★YEMEN
US Offers $15 Million Reward for Houthi Financial Intelligence
The US State Department announced a $15 million reward for tips on those financing the Houthis, urging informants to use encrypted channels. Washington labeled the group as Iranian-backed terrorists responsible for Red Sea attacks, hijackings, and missile strikes.
U.S. Strikes Houthi Strongholds During Rising Challenges and Regional Strains
The U.S. launched airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen’s Saada and Hajjah provinces after the group threatened Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea. CENTCOM accused the Houthis of seizing 2.5 million kilograms of humanitarian aid, worsening Yemen’s crisis. In response, Houthi forces targeted the USS Harry Truman and other U.S. warships with missiles and drones, marking the fourth attack on a U.S. carrier in 72 hours. The Houthis warn of further escalation unless Israel halts its Gaza offensive. U.S. officials signaled that strikes could continue for weeks, but limited precision weapons and regional tensions complicate the campaign. Pentagon officials insist the fight won’t be endless, yet the Houthis remain defiant.
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★ ISRAEL
Israel Expands Gaza Strikes, Kills Islamic Jihad Spokesman During Hostage Crisis
Israel intensified airstrikes on Gaza, disrupting internet services and targeting key areas. Prime Minister Netanyahu warned the offensive was “only the beginning,” vowing to continue military pressure. Israeli forces killed Palestinian Islamic Jihad spokesman Naji Abu Saif in Nuseirat. Reports confirmed an Israeli hostage was killed and two others wounded, sparking public outrage.
Netanyahu Vows Intensified Strikes as Hamas Accuses Him of Undermining Ceasefire
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to escalate military pressure on Hamas, insisting it is necessary for hostage release and hinting at broader regional action. Meanwhile, Hamas accused Netanyahu of sabotaging the ceasefire for political gain, reaffirming its commitment to negotiations. Hamas urged international intervention.
Global Backlash as Israel Resumes Gaza Airstrikes, Escalating Tensions
Israel’s renewed airstrikes in Gaza, backed by the U.S., triggered strong international condemnation. The UN, Russia, China, Iran, and Turkey denounced the strikes, warning of escalating violence. Egypt and Qatar pushed for renewed mediation, while Yemen’s Houthis pledged support for Palestinians.
Netanyahu Secures Ben-Gvir’s Return as IDF Dismisses General Over Leaked Documents
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strengthened his coalition by resuming military action in Gaza, fulfilling Itamar Ben-Gvir’s conditions for rejoining the government. Meanwhile, the IDF dismissed Brig. Gen. (res.) Erez Wiener for losing classified documents, prompting a possible criminal investigation. Allegations of leaks to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have heightened security concerns as Netanyahu faces criticism for prioritizing political stability over national security.
Israel’s Shekel and Bonds Drop as Gaza Ceasefire Collapses
Israel’s shekel fell alongside bonds and stocks as renewed airstrikes in Gaza threatened a ceasefire collapse. The shekel dropped 0.5% against the dollar and euro, while government bonds saw their sharpest declines in a month. Investors fear extended fighting as Netanyahu ordered the strikes over Hamas’s refusal to release 59 hostages. Markets reacted to uncertainty over whether this signals a limited operation or broader conflict.
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★IRAN
Trump, Putin Agree Iran Must Never Threaten Israel in Key Call
U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed that Iran should never acquire weapons capable of destroying Israel, according to a White House readout. Their call also covered nuclear non-proliferation and regional stability. Meanwhile, both leaders discussed a ceasefire in Ukraine, with Russia pledging to halt attacks on energy infrastructure.
Iran Links U.S. Negotiations to Economic Benefits
Iran stated it would only engage in talks with the U.S. if assured economic benefits, including oil exports and global financial access. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Qalibaf criticized Trump’s approach but confirmed Tehran is drafting a response to his message.
Cyber Group Disrupts Communications of Iran’s Oil Fleet
A cyber group, “Gagged Mouths,” hacked the communication networks of 116 Iranian oil tankers under U.S. sanctions, cutting off contact between ships, ports, and the outside world. The attack affected 50 vessels from the National Iranian Tanker Company and 66 from Iran’s shipping firm. The disruption, reportedly lasting weeks, coincides with U.S. strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen.
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★ IRAQ
U.S. Defense Secretary and Iraqi PM Discuss Houthi Threat, ISIS Operations
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani about military operations targeting the Houthi threat to American trade and maritime security. Hegseth praised Iraq’s security cooperation, citing the recent U.S. strike on an ISIS leader. The call follows U.S. airstrikes against the Houthis, which officials say will continue unless attacks on Red Sea shipping cease.
Iraqi PMF Deploys Along Syria Border After Militant Clashes
Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) deployed in seven new positions near the Syrian border, equipping units with thermal cameras and heavy weaponry. The 33rd Brigade spread across four points in Anbar, while the 30th Brigade covered a 15-kilometer stretch with three fortified positions. The move follows intense clashes on the Syrian-Lebanese border and Baghdad’s announcement of ISIS leader Abu Khadija’s death.
Iraq Negotiates LNG Deal With Algeria to Offset Gas Shortfall
Iraq is negotiating a liquefied natural gas (LNG) deal with Algeria, which is expected to be finalized by summer. Exports will begin once Iraq completes infrastructure at Khor Al-Zubair port in Basra, likely within four months. The agreement, projected at one million tons annually, aims to support Iraq’s electricity sector while halting Iranian gas imports. Iraq is also securing gas from Turkmenistan and Gulf states to counter US sanctions on Iran while investing in domestic production to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.
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★ SYRIA
Druze Leader Rejects Constitutional Declaration, Calls for Reform
Syrian Druze leader Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri rejected the recent constitutional declaration, calling it a “dictatorial announcement” that fails to meet popular demands. He emphasized openness to cooperation but insisted on correcting political paths. Hijri urged for a democratic constitutional framework drafted by national experts representing all provinces to ensure inclusive governance and genuine reform.
Israel Strikes Military Sites in Syria, Damascus Condemns Attacks
Israeli airstrikes targeted a military site between Shamsin and Shinshar in Syria’s Homs province, following earlier attacks on artillery positions in Khan Arnabeh near the Golan Heights. Israel has intensified its air raids since the former regime’s collapse to prevent the new authorities from acquiring military assets. Damascus condemned the strikes as violations of international law and urged the UN to enforce the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.
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★ TURKIYE
Erdoğan Condemns Israel as ‘Terror State’ After Gaza Airstrikes
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan denounced Israel as a “terror state” after intense airstrikes on Gaza, vowing diplomatic efforts to stop the attacks. Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry condemned Israel’s actions as “genocide” and urged global intervention.
Istanbul Mayor Arrested Amid Crackdown on Opposition
Turkish police arrested Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, over alleged corruption and terror links. Authorities also detained 100 others and imposed a protest ban in the city. Imamoglu, a leading opposition figure, denounced the arrest as political suppression. His university diploma was also invalidated, blocking his presidential candidacy.
SDF Strikes Turkish Bases After Deadly Attack in Ain al-Arab
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) launched attacks on Turkish military bases in northern Syria, claiming to have inflicted casualties, following the killing of nine civilians in a drone strike near Ain al-Arab. Turkey denied responsibility. Clashes between Turkish-backed factions and SDF forces continue despite a recent agreement to integrate northeastern Syria’s administration into the Syrian state.
Turkey Diversifies Oil Imports During U.S. Sanctions on Russia
Turkey has reduced Russian oil imports to 19% of its total crude supply, down from over 50% last year, due to U.S. sanctions. State refinery Tupras is securing alternative sources, including its first-ever purchase of Brazilian crude. The shift reflects broader disruptions to Russian oil trade, prompting Ankara to seek new suppliers for energy security.
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★ LEBANON
Damascus Accuses Hezbollah of Shelling Homes in Western Homs
Syrian authorities accused Hezbollah of targeting homes in western Homs with artillery and heavy machine guns from Lebanon’s Al-Qasr. The attack follows Damascus’ claim that Hezbollah abducted and killed three Syrian soldiers. Despite a recent Syria-Lebanon ceasefire agreement, tensions persist along the border, where Damascus seeks to tighten security and curb smuggling activities.
Lebanon Assesses War Damage During Lack of Reconstruction Funds
Lebanon has estimated the damage from Israel’s recent war at $14 billion, with 222,000 housing units affected, including 37,500 destroyed. The government seeks international funding but has no confirmed sources. Infrastructure in southern Lebanon suffered extensive destruction, with reconstruction efforts expected to take years. Authorities are conducting damage assessments, but compensation plans remain uncertain.
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★ THE GULF
Qatar Hosts Rwanda-DR Congo Talks to Ease Regional Tensions
Qatar hosted a trilateral meeting in Doha between Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, and DR Congo’s President Félix Tshisekedi to ease tensions in eastern Congo. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to an unconditional ceasefire and ongoing peace efforts under the Luanda and Nairobi processes. Kagame and Tshisekedi thanked Qatar for facilitating trust-building discussions.
Kuwait, Bahrain Leaders Discuss Gaza Crisis with Egypt’s Sisi
Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa held separate calls with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Gaza. They condemned Israel’s strikes as violations of international law and warned of worsening humanitarian conditions. The leaders urged an immediate ceasefire and reaffirmed support for a two-state solution with East Jerusalem as Palestine’s capital.
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