★ IRAQ
Iraq Moves to Curb Houthi Activity Under Reported US Pressure
Iraq has pledged to restrict Houthi operations to media and cultural activities, following US pressure during renewed Red Sea hostilities. The Houthis’ Baghdad office, active since 2018, remains open but is now closely monitored. Iraqi officials view the group’s presence as a political liability, especially after a US strike killed a Houthi commander in Jurf al-Sakhar.
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★ SYRIA
Iraqi-Syrian Leaders Break Diplomatic Freeze With Direct Phone Call
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Syria’s interim President, Abu Mohammad al-Julani (Ahmad al-Sharaa), held a call to revive bilateral ties. Al-Sudani affirmed support for Syria’s unity and condemned Israeli incursions while urging cooperation against ISIS and in economic fields. Al-Julani pledged respect for Iraq’s sovereignty and stressed collaboration on shared challenges, following Syrian steps that addressed Baghdad’s security concerns.
SDF and Syrian Government Reach Prisoner Exchange Deal in Aleppo
The Syrian government and the SDF agreed to exchange detainees in Aleppo’s Sheikh Maqsood and Ashrafiyeh areas. This follows a recent deal between the SDF and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army involving fighter remains and prisoners. The agreement reflects wider de-escalation efforts. Meanwhile, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren urged lifting outdated Syria sanctions to support post-Assad recovery.
Sectarian Massacre in Syrian Coastal Village Sparks Displacement and Arrests
Masked gunmen killed six civilians, including a child, in Harf Banmairah near Baniyas, using sectarian slogans before opening fire on the village chief and his family. The attack triggered panic and mass displacement in Tartous province during rising fears of further violence. The assailants reportedly disguised themselves as civilians and targeted victims from a single household. Syrian security forces announced arrests and pledged full prosecution, stressing the attackers do not represent state structures. Observers link the violence to ongoing lawlessness and the spread of undisciplined, foreign-armed groups in coastal rural areas.
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★ IRAN
Iran Reaffirms Nuclear Deal As U.S. Mobilizes Forces In Gulf
Iran reiterated its rejection of nuclear weapons and confirmed full adherence to the 2015 nuclear deal, despite the U.S. exit in 2018. Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi cited American intelligence affirming Iran’s compliance, warning that threats of force will backfire. Meanwhile, the U.S. intensified military deployments across the Gulf, striking Houthi positions in Yemen and dispatching two aircraft carriers to deter regional threats. The Pentagon also stationed six B-2 bombers—nearly one-third of its fleet—on Diego Garcia, in a direct signal to Tehran. Rising Houthi threats and fallout from the Gaza war prompted the bolstering of U.S. airpower. Satellite imagery confirmed extensive American aerial assets in place, coinciding with threats of further strikes by President Trump unless Iranian-linked aggression stops. The convergence of diplomacy and military escalation has significantly sharpened tensions, raising fears of broader confrontation across the region.
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★ ISRAEL
Hamas Links Captive Release To Ceasefire As Gaza Starves
Hamas confirmed it would release Israeli captives only through a full prisoner swap, demanding a ceasefire, Gaza’s reconstruction, and border reopening. The group rejected exile or disarmament and pledged continued resistance. Meanwhile, Israeli forces escalated attacks on Rafah and Khan Younis, killing at least 38 Palestinians in 24 hours, most of them civilians. Over 50,000 Palestinians have died since October 7. Israeli airstrikes targeted shelters and mosques as evacuation orders spread across southern Gaza. All bakeries have ceased operation due to lack of flour, fuel, and gas. The UN and World Food Programme warned that the famine threat has reached critical levels, with 25 WFP-supported bakeries closed and over two million residents at immediate risk of starvation. Humanitarian corridors are near collapse. The UN condemned mass displacement and warned Israel of serious violations of international law.
US-Israel Discuss Regional Threats and Expand Trade Ties
CENTCOM chief met Israeli leaders for 10 hours in Tel Aviv, focusing on Iran’s nuclear threat and Houthi escalation. The talks coincided with increased U.S. military deployments and possible Iran strikes. Meanwhile, Israel removed all tariffs on U.S. imports to deepen the alliance and cut consumer costs, with U.S. exports projected to exceed $34 billion in 2024.
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★ TÜRKIYE
Russia and US to Hold Second Round of Talks in Istanbul
Russia announced a second meeting with the US in Istanbul to advance normalization talks, following initial February discussions. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that talks focus on Ukraine, the Black Sea Grain Initiative, and resolving diplomatic restrictions hindering embassy operations. He noted progress, with both sides maintaining contact via calls and video conferences.
Türkiye Gains $500 Million Loan and Warned of Drought Risk
Türkiye received a $500 million World Bank loan to boost employment in regions hit by the 2023 earthquakes. The funds target job creation and local economic recovery. Meanwhile, experts warn of summer drought despite full reservoirs, citing high temperatures and excessive water use. Authorities urge urgent reforms to avoid agricultural losses.
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★YEMEN
Houthis Launch Multiple Strikes as US Retaliates and Tensions Escalate
Houthi forces claimed a third missile and drone strike on the USS Harry S. Truman and allied vessels within 24 hours in the Red Sea, vowing continued escalation until the Gaza blockade ends. A separate Houthi-launched rocket intended for Israel exploded over Saudi Arabia, marking the fifth failed launch since March 18. In response, U.S. warplanes targeted Houthi positions in Hodeidah and Saada, killing at least three militants. Strikes hit Al-Mansuriyah, Kamaran Island, and Wasab, March saw Houthi fatalities rise by 93% from February, totaling 89, during intensifying regional conflict.
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★ LEBANON
United States and Spain Target Hezbollah Networks in Sanctions and Arrests
The U.S. Treasury sanctioned five individuals and several front companies linked to Hezbollah’s financial operations and Hassan Nasrallah’s family, including Alumix, Talaqi, and Securol Glass Curtains. The individuals attempted to bypass prior sanctions by transferring control to relatives. This action follows a February 4 directive to escalate pressure on Iran. Simultaneously, Spanish authorities arrested three people in Barcelona who were tied to a Hezbollah logistics cell supplying drone parts. The raids, part of a wider European crackdown, targeted sites in Eixample and Girona. The network supported drone operations against Israel and involved Lebanese-Spanish businessmen.
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★ THE GULF
Saudi Arabia Eyes Japanese Next-Gen Fighter Jets in Strategic Defense Talks
Saudi Arabia plans to join talks with Japan, the UK, and Italy in May to explore acquiring next-generation Japanese fighter jets and may invest in their development as a partner state. This move aligns with Riyadh’s push to modernize its defense capabilities in response to rising regional threats. In 2023, Saudi military spending rose to $75.8 billion, 3.1% of global defense expenditures.
U.S. Sanctions UAE and Chinese Firms Over Iranian Drone Supply Network
The U.S. imposed new sanctions Tuesday on six entities and two individuals in Iran, the UAE, and China linked to Iran’s armed drone program. The move is part of Trump’s intensified pressure campaign to curb Iran’s weapons proliferation. The Justice Department also charged two Iranians with conspiring to support the IRGC and obtain U.S. drone tech. Iran rejected direct talks, warning of retaliation if attacked, while maintaining its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
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★ EGYPT
Trump, Sisi Discuss Gaza Conflict and Red Sea Security in Phone Call
U.S. President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi held a phone call on Tuesday, discussing military progress against Iran-backed Houthis and possible solutions for Gaza. Egypt’s presidency said the leaders emphasized restoring regional calm to safeguard Red Sea shipping and curb economic losses. They also reaffirmed the strength of U.S.-Egypt strategic ties.
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