★ IRAN
Iran Rejects Direct Talks, Threatens Retaliation, Faces Internal Crisis
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal for direct nuclear talks, though signaled Tehran remains open to indirect communication. Trump threatened unprecedented military strikes if Iran refuses a new nuclear deal, escalating tensions following Iran’s uranium enrichment surge In response, Iran warned it would strike the U.S.-British Diego Garcia base if attacked, prompting British condemnation. Iran’s military declared readiness for an “offensive strategy” against any aggression. Meanwhile, experts warn Iran’s deepening water crisis now endangers regime survival more than political unrest, as reservoirs dry up and social instability grows.
============
★ ISRAEL
Hamas Rejects Disarmament Deal As Gaza Crisis Deepens On Eid
Israeli airstrikes killed dozens in Gaza on Eid’s first day, while Hamas accepted a U.S.-proposed ceasefire deal involving five hostages, aid, and prisoner releases. Israel rejected the offer, demanding more hostages and stricter aid controls, stalling negotiations. Meanwhile, Hamas released a video of hostage Elkana Bohbot pleading for help after 540 days of captivity. On the ground, Hamas brutally suppressed dissent, executing six civilians and torturing protesters, including activist Odai al-Rubai. The group also declined a $2 billion U.S.-backed offer to disarm and leave Gaza. Separately, U.S. authorities seized over $200,000 in cryptocurrency linked to Hamas’s funding networks, as part of expanded counterterrorism measures.
Seventy-Six Killed On Eid In Gaza, Medics Executed In Rafah
Israeli airstrikes on Gaza killed 76 Palestinians, including women and children, on the first day of Eid al-Fitr. Strikes devastated homes in Khan Younis, wiping out entire families. In Rafah, the Palestinian Red Crescent recovered 15 aid workers’ bodies—medics and civil defense staff—allegedly executed and buried by Israeli forces. Gaza’s health ministry reported the victims were found bound and shot. Satellite images confirmed the destruction and burial of rescue vehicles. Hamas and Palestinian factions condemned the acts as war crimes and urged international intervention to halt Israeli attacks.
============
★ SYRIA
Al-Julani Forms Syrian Transitional Cabinet With Opposition And Technocrats
Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa appointed a 23-member transitional cabinet composed of opposition figures, ex-rebels, and technocrats, Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and Foreign Minister Assaad al-Shaibani retained their roles from the previous caretaker government, maintaining continuity in key security and diplomatic positions. Hind Kabawat, a Canadian-Syrian expert in peacebuilding and a prominent opposition voice, was appointed social affairs minister and is the only woman in the cabinet. Raed al-Saleh, head of the White Helmets, assumed the role of emergency situations minister, highlighting the presence of civil society actors. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Germany welcomed the cabinet formation as a positive step toward political transition. However, the Kurdish-led Autonomous Administration rejected the new government’s legitimacy, citing exclusion and lack of fair representation. The new cabinet structure suggests a shift toward inclusive governance while aiming to stabilize transitional leadership in Syria.
Israel Intensifies Strikes In Syria Over Fears Of Turkish Military Presence
Israel expanded its military operations in southern Syria, citing growing concern over Türkiye’s potential establishment of a military base near Palmyra. Israeli forces advanced into new positions on Mount Hermon and conducted deadly strikes in Koiyah, killing seven civilians. Local fighters downed an Israeli drone in western Daraa, while residents in Quneitra rejected Israeli outreach. The escalation follows reports of advanced negotiations between Türkiye and Syria’s new government for a Turkish base in central Syria. Prime Minister Netanyahu convened two high-level security meetings in one week, reflecting mounting Israeli alarm over Ankara’s increasing influence in the region.
============
★ IRAQ
Oil Dispute Freezes Exports As Kurdistan Smuggling Escalates
Oil exports from Iraq’s Kurdistan Region remain suspended due to payment and contract disputes between Baghdad and international firms. Meanwhile, over 450,000 barrels are smuggled daily to Iran and Turkey by ruling Kurdish parties, bypassing federal oversight. Profits reportedly benefit the Barzani and Talabani families, with protection from Peshmerga forces. Prime Minister Al-Sudani is aware but remains silent to secure re-election.
Hundreds Of Iraqi Families Repatriated From Syria’s Al-Hol Camp
Iraq repatriated hundreds of families from Syria’s Al-Hol camp as part of efforts to resolve prolonged internal and external displacement. The camp, located in Hasakah, hosts thousands affected by ISIS-related violence and remains a major challenge to national resettlement plans. Authorities previously set June as a deadline to close all internal displacement camps but failed due to residents’ reluctance. Iraq continues working to dismantle remaining displacement sites, aiming to end a crisis that once impacted over five million citizens.
============
★YEMEN
U.S. Intensifies Yemen Strikes As Houthis Claim Attacks
The United States launched 18 airstrikes in a single day targeting Houthi leadership and weapon depots across Saada, Sanaa, and Amran. The strikes followed Houthi claims of three separate attacks on the USS Harry Truman using drones, cruise missiles, and naval units. U.S. forces targeted high-level Houthi meetings and arms caches, aiming to degrade command networks and protect Red Sea maritime routes. Explosions near Hodeidah and Hajjah suggested possible hits on missile platforms. Meanwhile, Houthis detained over 75 civilians in Sanaa and Saada, alleging U.S. espionage, prompting condemnation from international rights groups. The United States vowed to continue daily strikes as tensions escalate across multiple fronts. Meanwhile, Israel intercepted a ballistic missile launched by Yemen’s Houthis on Sunday before it entered its airspace, marking the eighth such attempt in recent weeks. The strike triggered sirens across central Israel, causing panic and minor injuries. Missile debris fell in multiple locations near Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Former Israeli officials called for retaliatory strikes on Iran, citing its backing of the Houthis.
============
★ TÜRKIYE
Erdogan Calls For Israel’s Fall As Türkiye Faces Unrest
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan intensified regional tensions by calling for Israel’s destruction during an Eid speech in Istanbul. Simultaneously, he condemned Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and Beirut, accusing Israel of war crimes and cease-fire violations. Israel dismissed his remarks as antisemitic and dangerous, urging NATO to intervene. Erdoğan also demanded the immediate disarmament of PKK/YPG forces in Iraq and Syria, vowing to protect Türkiye’s southern borders. Domestically, over 2.2 million people protested in Istanbul, demanding the release of jailed opposition mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. The protest marked the launch of a nine-day national campaign calling for early elections. İmamoğlu, arrested on March 19, sent a unifying message from prison as security forces detained nearly 1,900 protesters and 12 journalists. The mounting political unrest and Erdoğan’s escalating rhetoric are reshaping Türkiye’s regional posture and internal dynamics.
============
★ LEBANON
Mohammed Bin Salman and Salam Discuss Bilateral Ties in Mecca
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam in Mecca to review bilateral relations and regional developments. Salam emphasized Lebanon’s commitment to extending state authority nationwide per the Taif Agreement and praised Saudi efforts on border demarcation. He reaffirmed Lebanon’s pursuit of reforms to boost investment and revive the economy.
Hezbollah Vows Retaliation, U.S. Targets Financial Network, Lebanon Probes Rocket Fire
Hezbollah’s Naim Qassem condemned Israeli airstrikes in Beirut’s southern suburb and the south, warning of retaliatory action if violations continue. He stressed Hezbollah’s adherence to the ceasefire and denied armed presence in southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on five individuals and three companies tied to Hezbollah’s covert financial network, highlighting the group’s use of women and front firms to circumvent previous sanctions. In Lebanon, authorities arrested suspects linked to recent rocket fire toward Israel, which sparked deadly retaliatory strikes. The investigation, ordered by President Aoun, follows the most serious escalation since the November truce.
============
★ THE GULF
Omani Foils Drone and Cash Smuggling Attempts at Yemen Border
Omani authorities intercepted a Yemeni national smuggling three drones at the Sarfait border crossing, while four others were caught with large, unidentified cash sums hidden in their vehicle. Yemeni officials also seized 800 drone propellers en route to Houthi-controlled areas. These incidents highlight ongoing attempts to smuggle military equipment during heightened regional security concerns.
United Arab Emirates Expands Trade Deals and Launches New Dirham Symbol
The UAE has signed 26 economic partnership agreements since 2021, including five in 2025, and is negotiating others with key economies like Japan. Trade with India grew 20.5%, and exports jumped 75% under existing agreements. In parallel, the UAE Central Bank launched a new symbol for the dirham and progressed with its digital currency rollout, set for Q4 2025, to enhance financial innovation.
============
★ EGYPT & NORTH AFRICA
Egypt Withholds Approval for Israel’s New Ambassador During Tensions
Egypt declined to invite Israel’s nominated ambassador, Orit Rotman, to a March 24 diplomatic reception, as Cairo has not approved his appointment. Israeli media cited anger over the snub, while Egyptian sources confirmed no formal acceptance was issued. The delay follows Israel’s military actions in Gaza, violations of the ceasefire, and its occupation of the Philadelphi Corridor.
Hamidti Admits Khartoum Withdrawal as Burhan Rules Out Talks
RSF leader Hamidti confirmed withdrawing from Khartoum, now under full army control, while vowing to return stronger. Sudan’s leader, Al-Burhan, ruled out negotiations, insisting RSF must surrender. The army seized key RSF strongholds, including Omdurman’s Libya Market. Fighting since April 2023 has killed over 20,000 and displaced 15 million, triggering severe humanitarian fallout.
============
