★YEMEN
Houthis Declare War on U.S. Ships After Deadly Airstrikes
After the United States launched strikes on Sanaa and Saada, eliminating Houthi financial and military figures, including Hassan Abdul Qadir Sharaf al-Din, Ali Fadel, and Abdul Malik Al-Sharafi, the Houthi militia claimed responsibility for two attacks on a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Red Sea on Sunday and Monday. They also vowed to target American cargo ships in response to the strikes, which, according to the Houthi health ministry and reported by Al Jazeera, resulted in 53 deaths. Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, in a televised speech, called on his supporters to stage million-man marches on Monday in Sanaa and various Yemeni cities to protest the strikes, the first carried out under U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration. Meanwhile, a Saudi official denied claims that his country provided logistical support or fuel for the military operation in Yemen, calling the allegations “misleading” in statements to Al Arabiya/Al Hadath.
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★IRAN
Iranian Military on High Alert Following U.S. Attacks on Houthis
Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia strongly condemned U.S. airstrikes on Yemen’s Houthis, calling them violations of international law. Iran has raised its naval and missile units in the south to maximum alert, citing concerns over a potential U.S.-Israeli attack. Following an emergency meeting, Iran’s General Staff, the Revolutionary Guard, and the Army ordered full military readiness. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard commander Hossein Salami warned of retaliation if Tehran is threatened, while Hezbollah labeled the strikes a “war crime” and reaffirmed its support for Yemen. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected U.S. interference, while IRGC Commander Hossein Salami insisted the Houthis act independently. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov urged Washington to halt military action and pursue political dialogue.
Iran Unveils Next-Generation Bavar 373 Air Defense System
During recent military drills, Iran unveiled Bavar 373-II, the next-generation air defense system. The system features a mobile radar and advanced interception capabilities, targeting 100 threats at a 405 km range, surpassing the S-300. It can counter stealth aircraft and cruise missiles and includes 24 ready-to-launch missiles. Recent upgrades extended its engagement range to 300 km, enhancing Iran’s defense against potential threats.
Iranian Ship Leaves China with Suspected Missile Components
An Iranian cargo ship, Jiran, suspected of transporting missile components, departed China for Iran after a month-long delay. Tracking data shows the vessel, already under U.S. sanctions, was lightly loaded until early March before taking on heavy cargo in Zhuhai Gaolan. A second sanctioned ship, Gulboun, previously delivered unknown materials to Iran. U.S. officials monitor reports of China supplying missile components to Iran, while Beijing denies the claims.
Iran Faces Severe Power Shortages During Rising Demand
Iran’s electricity supply is set to fall critically short in 2025-2026, with an estimated 25,000-megawatt deficit—one-third of total consumption—warned industry chief Ali Nikbakht. Financial struggles may force multiple power plants to shut down, worsening outages that have already disrupted schools and government offices. Lawmakers have criticized the crisis, while U.S. figures cite blackouts as a sign of instability. With summer nearing, Iran faces mounting energy and political pressures.
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★ IRAQ
Iraq’s PMF Mobilizes for Iran, While New Factions Emerge During U.S. Strikes
Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) are forming new brigades using public funds to support Iran and Yemen’s Houthis against U.S. forces, following directives from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and approval from Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani. Simultaneously, new Iraqi armed factions have surfaced, calling for mobilization against American forces. Groups like “Abbas Shield Forces” and “Jerusalem Cry Brigades” have declared readiness to act, while established militias remain silent. Analysts view this as strategic role-shuffling to protect known factions from U.S. retaliation. The resurgence of armed activity threatens Baghdad’s negotiations with Washington over troop withdrawals as the U.S. intensifies strikes on Houthi targets and warns Iran over maritime threats.
Iraq Increases Turkish Electricity Imports as U.S. Ends Iran Waiver
Iraq approved doubling electricity imports from Türkiye to 600 megawatts following Washington’s decision to end Baghdad’s waiver for Iranian energy imports. The agreement was reached during a meeting between Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Hayan Abdul Ghani and Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, where officials discussed bilateral cooperation in the oil, gas, and energy sectors.
Iraq Seizes Syrian Drug Shipment
Iraqi authorities seized 1.1 tons of Captagon smuggled from Syria via Türkiye, dismantling a major drug network. The crackdown, aided by Saudi intelligence, underscores Iraq’s intensified anti-narcotics efforts during rising regional smuggling operations.
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★ SYRIA
Hezbollah-Syria Clashes Escalate as Lebanese Army Vows Retaliation
Tensions surged on the Syrian-Lebanese border after Syria accused Hezbollah of executing three soldiers abducted near Homs and taken into Lebanon. Clashes erupted as Hezbollah launched a missile at Syrian army positions, killing a soldier and wounding journalists. In response, Syrian artillery targeted Hezbollah sites near Hermel, while the Lebanese army vowed to retaliate after Hezbollah’s strikes hit Lebanese territory. Damascus reinforced its border presence, warning of further action against Hezbollah’s alleged escalations.
Latakia Blast Kills 16 as Syria Faces Rising Instability
An explosion from Syria’s civil war remnants killed 16 people in Latakia, collapsing a building and injuring 18 others. The blast, caused by a mishandled ordnance, comes during ongoing violence in the port city following President Bashar al-Assad’s ouster. Assad loyalists recently clashed with forces of interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, leading to over 1,000 deaths. The instability has drawn Israeli airstrikes targeting Damascus, as tensions rise over Syria’s future governance and regional security.
Syria Joins Brussels Donor Conference for First Time
Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Shibani arrived in Brussels for the ninth donor conference on Syria, marking the government’s first participation after years of EU exclusion. Syria’s attendance was uncertain, with Damascus demanding tangible aid and rejecting political agendas. The conference, themed “Standing with Syria: Ensuring a Successful Transition,” focuses on financial support and reconstruction, while Syria stresses the impact of sanctions on its recovery.
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★ ISRAEL
U.S.-Hamas Talks Stalled as Deadline Looms, Military Action Possible
Hamas rejected a U.S. proposal for hostage release, insisting on the return of displaced Gazans, while Washington imposed an undisclosed deadline. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff warned Hamas, citing U.S. strikes on the Houthis as a precedent, and called its stance “unacceptable.” Israel, backed by the U.S., seeks maximum hostage releases while maintaining military pressure, expanding target lists, and considering punitive measures like cutting water and restricting medical evacuations. As frustration mounts, Netanyahu’s government prepares for a possible military escalation if negotiations collapse.
Israel Enhances Air and Missile Defense with F-35 Jets, Iron Beam System
Israel is strengthening its military capabilities with the deployment of the Iron Beam laser defense system by the year’s end and the addition of three new F-35 Adir jets to the 116th squadron. The Adir aircraft, uniquely modified for external munitions, have logged over 15,000 operational hours and executed high-profile strikes in Lebanon and Gaza. Meanwhile, Iron Beam, developed by Rafael, will provide a cost-effective defense against rockets and drones, reinforcing Israel’s multi-layered air defense network during rising regional threats.
Israel and Azerbaijan Strengthen Energy Ties with Gas Deal
Israel and Azerbaijan will sign a strategic gas exploration agreement in Jerusalem, granting Azerbaijan’s SOCAR a license to drill in Israeli waters. The deal, delayed by the Gaza war, highlights growing ties between the nations, with Azerbaijan supplying over a third of Israel’s oil and purchasing Israeli military hardware. Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov will meet Israeli officials, further deepening economic and security cooperation during shared geopolitical interests, particularly regarding Iran.
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★ TURKIYE
Erdogan Pushes U.S. And EU To Lift Syria Sanctions
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan pressed both the U.S. and EU to lift sanctions on Syria in separate diplomatic engagements. In his first call with former U.S. President Donald Trump, Erdoğan discussed the Ukraine war, Syria, and Turkey-related sanctions, urging Washington to ease restrictions to facilitate regional financial aid. Meanwhile, Türkiye demanded that the EU fully lift its Syria sanctions ahead of a Brussels aid summit, arguing it was crucial for Syria’s economic recovery and peaceful transition. While the EU eased some restrictions, it warned they could be reinstated if Syria’s new leadership violated democratic commitments.
Türkiye Monitors Syria-SDF Deal, Demands PKK Disbandment Over Security Risks
Türkiye is closely monitoring the agreement between the Syrian government and the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, warning of potential security threats. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan raised concerns with Syrian officials, stressing future risks. Simultaneously, Ankara renewed its demand for the unconditional dissolution of the PKK and its affiliates, with Defense Minister Yaşar Güler rejecting ceasefire talks. Fidan urged PKK leaders to embrace a “historic opportunity,” while PKK officials cited Turkish military operations as a barrier to disbandment.
Türkiye Arrests Five Iranian Spies, Escalating Tensions with Tehran
Türkiye detained five individuals accused of spying for Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, collecting intelligence on military bases and sensitive sites. The arrests follow escalating tensions over Syria, with Ankara accusing Tehran of destabilization. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned Iran against supporting Kurdish groups, prompting diplomatic protests. The case highlights ongoing Iranian espionage activities in Türkiye, including targeting dissidents and Israeli-linked figures.
Türkiye Reaffirms Non-Recognition of Crimea’s Annexation by Russia
Marking 11 years since Russia’s annexation of Crimea, Türkiye reiterated its rejection of the move, citing violations of international law and Ukraine’s sovereignty. The Turkish Foreign Ministry pledged continued support for Crimean Tatars and urged global attention to their plight. Türkiye also called for an immediate ceasefire and peace negotiations in Ukraine.
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★ LEBANON
Trump Considers Israeli Action as IDF Intensifies Strikes in Lebanon
With Israel-Lebanon border talks stalling, U.S. President Donald Trump may approve Israeli military action. The negotiations, mediated by the U.S. and France, aim to finalize the Blue Line demarcation, but tensions persist. Meanwhile, the IDF escalated strikes, targeting Hezbollah’s Radwan Force command center and positions in Yaroun after gunfire from Lebanon hit an Israeli vehicle in Avivim. Additionally, Israeli airstrikes killed two Hezbollah operatives in Yater and hit a vehicle in Meiss El Jabal, further raising hostilities along the border.
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★THE GULF
Saudi Source Denies Supporting U.S. Strikes Against Houthis
A Saudi official denied providing logistical support for the U.S. military operation against the Houthis, calling reports of fuel supply “misleading.” The strikes, ordered by President Trump, targeted sites in Sanaa and Saada, killing and injuring several. The Houthis vowed retaliation, affirming their operations will continue in support of Gaza.
Qatar Begins Manufacturing Six Advanced Gas Tankers in Korea
Qatar has started building six new gas tankers in South Korea, expanding its strategic energy transport sector. Qatar Gas Transport Company “Nakilat” announced the construction at Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries. The vessels, including LNG and LPG carriers, will be delivered between 2026 and 2027. Nakilat aims to enhance Qatar’s global gas supply leadership with advanced, eco-friendly shipping solutions.
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★EGYPT
Missile Launched From Yemen Lands in Egypt; Israel Investigates
The IDF is probing whether a missile from Yemen that landed near Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh was aimed at Israel. No impact was detected in Israeli territory. This follows renewed Houthi threats on Red Sea shipping and U.S. strikes on Houthi strongholds in Yemen, which killed 31. Trump warned Iran to cease its support immediately.
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