★ IRAQ
Iranian Oil Tankers Used Fake Iraqi Documents to Evade Sanctions
Iraq’s Oil Minister confirmed that Iranian tankers used falsified Iraqi documents to bypass U.S. sanctions. Minister Hayan Abdul-Ghani stated Iraq notified Washington the paperwork was fraudulent and denied involvement. U.S. forces reportedly detained tankers in the Gulf carrying Iraqi records, later identified as Iranian. Iraq traced the scheme to private dealers, clarifying that SOMO only sells oil to refinery-owning firms.
Iraq Seizes 183 Kg of Iranian Drugs, Arrests Militia-Linked Network
Iraqi Interior Ministry announced the seizure of 183 kg of smuggled drugs, mostly marijuana, and the arrest of 21 suspects—mostly Popular Mobilization Forces members—in Baghdad. The operation, based on judicial warrants, targeted a trafficking network using Iranian supply routes. Authorities emphasized continued efforts to combat narcotics with strong government backing.
Iraq Seeks $2.3 Billion in Bank-Only Bond Sale to Fund Projects
Iraq’s Finance Ministry will issue 3 trillion dinars ($2.3 billion) in bonds exclusively for local banks, offering higher annual interest—8% for two-year and 10% for four-year terms—to boost demand after a weak public offering. Only 25% of the previous issuance was sold. Proceeds will help finance large-scale infrastructure during budget pressure from lower oil revenues.
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★IRAN
Trump Administration Warns Iran to Fully Abandon Nuclear Program
The Trump administration confirmed it will escalate pressure on Iran beyond sanctions, warning of consequences if Tehran refuses to dismantle its nuclear program. While Iran opened to indirect talks, it rejected direct negotiations under pressure. Trump’s message via Oman gave Iran a two-month deadline for a new deal. Washington still awaits an official response from the Iranian leadership.
Iran Sheltered Khobar Bomber for Nineteen Years Then Exposed Him
Iran harbored Khobar Towers bomber Ahmed Al-Mughassil for 19 years before sending him to Lebanon in 2015, where he was arrested and extradited to Saudi Arabia. Former President Hassan Rouhani revealed this was part of efforts by Iranian hardliners to sabotage the nuclear deal. Al-Mughassil’s exposure reignited tensions with the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, undermining Iran’s credibility and reformist leadership.
Iranian Official Says Thirty Million Citizens Live Below Poverty
Senior Iranian official Mohammad Sadr warned that 30 million Iranians live below the poverty line and stressed that solving economic crises requires foreign policy reform. He urged a return to former President Mohammad Khatami’s approach, crediting it for economic stability and diplomatic success. Iran’s last 8% growth occurred in 2016 before U.S. sanctions returned in 2018.
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★YEMEN
Houthis Launch Missiles at Israel and U.S. Fleet in Escalation
Yemen’s Houthis launched ballistic missiles at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport and targeted the USS Truman during a prolonged clash in the Red Sea. The missile offensive marked the fifth launch in six days, triggering mass shelter alerts across Israel and grounding flights briefly. Though intercepted, debris fell in Holon and Beit Shemesh, sparking panic. In response, the U.S. intensified airstrikes on Houthi positions, striking underground bases, arms depots, and fortified shelters in Saada, Amran, and Sanaa. At least one high-ranking Houthi figure may have been killed. Thirteen new strikes targeted bunkers near the Kahlan military camp Monday night. U.S. operations have entered their tenth consecutive day, severely disrupting Houthi military capabilities. The campaign, initiated on March 14, has included strikes on a cancer hospital and caused civilian casualties.
Journalist Accidentally Added to U.S. Secret Group Discussing Houthi Strikes
Journalist Jeffrey Goldberg revealed he was mistakenly added to a secure Signal chat discussing planned U.S. airstrikes on Yemen’s Houthis. The chat included senior officials and detailed targets, weapons, and strike timing. The White House confirmed the leak is under investigation. President Trump denied prior knowledge but called the operation “highly effective.” Goldberg delayed publication until after the strikes.
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★ TÜRKIYE
Erdogan Calls Imamoglu Protesters ‘Street Terrorists’ During Rising Tensions
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan labeled protesters supporting jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu as “street terrorists,” accusing them of violence. He condemned the opposition CHP for backing demonstrations, which he claimed turned violent.
Turkey Successfully Tests Short-Range Levent Missile System From Naval Platform
Turkey’s Roketsan successfully conducted the first sea-based test of its locally developed short-range air defense missile system, LEVENT, aboard the naval vessel TCG Beykoz. The system, part of the “Steel Dome” project to enhance integrated air defense, aims to protect naval assets. Officials hailed the test as a major step in Turkey’s defense capabilities.
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★ SYRIA
Syrian Kurdish Factions Sign Historic Agreement Ahead of Talks with Damascus
Syria’s two main Kurdish blocs, the Kurdish National Council and the Kurdish Unity parties, signed a historic agreement on March 10 in Damascus to unify their political vision. Brokered by France, the U.S., and Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani, the deal calls for federal governance, Kurdish constitutional recognition, and a joint delegation to negotiate with Syria’s transitional administration.
ISIS Clash in Al-Bukamal Kills Syrian Security Commander
Syrian security commander Mohammad Yusuf Al-Muhanna was killed in Al-Bukamal during an operation against an ISIS cell. The clash also left several injured and resulted in the death of ISIS cell leader Hamza Al-Suleiman. This marks the first such operation by public security forces since taking control of the Euphrates’ right bank in Deir Ezzor.
Israel Bombs Syrian Bases Over Fears of Turkish Deployment Near Palmyra
Israel launched airstrikes on Syria’s Tadmur and T4 airbases, targeting strategic assets amid fears of Turkish deployment near Palmyra. Intelligence indicates Syria may transfer control of Palmyra to Turkish forces in return for aid, prompting Israeli preemptive action. Simultaneously, Israeli tanks shelled the town of Kouya in western Daraa on Tuesday, killing five civilians and injuring several others, including a woman. The shelling followed an incursion by Israeli forces into the town. Local authorities warned the casualty toll may rise. The bombardment triggered civilian displacement toward neighboring villages as Israeli units in the Al-Jazeera garrison continued their attacks. Prime Minister Netanyahu is holding urgent security talks, anticipating a confrontation with Turkey. The escalating violence in both central and southern Syria signals a dramatic widening of Israeli military operations.
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★ ISRAEL
Hamas Video of Hostages Prompts Calls to End Gaza War
Hamas released a video showing Israeli captives Elkana Bohbot and Yosef Chaim Ohana alive after 535 days in captivity. The footage, approved by Bohbot’s family, shows his deteriorated condition. In response, Donald Trump declared Gaza’s suffering would end if Hamas freed hostages, blaming the crisis on Hamas. Israeli officials echoed this, linking war’s end to Hamas disarming and releasing captives.
UN to Cut Gaza Staff After Israeli Strike Kills Employee
The UN will reduce its international staff in Gaza by a third after an Israeli tank strike killed one Bulgarian employee and injured five others. Citing rising danger, the UN blamed Israel for the March 19 blast on its guesthouse. Despite the cutback, 13,000 national staff remain. Israel denies responsibility as bombardments continue, killing over 60 Palestinians daily.
Israel Signs Deal to Customize 12 CH-53K Helicopters for Air Force
Israel’s Defense Ministry signed a multimillion-dollar deal with Sikorsky to customize 12 CH-53K helicopters for the Israeli Air Force. The aircraft will replace aging Yas’ur models and feature advanced avionics and electronic warfare systems. Built-in Connecticut under a U.S. Foreign Military Sales agreement, the first helicopters are expected to arrive in 2026.
Islamic Jihad Targets Israeli Border Towns as Gaza Death Toll Climbs
Islamic Jihad launched multiple rockets at Israeli border towns on Monday, with the IDF intercepting three projectiles over Sderot, Zikim, and Netiv HaAsara. No serious injuries were reported. In response, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 57 Palestinians across Gaza, including 30 in the south. Since March 18, Israeli operations have killed 730 people during a broader campaign following failed ceasefire efforts.
IDF Dismantles West Bank Terror Cells, Intensifies Strikes on Hamas in Gaza
The IDF dismantled terror cells in Jenin and Tulkarm, arresting 170 suspects and seizing 85 weapons since Ramadan began, with camps remaining under full military control. Meanwhile, in Gaza, the IDF and Shin Bet destroyed over 100 Hamas vehicles used in the October 7 massacre and subsequent terror operations. As Israel weighs redeploying West Bank forces to Gaza, operations intensify ahead of ceasefire negotiations.
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★ THE GULF
Qatar and U.S. Discuss Strategic Ties and Regional Coordination
Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held a call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to review bilateral strategic relations and regional developments. Both sides discussed enhancing coordination on key global and regional issues. Rubio thanked Qatar for facilitating the release of American citizen George Glazman from Afghanistan, praising Doha’s stabilizing role in the region.
UAE Repels Cyberattacks Targeting 634 Government and Private Entities
The UAE Cybersecurity Council confirmed that 634 public and private entities faced cyberattacks aimed at leaking sensitive data from strategic sectors. The attacks, attributed to threat actor “rose87168,” exploited a breach in Oracle Cloud, compromising around 6 million user records globally. Emergency systems were activated, and authorities urged institutions to enhance cyber readiness and report suspicious digital activity immediately.
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★ EGYPT & N0RTH AFRICA
Egypt Presses Hamas With Ceasefire Deal and Expulsion Threat
Egypt proposed a U.S.-backed ceasefire deal requiring Hamas to release five living hostages, including IDF soldier Edan Alexander, in return for a 50-day truce, humanitarian aid to Gaza, and Israel’s release of Palestinian prisoners. Hamas responded positively but has not finalized its stance. Egypt also warned it would expel Hamas prisoners currently in its territory—freed in the last hostage deal—if Hamas refuses the proposal. The deal requires Hamas to provide detailed information and photographs of all hostages, as broader negotiations for a permanent ceasefire continue.
Sudan’s Threats Trigger Swift Condemnation From Chad and South Sudan
Chad and South Sudan condemned threats by Sudanese army official Yasser Al-Atta. Al-Atta warned that airports in N’Djamena and Um Jaras were legitimate targets and accused Juba of harboring hostile agents. Chad called the remarks an “act of war” and vowed firm retaliation. South Sudan labeled the threats a violation of international law and pledged to defend its sovereignty.
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