★IRAN
UN Security Council to Hold Emergency Meeting on Iran’s Nuclear Advances
The UN Security Council will convene a closed-door session on Wednesday to discuss Iran’s escalating uranium enrichment, following a request from six nations, including the US, Britain, and France. The IAEA reports that Iran has amassed enough highly enriched uranium for six nuclear bombs, sparking international concerns. Israel, aligned with the Trump administration, vows to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power. Trump has warned Iran’s Supreme Leader to negotiate a new deal or face possible military action, reinforcing Washington’s renewed “maximum pressure” policy.
Sanctions-Stricken Iran Relies on Local Firms to Sustain Gas Production
With foreign firms absent due to sanctions, Iran signed a $17 billion contract with domestic companies, including the IRGC-linked Khatam al-Anbiya, to boost gas production at South Pars, the world’s largest gas field. Despite holding the second-largest gas reserves globally, Iran faces domestic shortages due to declining pressure and lack of investment. Experts doubt Iranian firms can implement the necessary technology, previously handled by Western companies like Total and Siemens. Even if the contract succeeds, it will only slow, not stop, production decline, worsening Iran’s energy crisis.
Iranian Revolutionary Guard Official Admits Funding Spanish Separatists for Assassinations
Former Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander Mohsen Rafighdoost revealed in a now-deleted interview that Iran financed the Basque separatist group ETA to assassinate Iranian opposition figures in Europe during the 1980s and 1990s. Targets included former Iranian Prime Minister Shapour Bakhtiar, army commander Gholam Ali Oveissi, and opposition leader Fereydoun Farrokhzad. Rafighdoost also admitted to orchestrating Bakhtiar’s failed 1980 assassination attempt and negotiating for the release of hitman Anis Naccache. His statements, widely rejected by Iranian media, have sparked controversy, with his office later attributing them to memory issues following brain surgery.
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★ SYRIA
Syria’s President Signs Agreement to Integrate Kurdish-Led SDF Into State
Syria’s interim President, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, also known as Ahmad al-Sharaa, signed a deal with Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to integrate them into state institutions. The agreement ensures Kurdish representation in governance, establishes a nationwide ceasefire, and merges civil and military structures in northeastern Syria, including oil fields and border crossings. It also commits to combating remnants of the Assad regime. The move could ease tensions with Turkey, which opposes Kurdish autonomy. The deal follows ongoing sectarian unrest and government offensives against pro-Assad militias in Latakia and Tartous.
Israel Strikes Former Assad Regime Bases in Southern Syria
Israeli fighter jets launched multiple airstrikes on former military bases in Daraa province, targeting infrastructure linked to Syria’s interim government led by Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, also known as Ahmad al-Sharaa. The strikes hit radar systems, military headquarters, and weapons depots. Israel has vowed to prevent military consolidation near its borders following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Meanwhile, tensions remain high as the new Syrian government battles pro-Assad militias, with reports of heavy casualties in recent sectarian clashes.
Syria Foils Large Captagon Smuggling Attempt to Jordan
Syria’s Interior Ministry announced the seizure of 100,000 Captagon pills near the Jordanian border, preventing their smuggling into Jordan. The operation follows a recent security agreement between the two countries to combat drug and arms trafficking. Jordan has repeatedly intercepted smuggling attempts, some linked to Iran-backed militias. In May 2024, Jordanian forces foiled a plot to smuggle weapons and explosives from Syria to support Hamas fighters, a claim Tehran denies.
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★ ISRAEL
Israel Approves $1.1 Billion Plan for Druze and Circassian Development
The Israeli government approved a five-year, $1.1 billion plan (3.9 billion shekels) to boost economic and social development in Druze and Circassian towns in the Golan Heights, Galilee, and Carmel from 2025 to 2029. The initiative focuses on housing, infrastructure, local governance, and education. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s commitment to integrating Druze citizens and improving their quality of life. Separately, Defense Minister Yisrael Katz announced that Druze workers from Syria will soon be permitted to work in Israeli Golan towns.
Three Killed in Israeli Drone Strike on Gaza’s Bureij Camp
An Israeli drone strike killed three Palestinians north of Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, according to local sources. The attack, which targeted a gathering of Palestinians, also injured several others. Israeli forces continued gunfire across the Strip, wounding more civilians. The Israeli army claimed the strike targeted militants planting explosives in Nuseirat. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported nine deaths in the last 24 hours, raising the war’s toll to 48,467 killed and 111,913 injured since October 7, 2023.
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★ LEBANON
Judicial Shift Reopens Beirut Port Blast Investigation
Lebanon’s top prosecutor, Judge Jamal Al-Hajjar, overturned his predecessor’s decision to halt cooperation with lead investigator Judge Tarek Bitar in the Beirut port explosion case. The ruling allows Bitar to resume issuing arrest warrants, including for top security and political figures and former Prime Minister Hassan Diab. Meanwhile, the Lebanese army reported that Israeli forces shot and wounded a Lebanese soldier near the southern border before taking him into Israeli territory.
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★ TURKIYE
Erdogan: Turkey Will Not Allow Redrawing of Syria’s Borders
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned attacks on Syria’s unity and stability, emphasizing Ankara’s rejection of any attempt to redraw the country’s borders. Following a cabinet meeting, he welcomed Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa’s “moderate and calming” statements and urged Damascus to take swift measures to restore order. Erdogan highlighted Turkey’s security precautions and stressed the need for cooperation to maintain regional stability.
Turkey’s Defense Exports Surge 103% in Five Years During Global Market Shifts
Turkey’s share in global defense exports grew by 103% between 2020 and 2024, rising from 0.8% to 1.7%, according to an SIPRI report. Ranked 11th in global arms exports, Turkey’s top buyers were the UAE (18%), Pakistan (10%), and Qatar (9.9%). Meanwhile, Turkey reduced arms imports by 33%, relying more on domestic production. The U.S., France, Russia, China, and Germany remained the top five global arms exporters, with U.S. dominance rising to 43% post-Ukraine war, while Russia’s market share fell to 7.8%.
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★ IRAQ
US Warns Iraq of Consequences Over Kidnapped Israeli Academic
The US has warned Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani of political and economic repercussions if Baghdad fails to secure the release of Russian-Israeli academic Elizabeth Tsurkov, reportedly held by Kataeb Hezbollah since March 2023. Washington, not Israel, is leading negotiations, pressuring Iraq to act as kidnappers remain unresponsive. The situation escalates during US moves to tighten financial pressure on Iran, which supplies a third of Iraq’s energy.
Iraq Faces Severe Power Crisis After Trump’s Sanctions on Iranian Gas
Iraq is grappling with a worsening electricity crisis after US sanctions halted Iranian gas imports, which power 40% of its grid. The government set 2028 as the target to phase out Iranian gas, but alternatives remain undeveloped. Iraqi officials warn of an imminent power collapse, urging Washington for exemptions while negotiating with Iran. Meanwhile, the US is tightening sanctions to weaken Tehran’s economy, complicating Baghdad’s energy security.
Iraq Signs Agreement With BP to Develop Kirkuk Oil Fields
Iraq’s Ministry of Oil signed a preliminary agreement with British company BP to develop four oil fields in Kirkuk. Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs and Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani stated that the deal covers Kirkuk’s Avana and Baba domes, Bai Hassan, Khabbaz, and Jambur fields. The agreement aims to boost national oil and gas production, enhance federal budget revenues, and expand North Gas Company facilities to support electricity generation.
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★YEMEN
Israel Prepares Response as Houthis Threaten Attacks Over Gaza Aid
Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi warned of military action against Israel if humanitarian aid was not allowed into Gaza within four days. The group, which had paused attacks after a ceasefire, vowed to resume targeting Israeli-linked ships and launching missile strikes. In response, Israel is coordinating a political and potential military effort to counter the Houthis, pressuring Iran to curb their activities. With European nations largely indifferent, international pressure is building on Israel as the deadline nears. Meanwhile, Houthi media released a symbolic warning emphasizing the urgency of their ultimatum.
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★THE GULF
Saudi Crown Prince Hosts Key Talks on Regional and Global Conflicts
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held discussions in Jeddah with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, addressing pressing regional and international issues. Talks with Rubio focused on bilateral relations, Gaza reconstruction, and U.S. opposition to Hamas in any settlement. They also covered Syria’s stability and Houthi’s threats to global shipping. Meanwhile, Zelensky and Rubio expressed optimism over U.S.-Ukraine negotiations to resolve the Russia- Ukraine war. Kyiv proposed a limited Black Sea ceasefire, while Washington sought progress on a minerals agreement. The Jeddah talks mark a pivotal moment in U.S. diplomatic strategy as it balances regional stability with shifting global alliances.
Qatar Ranks Third, Saudi Arabia Fourth in Global Arms Imports (2020-2024)
Qatar became the world’s third-largest and the top Arab arms importer between 2020 and 2024, while Saudi Arabia dropped to fourth place, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Qatar’s arms imports surged by 127% compared to 2015-2019, with the U.S. supplying 48%, followed by Italy (20%) and the UK (15%). Meanwhile, Saudi arms imports fell by 41%, relying mainly on the U.S. (74%), Spain (10%), and France (6.2%). Kuwait and Bahrain recorded sharp increases, while the UAE saw a decline but emerged as a notable arms exporter. The Middle East accounted for 27% of global arms imports.
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★EGYPT& NORTH AFRICA
Israeli Police Cite Egyptian Tanks in Festival Ban Near Border
Israeli police blocked a planned Purim festival in the Negev, organized by Nova festival survivors, citing security risks. The event, featuring 1,000 attendees and 10 former hostages, is 15 km from Egypt’s border, where Egyptian forces recently deployed tanks. Organizers sought military approval, but the army refused prior clearance, prompting them to challenge the ban in court.
IMF Approves $1.2 Billion Loan Tranche for Egypt
Egyptian Finance Minister Ahmed Kojok announced that the IMF executive board approved the fourth review of Egypt’s $8 billion financing program, releasing a $1.2 billion tranche. Former Finance Minister Mohamed Maait stated the funds would be disbursed within days. Egypt has received $1.98 billion under the program, which expanded from $3 billion in 2022 to $8 billion in 2024.
Burhan Demands RSF Disarmament Before Resuming Negotiations
Sudanese Sovereign Council leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan refused to resume negotiations without the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) disarming and regrouping. Speaking in Nile River State, he vowed to continue fighting and insisted any peace deal must have public support. Since April 2023, the war has displaced 15 million people, left 8 million facing famine, and received only 6.3% of required UN aid funding. The conflict has also killed at least 20,000 people, further deepening Sudan’s humanitarian crisis.
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