★ IRAN
Iran Declares Readiness to Resume Nuclear Talks While Sinking Into Domestic and Foreign Crises
Iran confirmed its readiness to resume nuclear negotiations if guaranteed full rights while firmly rejecting talks over its ballistic missile program. This stance came after responding to U.S. outreach and continuing to resist mounting Israeli strikes and American sanctions. Tehran emphasized that its regional leverage remains unshaken through allied militias. Meanwhile, a leaked Signal app chat revealing Trump-era strike plans against Yemen’s Houthis drew sharp Iranian criticism, with officials citing it as proof of Washington’s reckless decision-making. Concurrently, the U.S. confiscated $47 million from covert Iranian oil sales involving falsified shipping data and sanctions evasion. Domestically, Iran’s new fiscal year opened with 44.6% inflation, a free-falling rial nearing one million per dollar, and 80% of families under the poverty line. Facing dwindling foreign reserves, Iran imported 93 tons of gold. The worsening economic crisis is compounded by a severe water shortage, with Tehran’s reservoirs holding only 7% of the needed capacity.
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★ ISRAEL
Hamas Weighs U.S. Ceasefire Offer During Targeted Israeli Strikes
The U.S., through Qatari mediators, offered Hamas a renewed ceasefire in exchange for releasing American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, with a proposed statement by President Trump backing calm and new negotiations. Hamas has not responded, citing doubts about the proposal’s credibility. Simultaneously, Hamas executed alleged spies after senior leaders were assassinated in Israeli strikes intensified by AI-driven intelligence during the recent truce.
Islamic Jihad’s Al-Quds Brigades Bomb Israeli Border Settlements
The Al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of Palestinian Islamic Jihad, released footage on Thursday of a rocket barrage targeting Israeli settlements near Gaza, including Sderot. The group stated the attack was in retaliation for “Zionist crimes against the Palestinian people.” The video showed rockets with an 11-kilometer range being prepared and launched at night from underground platforms.
Mass Protests Erupt in Tel Aviv as Haredim Clash with Police in Jerusalem
Israeli police violently dispersed tens of thousands protesting in Tel Aviv on Thursday against the Gaza war and Prime Minister Netanyahu’s policies. Demonstrators called for a ceasefire and condemned attempts to dismiss Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. Meanwhile, fierce clashes erupted in Jerusalem between police and ultra-Orthodox Jews protesting military conscription, resulting in injuries and arrests.
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★ SYRIA
HRW Warns Syria’s New Constitutional Declaration Threatens Judicial Independence
Human Rights Watch warned that Syria’s new constitutional declaration, signed by transitional President Abu Mohammad al-Julani (Ahmad al-Shara) on March 13, risks entrenching executive power and undermining democratic reforms. The document grants unchecked presidential authority over judicial and legislative appointments, raising fears of authoritarian relapse. Critics say vague clauses may restrict free speech and hinder accountability, jeopardizing hopes for meaningful transitional justice.
Syrian Lawyer Files Complaint Against Nun Over Ghouta Chemical Attack Denial
Syrian lawyer Basel Said Manneh filed a complaint in Damascus against Nun Agnes Mariam de la Croix, accusing her of falsifying facts and defaming victims of the 2013 Ghouta chemical attack. The nun, known for her pro-Assad stance, now faces renewed backlash after appearing with Health Minister Maher al-Shara in a photo published by Syria’s Health Ministry. The image, later deleted, sparked outrage among doctors and civil society, prompting the Syrian Medical Association to condemn the meeting and accuse the nun of justifying war crimes and distorting facts. Advocacy networks called for her
Syrian Security Targets Hezbollah Cells Near Damascus, Collects Weapons in Hama
Syrian security forces arrested Hezbollah-linked operatives in Sayyida Zainab, Damascus countryside, thwarting planned attacks, according to the Interior Ministry. The operation is part of broader efforts to stabilize the region. Separately, residents in Wadi al-Oyoun, Hama, handed over weapons under local agreements to curb arms proliferation and support civil peace, echoing similar disarmament deals across several provinces.
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★ IRAQ
Iraqi PM: Armed Factions Will Be Dissolved After Coalition Exit
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani stated that all armed factions would be dissolved following the conclusion of the international coalition’s mission. He emphasized that no party can compel Iraq to disband the Popular Mobilization Forces, adding that Washington has not made such a request.
Iraq’s Muqtada Al-Sadr Announces Boycott of Upcoming Elections
Iraqi Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr declared he will boycott the next elections, citing persistent corruption and sectarian politics. He denounced the electoral process as self-serving and disconnected from the people’s suffering, urging his followers to abstain from both voting and running. Al-Sadr affirmed continued loyalty to Iraq, pledging sacrifice without political participation.
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★YEMEN
Israel Intercepts Missiles as U.S. Intensifies Strikes in Yemen
Israel intercepted two ballistic missiles launched by the Houthis toward Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The group claimed responsibility, citing a hypersonic missile on Tel Aviv and a ballistic one on Ben Gurion Airport. In response, U.S. forces launched 40 airstrikes across Yemen, including in Sanaa, injuring seven civilians. U.S. officials confirmed the March 15 strike on a Houthi leader used Israeli human intelligence, later leaked in a Signal chat. As tensions rose, the U.S. deployed B-2 bombers to Diego Garcia, signaling increased military pressure on Iran and its allies.
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★ TÜRKIYE
CHP Declares Imamoğlu Presidential Candidate, Protests Sweep Türkiye
The Republican People’s Party (CHP) named Istanbul’s detained mayor, Ekrem Imamoğlu, its sole presidential candidate after his primary victory, launching a national campaign for early elections. His arrest on corruption and terrorism-linked charges triggered widespread protests, leading to 1,879 arrests, including 260 held for trial. Demonstrations spread across Türkiye, prompting heightened security ahead of Eid. The government denied political م
Turkey Weighs Syrian Base As U.S. Seeks Cooperation On Syria
Türkiye is considering establishing a military base in Syria to train the Syrian army, following a formal request from Damascus and in line with a regional agreement to combat terrorism. Ankara stressed coordination with stakeholders and support for Syria’s stability. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed Washington’s desire to cooperate with Türkiye on Syria, voicing concern over domestic unrest and urging renewed ties with President Erdoğan.
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★ LEBANON
Israel Hits Lebanon After Rocket Fire, Killing Radwan Commander and Four Others
Israel intercepted a rocket fired from Lebanon and responded with strikes that killed Radwan Force commander Ahmad Adnan Bajijeh and four others in southern towns. The military said the targets were Hezbollah operatives violating the November 2023 ceasefire. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned Beirut that it holds full responsibility, vowing no calm in Galilee and no calm in Lebanon.
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★ THE GULF
Syria and Lebanon Sign Saudi-Brokered Security Cooperation Agreement in Jeddah
Syria and Lebanon agreed to enhance military and security cooperation during a Saudi-hosted meeting in Jeddah, attended by Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and both countries’ defense ministers. The agreement includes border demarcation, joint legal committees, and mechanisms to address cross-border threats. A follow-up meeting will be held in Saudi Arabia. Both sides praised Riyadh’s mediation and strategic support.
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★ EGYPT & NORTH AFRICA
Egypt Proposes New Gaza Truce Plan in Doha Talks
An Egyptian delegation arrived in Doha to revive Gaza ceasefire talks, presenting a proposal involving phased Israeli hostage releases and military withdrawals. The plan suggests releasing five Israeli captives, including U.S.-Israeli citizen Edan Alexander, on day one, followed by more every 7–10 days. It also calls for Israeli withdrawal from key areas like the Philadelphi Corridor and Netzarim Axis.
Six Killed After Tourist Submarine Sinks Off Egypt’s Red Sea Coast
A tourist submarine sank off Egypt’s Red Sea coast near Hurghada on March 27, killing six people, including five Russian tourists and one Egyptian. Two minors were among the dead. The vessel, carrying 45 passengers, crashed one kilometer from shore during a coral reef excursion. Authorities rescued 29 people, nine of whom were injured. Investigations are ongoing.
Egypt Unveils $91 Billion Budget As External Debt Declines
Egypt approved a $91 billion budget for 2025–2026, targeting a 4% primary surplus and reducing debt-to-GDP to 82.9% under IMF-backed reforms. External debt fell by $111 million in Q4 2024 to $155.09 billion, with $38.7 billion repaid during the year. Authorities aim to cut external debt by up to $2 billion annually while expanding subsidies on essential goods.
Sudanese Army Advances In Khartoum While Backing Technocratic Government
Sudan’s military announced plans to form a technocratic government as it tightened control over Khartoum, denying any deal behind the Rapid Support Forces’ retreat. Army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan affirmed support for a civilian-led transition during talks with German envoy Heiko Nitschke, who pledged reconstruction aid. The military declared Khartoum fully secured and accused RSF of fleeing without coordination.
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