★ LEBANON
Israel Begins Border Talks With Lebanon, Releases Prisoners as ‘Gesture’
Israel has released five Lebanese prisoners as part of U.S.-mediated negotiations over the Israel-Lebanon land border. Talks in Naqoura, attended by Israeli, Lebanese, U.S., and French officials, led to the formation of joint working groups to address disputed border points, Israeli-held areas in southern Lebanon, and Lebanese detainees. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun urged the U.S. and France to press Israel for detainee releases and border withdrawals. U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus emphasized Hezbollah’s disarmament south of the Litani River as part of the discussions.
Israel Kills Hezbollah Commander in Southern Lebanon Airstrikes
Israel confirmed airstrikes in southern Lebanon, killing Hezbollah commander Hassan Abbas Izeddine and several militants. Another strike hit a Hezbollah site in Frun. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported two deaths without identifying them. The attack violates the ceasefire during a conflict that has killed over 4,100 and displaced 1.4 million. Israel still occupies five Lebanese border points.
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★IRAN
Iranian President to Trump: ‘I Won’t Negotiate Under Threats—Do as You Wish’
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump, stating he would not engage in talks under threats. His remarks follow Trump’s claim that he sent a letter urging Iran to negotiate a new nuclear deal. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei also dismissed U.S. “bullying” tactics. Meanwhile, the White House reiterated its stance, warning Tehran of military action or a new agreement. Separately, Iran launched joint naval drills with China and Russia in the Indian Ocean, with observers from several regional nations.
Iran Allegedly Funded $500,000 Assassination Plot on Journalist
Khalid Mehdiyev testified in a Manhattan court that he was hired to kill Iranian-American journalist Masih Alinejad. Arrested in Brooklyn in 2022 with an AK-47, he admitted to preparing for the hit. U.S. prosecutors claim Iran financed the $500,000 operation, implicating Rafat Amirov and Polad Omarov, who pleaded not guilty. Iran denies involvement.
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★ SYRIA
Tensions Rise in SDF-Controlled Areas After Deal With Damascus
Tensions escalated in northeastern Syria after the agreement between Abu Mohammed Al-Jolani, also known as Ahmed Al-Sharaa, and SDF leader Mazloum Abdi, triggering arrests and crackdowns on pro-government celebrations. In Al-Hasakah, SDF forces dispersed rallies, removed Syrian flags, and fired shots to disperse crowds. Similar incidents occurred in Al-Tabqah and Al-Hol, where several civilians, including minors, were detained for displaying Syrian flags.
Israeli Forces Ambushed in Yarmouk Basin During Daraa Tensions
Israeli forces faced ambushes in Syria’s Yarmouk Basin as gunmen from Kuwaya village fired toward the occupied Golan Heights. No casualties were reported, but Israeli drones monitored the area. The attack followed Israeli incursions into western Daraa and central Quneitra, including a raid on Jumla village. In response, armed groups in Tafas mobilized for potential escalation.
Assassination of Syrian Defector Ambassador in Daraa
Syrian media reported the assassination of former Syrian diplomat Nour al-Din al-Labad and his brother in Daraa’s Sanamayn city. Unknown gunmen opened fire on his residence before fleeing. Al-Labad, a former senior official in Syria’s Foreign Ministry, defected from Bashar al-Assad’s regime in 2013 and later represented the opposition in France. He recently returned to Syria after years abroad.
Katz Threatens Al-Jolani From Mount Hermon Summit
Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz visited IDF positions at Mount Hermon, vowing continued military presence in Syria’s buffer zone. He warned that Syria’s interim leader, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, also known as Ahmad al-Sharaa, “will see us watching from Mount Hermon every morning.” Katz confirmed Israel’s commitment to maintaining a demilitarized security zone in southern Syria and protecting Druze communities. He also announced that on March 16, Druze workers from Syria would begin working in Israeli Golan settlements.
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★ ISRAEL
Hamas Resumes Ceasefire Talks With Israel in Doha
Hamas confirmed a new round of ceasefire talks in Doha, focusing on advancing the truce’s second phase. Senior Hamas official Abdul Rahman Shadid urged U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to push for Israeli withdrawal and a prisoner exchange. Hamas criticized U.S. support for Israel and called for more pressure on Netanyahu to uphold the deal.
Israeli Army Prepares Mass Draft of Haredi Youth During Community Backlash
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is set to issue 14,000 new draft notices to ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) men, adding to the 10,000 already sent since June 2024. However, response rates remain low, with only 160 enlistments from last summer’s 3,000 draft orders and 17 from the 7,000 issued in November. The IDF will now focus on communities with historically higher enlistment rates.
Israeli Airstrike Kills Five Palestinians in Central Gaza
An Israeli drone strike killed five Palestinians, including two brothers, after targeting their vehicle near the Nitzarim checkpoint in central Gaza on Tuesday. The bodies were transported to the Baptist Hospital in Gaza City. The Israeli military stated that the strike targeted “terrorists engaging in suspicious activities that posed a threat to IDF forces.” Earlier, a Palestinian woman was killed by Israeli drone fire in Rafah, and Israeli forces fired shells and bullets at residential areas in Khan Younis.
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★ TURKIYE
Erdogan Backs Syria Agreement, Says It Will Promote Peace and Security
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated on Tuesday that the full implementation of the agreement between Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and SDF commander Ferhat Abdi Shahin would enhance security and peace in Syria. Erdogan emphasized that all Syrians would benefit from the deal at an Iftar event in Ankara. He reiterated Turkey’s commitment to Syria’s territorial integrity, calling any effort to eliminate terrorism a step in the right direction. Erdogan also stressed the importance of unity among Arabs, Turks, and Kurds, urging mutual respect and cooperation to counter foreign interference.
Turkey Calls for Kurdish Disarmament Despite Cautious Optimism on Syria-SDF Deal
A Turkish official told Reuters on Tuesday that Ankara maintains a “cautious optimism” regarding the agreement between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) but insists on the full disarmament of Kurdish fighters in Syria. While acknowledging the significance of the deal, the official emphasized that Turkey’s position remains unchanged in its fight against terrorism. He reiterated Ankara’s demand for the dismantling of the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), which lead the SDF and are considered a terrorist organization by Turkey.
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★ IRAQ
Dispute Halts Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces Law
Iraq’s government withdrew the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) service and retirement law from parliament due to political disputes. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani ordered the withdrawal as disagreements over retirement age stalled legislative progress for weeks. The decision coincides with Sunni efforts to pass the Accountability and Justice Law, but lawmakers doubt any agreement will be reached during Ramadan.
Iraq Expects Stronger Coordination With Syria After SDF Deal
Iraqi officials welcomed the agreement between Syrian President Al-Julani and SDF leader Mazloum Abdi, anticipating a joint operations room for border security. The deal integrates SDF into Syrian state institutions, allowing Damascus to control border areas. Iraqi lawmakers see it as a step toward stabilizing Iraq by curbing ISIS activity and reducing smuggling risks.
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★YEMEN
Houthis Renew Naval Blockade on Israeli Ships
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree announced the renewal of a naval blockade on Israeli ships in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Bab el-Mandeb, vowing attacks on any vessel attempting to breach it until Gaza’s crossings are opened for humanitarian aid. Israel has signaled readiness to resume strikes if the Houthis carry out their threats.
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★THE GULF
Ukraine Backs US Ceasefire Plan in Saudi Talks, Awaits Russia
Ukraine endorsed a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire and agreed to immediate negotiations with Russia during talks in Jeddah. The US pledged to restore military aid and expedite a minerals deal with Kyiv. Washington will present the proposal to Moscow while Russia escalates strikes and reclaims lost settlements. The outcome hinges on Russian acceptance of the ceasefire terms.
Saudi Arabia Appointed to Lead UN Women’s Rights Commission
Saudi Arabia, despite its human rights record, was unanimously elected chair of the UN Commission on the Status of Women and will lead the annual gender equality summit on March 21. Critics, including UN Watch, condemned the appointment, citing Saudi laws that entrench gender discrimination. The commission’s leadership rotates among regional groups, with Saudi Arabia endorsed as the sole candidate.
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★LIBYA
EU Extends Libya’s ‘Irini’ Mission, Expands Its Mandate
The EU extended Operation Irini in the Mediterranean until March 2027, reinforcing its role in enforcing the UN arms embargo on Libya. The mission will now monitor illicit activities, including arms smuggling and illegal oil exports. Launched in 2020, Irini also gathers intelligence, supports Libya’s coast guard, and disrupts human trafficking networks, enhancing maritime security.
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