★IRAN
Iran Warns U.S., Rejects Direct Talks, Reveals Missile Systems
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei denied links to regional proxy groups, calling them autonomous while warning the U.S. of a severe response if attacked. He reaffirmed Iran’s support for resistance movements and stated that Iran avoids war but is fully prepared for it. Meanwhile, the U.S. confirmed its aim to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program entirely, with National Security Advisor Mike Waltz stressing that all options remain viable. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff described Trump’s message as a deterrent. In response, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected direct negotiations, cited Iran’s nuclear advancements, and declared the 2015 deal obsolete under current conditions. He emphasized Iran’s commitment to sanctions relief and its refusal to return to prior terms. Simultaneously, Iran unveiled new missile systems on Gulf islands, capable of striking naval targets up to 600 kilometers away. Revolutionary Guard commanders warned of harsh retaliation, while Araghchi reiterated openness to indirect talks but readiness for war.
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★YEMEN
U.S. Deploys Second Carrier, Strikes Houthi Sites Across Yemen
The U.S. has deployed a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East, with the USS Truman ordered to remain in the region following Houthi drone attacks near Hodeidah and large explosions in southern Yemen. In response to sustained U.S. strikes, the Houthis heightened security in Saada and neighboring provinces, overhauled their command systems, and fortified leadership protection under senior figures like Mohammed al-Houthi and Abu Ali al-Hakem. The group also intensified internal surveillance and arrests to curb leaks. Houthi forces claimed ballistic and hypersonic missile attacks on the USS Truman and Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, shortly after U.S. raids wounded Houthi naval chief Mansour al-Saadi and hit key sites in Hodeidah. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz confirmed the killing of top Houthi figures, including their missile chief, and strikes on drone factories and command hubs. Recent U.S. air raids also targeted arms depots in Sanaa and Saada, killing one and injuring 15, as operations escalate across Yemen.
Houthi Militants Use Yemen’s Red Sea Ports To Fund War Machine
Iran-backed Houthis generated $789.9 million from customs and taxes at Hodeidah, Saleef, and Ras Issa ports between May 2023 and June 2024. A new report says these revenues funded arms purchases and military operations despite Yemen’s worsening humanitarian crisis. The U.S. will ban fuel imports via Hodeidah starting April 2, 2025, as international pressure mounts to block Houthi financial pipelines.
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★ TÜRKIYE
İmamoğlu Jailed, Wins Symbolic Vote, Nationwide Unrest Follows
Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu was jailed pending trial on corruption charges and dismissed from office, despite being the CHP’s 2028 presidential nominee. A court rejected separate terrorism charges, but his removal triggered mass protests and nationwide bans on public gatherings. President Erdoğan defended judicial independence and warned opposition parties not to pressure courts, while Interior Minister Yerlikaya cited terrorism-linked municipal ties.During mounting tensions, over 323 protesters were detained in Istanbul, Ankara, and İzmir. In a symbolic primary held Sunday, İmamoğlu won overwhelmingly from prison, securing votes from 15 million citizens—over 13 million of whom were non-CHP supporters. He called the victory a powerful rejection of repression and pledged a historic defeat for Erdoğan’s party in the 2028 elections. The crisis highlights deepening political polarization and public backlash ahead of Türkiye’s electoral cycle.
Trump Considers F-35 Sales To Türkiye, Weighs Lifting Sanctions
Donald Trump is exploring ways to lift CAATSA sanctions on Türkiye and potentially reinstate it into the F-35 program, Fox News reported. Following a recent call with President Erdoğan, Trump signaled support for finalizing Türkiye’s stalled F-16 deal and expressed openness to F-35 sales if Ankara deactivates its Russian S-400 system. Trump’s envoy called the call “transformational,” hinting at renewed U.S.-Türkiye defense cooperation.
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★ SYRIA
Syrian President Asks Putin To Hand Over Assad For Trial
Syrian President Abu Mohammed al-Julani (Ahmed al-Sharaa) formally requested Russian President Vladimir Putin to extradite Bashar al-Assad for prosecution in Syria. Earlier reports claimed al-Julani also sought access to funds allegedly deposited by Assad in Moscow. A Russian delegation recently told Damascus no such funds existed. Despite speculation, Russian sources stated Moscow would not hand over Assad and had received no formal request.
Syria Arrests Regime Officers Linked To Iran’s Revolutionary Guard
Syrian authorities arrested Brigadier General Abdul Karim Ahmad al-Hamada, coordinator between Assad regime officers and Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, in Deir ez-Zor. Additional arrests included former officers Arwa Deeb, Abdul Karim al-Muheimid, and militia leader Mouayyad al-Duwayhi. Security forces also seized weapons caches in Homs and Latakia, uncovering U.S.-made TOW missiles near Hmeimim Airport, intensifying crackdowns on remnants of Assad’s regime.
Israeli Army Advances Into Syria’s Daraa During Ongoing Airstrikes
Israeli forces advanced into western Daraa’s Yarmouk Basin, reaching the outskirts of Mariya village late Friday. Troops stationed nearby fired flares as Israeli reconnaissance aircraft flew over Daraa and Quneitra for over an hour. The move followed Israeli airstrikes on T-4 and Palmyra bases, targeting strategic assets post-Assad’s fall. Israel demands a demilitarized southern Syria to secure its border.
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★ ISRAEL
Israel Expands Gaza Operations, Eliminates Hamas Leaders In Targeted Strikes
The Israeli military intensified operations across southern Gaza, killing acting Hamas prime minister Ismail Barhoum in a strike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. Within 24 hours, four senior Hamas figures were eliminated, including politburo member Salah Bardawil and Yahya Sinwar’s bodyguard, Mohammad Hassan al-Amour, in Rafah. IDF tanks are being deployed as part of broader efforts to dismantle Hamas infrastructure and secure strategic zones.
Israel Launches Gaza Emigration Plan, Establishes Bureau To Oversee Relocation
Israel approved the creation of a Voluntary Emigration Bureau to facilitate the relocation of Gaza residents to third countries, in alignment with U.S. President Donald Trump’s vision. The move follows the first departure of 70 Gazans with foreign ties via Ramon Airport on a Romanian military flight. Defense Minister Israel Katz said the bureau will coordinate secure land, sea, and air transfers, though no host country has formally committed to mass resettlement, prompting concerns over potential forced displacement.
Israeli Man Charged With Spying For Iran, Shin Bet Reveals
Eduard Yosepov, 65, from Netivot, was arrested for spying on behalf of Iran. He allegedly photographed military sites, the Negev Nuclear Research Center, Haifa Port, and oil refineries, operating from a rented Haifa apartment at his handler’s request. Paid in cryptocurrency, Yosepov will be indicted on Monday. Similar recent cases highlight growing Iranian espionage efforts inside Israel.
Israel Upgrades Iron Dome To Counter Future Threats
Israel’s Defense Ministry completed major tests enhancing the Iron Dome’s ability to intercept rockets, missiles, and drones. Conducted with Rafael and the IMDO, the upgrades reflect wartime lessons and bolster multi-layered defense. Officials say the system now offers greater protection for civilians and infrastructure, reinforcing its role alongside Arrow and David’s Sling in national security.
Israel Expands Ground Assault As Gaza Death Toll Surpasses 50,000
Israel launched simultaneous ground invasions in Rafah and Khan Younis on Sunday, killing at least 41 Palestinians and injuring 61 in heavy airstrikes on Tel al-Sultan, al-Nasr, and al-Mawasi. The IDF encircled Tel al-Sultan and began new operations in Beit Hanoun and eastern Khan Younis, as Israel’s cabinet approved further military escalation. Gaza’s Health Ministry confirmed 50,021 deaths and 113,274 injuries since October 7, including 673 killed and 1,233 wounded since March 18. Thousands remain trapped under rubble during equipment shortages.
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★ IRAQ
Iraq Restricts Ex-Syrian Regime Officers To Military Camp
Iraq barred over 100 former Syrian regime officers from leaving Camp Taji, north of Baghdad, after refusing repatriation. The officers fled Syria following Assad’s regime collapse in December 2024. While over 2,000 personnel returned, 130 remain confined under Iraqi military supervision. Baghdad allows departure only to countries granting them visas, during efforts to avoid regional entanglement.
Iraq Declares It Is Not Part Of Resistance Axis
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein stated that Baghdad is not part of the “Axis of Resistance” and rejects cross-border militant coordination. His remarks follow Iran’s Supreme Leader denying Tehran’s regional proxies. Hussein stressed armed groups’ actions have harmed Iraq and failed to aid Palestine. He warned of U.S. threats, looming energy crises, and possible regional disaster if Iran is attacked.
China To Build $2 Billion Industrial City In Iraq
Iraq signed two contracts with China’s San Gan, including a $2 billion industrial city for heavy industries. The project will be investor-managed under Iraqi law but publicly owned. It includes a sponge iron plant with a 7.2 million tons design capacity, supporting Iraq’s infrastructure boom. Officials say it will boost steel output, create jobs, and advance national industrial development.
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★ LEBANON
Israel Launches Massive Airstrikes on Lebanon After Rocket Attack on Metula
Following six rockets fired at Israel’s Metula, the Israeli military launched over 80 airstrikes across Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah sites, rocket launchers, and command centers. The strikes killed at least six people, including a Hezbollah commander and a child, and injured 31 others. Hezbollah denied involvement, while the Lebanese army dismantled launchers and leaders warned of a dangerous regional escalation.
Israeli Force Violates Border With Tanks And Airstrikes
An Israeli unit with tanks and bulldozers breached into Wadi Qatmon near Rmeish, South Lebanon, setting up earth mounds during shelling on Naqoura and Sheihin. The Lebanese army condemned the move as violating Resolution 1701 and coordinated with UNIFIL. Separately, an Israeli drone strike killed a Hezbollah member in Aita al-Shaab, as border tensions continue escalating.
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★ THE GULF
Ukrainian, U.S. Experts Begin Peace Talks in Riyadh
Ukrainian and U.S. experts launched talks in Riyadh to discuss ending the Russia-Ukraine war and securing energy infrastructure. Ukraine’s delegation includes naval, air force, and energy specialists. President Zelensky called the discussions constructive, while U.S. envoy Stephen Whitcoff expressed optimism over a potential Black Sea ceasefire. Saudi Arabia continues as a host for key diplomatic engagements in the conflict.
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★ EGYPT
Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee Urges Immediate Gaza Ceasefire
The Arab-Islamic ministerial committee, meeting with EU officials in Cairo, called for an immediate Gaza ceasefire, rejection of displacement, and support for a Gaza reconstruction conference. The group demanded full aid access, Israeli withdrawal, and Palestinian unity under the Palestinian Authority. They reaffirmed the two-state solution and backed a UN-led international peace conference in June.
Egypt Reaffirms Opposition to Forced Relocation of Gaza Residents
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry stressed the importance of an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing that the return of Israeli hostages relies on existing agreements. He confirmed that Hamas and other factions would have no role in Gaza’s transitional phase, which will see independent Palestinian governance before the Palestinian Authority takes control. Additionally, Egypt rejected any attempts to forcibly or voluntarily relocate Gaza’s residents, reinforcing its stance against such measures, which it views as a threat to regional security and the Palestinian cause.
Egypt, Iran Discuss Maritime Security During Regional Escalation
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aaty urged de-escalation in a call with Iran’s Abbas Araghchi, stressing Red Sea navigation security. He warned of Egypt’s major economic losses due to declining Suez Canal revenues. Talks also addressed ceasefire efforts in Gaza and regional tensions in Lebanon and Yemen as Houthi attacks intensify in response to U.S. and Israeli strikes.
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