israeli intervention.
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★ LEBANON
Israel Escalates Strikes on Hezbollah as Lebanon Faces Internal Unrest
Israel launched its most extensive airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon since the ceasefire, targeting rocket launchers and weapons depots. Around 30 airstrikes hit key areas near the Litani River, with Israeli officials citing security threats. This escalation follows the assassination of Hezbollah operatives and over 1,000 reported ceasefire violations since November 2024. Meanwhile, an Israeli drone strike in Khirbet Selm killed a Hezbollah operative and injured another, intensifying tensions as Israel maintains control over five Lebanese positions. Concurrently, the Lebanese army intercepted $4 million smuggled from Syria, suspecting illicit financial transfers linked to Hezbollah and regional networks. In northern Lebanon, the army intervened in Tripoli to quell sectarian unrest following clashes linked to Syria’s conflict. Officials warned of growing instability as Alawite refugees continued arriving. These developments highlight mounting regional volatility and Lebanon’s deepening security challenges.
World Bank Estimates Lebanon’s Recovery Needs at $11 Billion
The World Bank assessed Lebanon’s reconstruction needs at $11 billion following recent conflicts, with $3-5 billion required from the public sector, mainly for infrastructure. The private sector is expected to cover $6-8 billion, focusing on housing, trade, industry, and tourism. Economic losses are estimated at $14 billion, with GDP contracting by 7.1% in 2024, deepening Lebanon’s prolonged economic crisis.
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★ TURKIYE
Fidan Warns Iran as Turkey-Iran Tensions Rise in Syria
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned Iran against supporting Kurdish forces in Syria, accusing Tehran of destabilizing the region. His remarks sparked diplomatic tensions, with both countries summoning envoys. Turkiye views Iran’s demographic and military maneuvers in Syria as a direct threat, responding with military reinforcements and airstrikes. With shifting regional power dynamics, Ankara is reinforcing its strategic position while Iran faces mounting U.S. pressure.
Turkiye Blocks Israel from NATO Drill, Citing Gaza Conflict
Turkiye vetoed Israel’s participation in NATO’s emergency preparedness exercise, continuing its opposition to NATO-Israel cooperation since the Gaza war. Israeli officials accused Turkiye of using its veto for political leverage, undermining regional security. Ankara maintains that Israel’s actions in Gaza violate NATO’s core principles, blocking all joint activities despite previous diplomatic reconciliations.
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★ IRAQ
Iraq Seeks Gulf Gas Alternative After U.S. Ends Iran Waiver
Iraq announced plans to import Gulf gas after the U.S. revoked its waiver for purchasing Iranian energy. Officials warned of a potential electricity crisis without alternatives. Baghdad is accelerating gas pipeline projects and regional power integration. Iraqi lawmakers urged Washington to reconsider, citing severe summer shortages.
Iraq Warns of Syrian Conflict Spillover Amid Border Security Concerns
Iraqi officials express growing concern over Syria’s instability affecting Iraq’s security, citing extensive military geography and historic ties between armed factions. Former Defense Ministry adviser Ma’an Al-Jubouri warned that unrest could spill into Iraq, exacerbated by regional actors like Iran, Turkiye, and U.S. military presence. He highlighted fears of infiltration by Syrian militants and escalating cross-border threats, including ISIS resurgence and arms trafficking. Iraq has reinforced its Syrian border, with U.S.-led coalition support, yet remains vulnerable to shifting regional dynamics. Al-Jubouri stressed the need for joint intelligence operations to counter external influences shaping Syria’s security landscape.
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★YEMEN
Al-Houthi Mimics Nasrallah as Iran Struggles to Salvage Its Axis
Houthi leader Abdul Malik Al-Houthi gave Israel a four-day ultimatum on March 8 to lift its Gaza blockade or face renewed maritime attacks. The next day, he labeled Syria’s government as takfiri groups, accusing them of aiding U.S. and Israeli interests by fracturing Syrian society. He claimed that Washington and Tel Aviv seek to portray themselves as Syria’s protectors. Local experts see Al-Houthi’s speeches as an attempt to imitate Hassan Nasrallah’s rhetoric and mannerisms, aligning with Iran’s broader effort to revive its weakening regional axis.
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★THE GULF
Qatar Warns Iran Strike Could Contaminate Gulf Water Supply
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani warned that an attack on Iran’s nuclear sites could contaminate the Gulf’s water supply, endangering desalination-dependent states. His remarks come as former U.S. President Donald Trump vows to reinstate maximum pressure on Tehran. Iran, asserting it will not be bullied, has repeatedly warned against military action targeting its nuclear facilities. The Gulf region’s reliance on desalinated water heightens concerns over potential fallout from any strike, adding a critical environmental and geopolitical dimension to escalating tensions.
Qatar Calls for Nuclear Oversight on Israel at IAEA Meeting
Qatar’s ambassador to Austria, Jassim Yaqub Al-Hammadi, condemned Israel’s nuclear policy and military actions at an IAEA meeting in Vienna. Qatar urged international efforts to place Israeli nuclear sites under IAEA oversight and insisted on Israel joining the Non-Proliferation Treaty. The diplomat also criticized Israel’s West Bank operations, Gaza blockade, and restrictions on UNRWA activities.
Zelensky Arrives in Saudi Arabia for Talks with Crown Prince
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as part of Riyadh’s mediation efforts in the Russia-Ukraine war. Zelensky stated that a team of Ukrainian negotiators will remain in the kingdom to coordinate with U.S. partners. He informed former President Trump that Kyiv remains committed to securing a swift and reliable peace. Trump expressed optimism that U.S.-Ukraine talks in Saudi Arabia would yield positive results in efforts to end the war.
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★EGYPT& NORTH AFRICA
Hamas Meets Egyptian Intelligence, Denies Temporary Gaza Truce
A Hamas delegation led by Mohammed Darwish met Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad in Cairo to discuss ceasefire implementation and prisoner exchange. Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to all agreement terms, rejecting reports of openness to a temporary truce. Meanwhile, Israel plans to send a delegation to Doha, with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff expected to propose a deal for hostage releases in exchange for an extended ceasefire.
Russian Agent Planned Mercenary Army to Control Libya’s Migration Routes
A Telegraph investigation revealed that Russian agent Jan Marsalek orchestrated a mercenary force in Libya to control migration routes, allegedly destabilizing Europe. He facilitated Wagner’s reorganization after Yevgeny Prigozhin’s death. British authorities exposed his plans after convicting a spy ring he managed. The report links the scheme to President Vladimir Putin’s strategic use of migration to influence European elections.
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