★ SYRIA
Putin Backs Julani as Russia Ships Sanctioned Oil to Syria
In defiance of U.S. sanctions on both Moscow and Damascus, Russia has delivered an oil shipment to Syria’s new government. Simultaneously, President Vladimir Putin sent a formal letter to Abu Mohamad al-Julani, expressing Moscow’s support for the new leadership. The Russian oil tanker “Aquatica” arrived at the Syrian port of Baniyas on March 20, carrying approximately 730,000 barrels of oil, marking a significant shift in economic relations between Russia and Syria. This shipment challenges the U.S. sanctions imposed on Syria, as Russia capitalizes on the vacuum created by the regime’s collapse and continues to support its allies through the “dark fleet.” The arrival of “Aquatica” may also serve as a bargaining chip to maintain Russian military bases in Syria, which have faced calls from some European nations for removal as a condition for lifting sanctions. This development underscores Russia’s determination to establish a new reality in the region, potentially igniting broader regional competition. Furthermore, it may compel the new American administration to adopt a firmer stance, complicating Washington’s efforts to influence the transitional phase in Syria.
Israel Launches Large-Scale Military Drills In Occupied Golan Heights
Israel began wide-ranging military exercises Thursday in the occupied Golan Heights, involving explosions and heavy vehicle movement. The army confirmed no specific security incident prompted the drills. Israel has expanded its presence in the area, establishing two new military sites and occupying Mount Hermon’s peak. It controls a 15-kilometer-deep buffer zone in southern Syria, affecting over 40,000 Syrians. Since December 8, 2024, Israel has advanced approximately 300 square kilometers into Syrian territory, mainly within the buffer zone between Quneitra and rural Daraa, with limited incursions beyond.
Germany Reopens Embassy In Syria After 13 Years Of Closure
Germany reopened its embassy in Damascus after 13 years, with Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock attending the ceremony. Baerbock said her visit signals the possibility of a new political chapter between Europe and Syria. She urged protection of civil freedoms and warned against foreign interference. The embassy closed in 2012 during civil war. Syria’s leadership shifted after opposition forces took Damascus in December and Abu Mohammad al-Jolani (al-Sharaa) declared himself interim president.
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★IRAN
Iran Labels Trump’s Letter A Threat, Plans Imminent Response
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said President Donald Trump’s letter regarding Iran’s nuclear program was “closer to a threat” than a diplomatic offer. Speaking on state TV, Araghchi noted the letter claimed to present “opportunities,” but Tehran is currently reviewing it and will issue a formal response in the coming days.
Satellite Images Reveal Possible Israeli-American Target Bank In Iran
New satellite images revealed a potential Israeli-American target list in Iran, including key military sites such as the Khojir missile development complex and the Parchin nuclear facility. The Alma Center reported dense air defense batteries southeast of Tehran guarding both sites. Both locations sustained limited damage in October 2024 airstrikes but remain operational. Trump warned Iran of severe consequences following Houthi-linked attacks.
U.S. Imposes New Sanctions On Iran’s Oil And Shipping Networks
The U.S. Treasury imposed new sanctions Thursday targeting Iran’s oil and petrochemical sectors, including China-based Tebit refinery and its CEO Wang Shuhe Qing for processing Iranian crude worth hundreds of millions. Nineteen entities and vessels tied to Iran’s “shadow fleet” were also blacklisted. Washington vowed to cut revenue funding Tehran’s nuclear program and terrorism activities through deceptive shipping networks.
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★YEMEN
Houthi Launches Hypersonic Missile At Israel As US Strikes Yemen
On Thursday evening, the Houthis claimed they launched a “Palestine-2” hypersonic ballistic missile at a military target in southern Israel, their second strike within 24 hours. No independent confirmation has verified the hit. In the early hours of Friday, U.S. warplanes conducted six airstrikes on al-Faza in southern Al-Hudaydah and four more in Al-Kathib, targeting Houthi missile launch sites. Washington urged Israel not to retaliate, saying, “Leave it to us.”
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★ TÜRKIYE
Erdoğan Accuses Opposition Of Hiding Corruption And Diploma Scandals
President Erdoğan slammed the opposition, especially CHP, for avoiding corruption and diploma fraud allegations during an AKP iftar. He said they refuse expert debate because the accusations are true. Erdoğan also denounced Israel’s attacks on Gaza, vowing continued support for Palestinians and warning that silent actors will face historical and moral accountability.
Türkiye Seizes İmamoğlu’s Construction Firm, Arrests Dozens Over Online Posts
Turkish authorities seized the construction company jointly owned by detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, following a court order based on financial crime investigations. In response to his arrest, 37 individuals were detained for allegedly sharing posts inciting crime and hatred. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said 261 social media accounts were flagged—62 based abroad—as over 18.6 million posts about İmamoğlu were shared on platform X within 24 hours.
U.S. Extends Turkey’s Sanctions Waiver On Russian Gas Imports Until May
The U.S. has approved an extension of Turkey’s waiver from sanctions, allowing continued purchases of Russian natural gas through May, a Turkish official told Bloomberg. The original three-month exemption was set to expire on March 20. Last year, over 45% of Turkey’s gas imports came from Russia, essential during the colder winter and during expected hydropower declines.
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★ ISRAEL
Israel Fires Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar As Protests Erupt In Jerusalem
Israel’s cabinet dismissed Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, citing Prime Minister Netanyahu’s lack of trust after the October 7 Hamas attack. Bar called the move unlawful and politically driven, warning it risks derailing an ongoing Qatar-linked investigation. As the vote neared, nationwide protests intensified. In Jerusalem, police used water cannons and pushed Democratic Party leader Yair Golan to the ground.
Hamas Agrees To Any Deal Linking Hostages To Ceasefire
Hamas told mediators it would accept any deal to release Israeli hostages if it ensures a renewed ceasefire, including the U.S.-backed framework by envoy Steve Witkoff. Witkoff rejected the condition, reportedly surprising Hamas. Egypt is urging both sides to accept a phased release plan, with Israeli and Hamas delegations visiting Cairo to discuss the proposal.
Israel Kills Senior Hamas Leaders As Tel Aviv Targeted By Rocket Fire
Israel killed senior Hamas commanders Osama Tabash and Rashid Jahjouh in southern Gaza strikes, also eliminating Ayman Asleeh and Islamic Jihad’s Ismail Abdel Aal. Tabash was linked to past operations and hostage transfers. Hours later, Hamas’s Al-Qassam Brigades fired M90 rockets at Tel Aviv in retaliation. Israel intercepted one rocket, while two landed in open areas near Gush Dan and Shfela.
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★ IRAQ
Iraq’s Abdul Mahdi Visits Sanaa During Reported U.S.-Iran Mediation
Former Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi visited Sanaa during intensified U.S. strikes on Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen. Sources say he exchanged messages between Washington and Tehran as tensions rose in the Red Sea. A video confirmed his presence, though Houthi media remained silent. His visit hints at backchannel negotiations to ease regional escalation.
Iraq Denies Houthi Use Of Training Camp Near Baghdad
Iraqi security forces denied claims that Yemen’s Houthis are operating a training camp in Diyala province near Baghdad. A military spokesperson refuted a report by Foreign Policy alleging Houthi fighters use a facility in Al-Khalis, an area controlled by Kataib Hezbollah. The report also suggested militia-linked trainers were deployed to Yemen. Iraq urged media to verify information before publication.
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★ LEBANON
Lebanon Ready To Transfer 700 Syrian Prisoners To Damascus
Lebanon is prepared to hand over 700 Syrian prisoners to Damascus from its overcrowded jails, a judicial official told AFP. The move follows January talks between Lebanese officials and Syria’s new president, Abu Mohammad al-Joulani (Ahmad al-Sharaa). Syria agreed to repatriate all Syrian detainees. Syrians now make up 30% of Lebanon’s prison population, with many held on terrorism-related charges.
Israel Launches Airstrikes On Southern And Eastern Lebanon
Israeli warplanes launched airstrikes Thursday evening on southern and eastern Lebanon, hitting areas in Jezzine and Baalbek. Four missiles struck between Jbaa, Zhalta, and Sniya in Jezzine district, while another raid targeted Shaara in Janta, Baalbek. No casualties were reported. The strikes mark a continuation of escalating cross-border violations.
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★ THE GULF
U.S. Approves Potential $100 Million Precision Weapons Sale To Saudi Arabia
The U.S. State Department approved a possible $100 million deal to sell precision-guided weapons to Saudi Arabia, the Pentagon announced Thursday. The proposed sale includes 2,000 laser-guided bombs and related training, aimed at countering drone threats. It comes during ongoing U.S. airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. marking the largest campaign since President Trump’s return to office.
Qatar Facilitates Release Of U.S. Citizen Held In Afghanistan
Qatar secured the release of American George Glazman, held in Afghanistan since 2022, following high-level talks between Taliban and U.S. officials in Kabul. Glazman arrived in Doha and will soon return to the U.S. Qatar coordinated closely with envoy Adam Boehler, marking the most senior direct meeting since President Trump’s second term began. Taliban called the release a goodwill gesture.
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★ EGYPT & NORTH AFRICA
Israeli Officials Warn Of Egypt Threat As Border Tensions Rise
Israeli Knesset members raised concerns over increased Egyptian military deployments in Sinai, warning Cairo may become a war front. During a Knesset conference on the shifting Egypt-Israel border, officials cited Egypt’s growing armament and move allegedly threatening Israeli security. Egypt countered that its Sinai presence follows bilateral coordination to combat terrorism, warning Israel’s rhetoric risks provoking unnecessary escalation.
Sudan’s Khartoum Battle Destroys Main Al-Jaili Oil Refinery
Sudan’s Al-Jaili refinery, north of Khartoum, suffered $1.3 billion in war damage after Rapid Support Forces seized it in April 2023. The refinery, jointly built with China, halted operations in July and was recaptured by the army in January. Its shutdown cut Sudan’s oil supply by half, worsened fuel shortages, and deepened economic collapse amid surging inflation.
Sudanese Army Seizes Presidential Palace After Fierce Urban Battles
The Sudanese army captured Khartoum’s presidential palace after four days of intense fighting, forcing Rapid Support Forces to withdraw. Photos showed senior commander Mohamed al-Bilalwi inside the palace. The army now controls key government buildings and plans to advance south. This marks a critical military gain as battles continue across strategic areas in central and southern Khartoum.
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