★ IRAN
China and Russia Supply Advanced Weapons to Iran During U.S. Tensions
Iran has received advanced weaponry from China and Russia via an air, sea, and land corridor established last week, according to an Iranian Defense Ministry source. The shipments include drone engines, missile components, air defense systems, radar units, naval torpedoes, and anti-ship missiles, with some systems arriving alongside foreign specialists. Moscow also granted Iran access to its surveillance satellites, reportedly aiding Houthi forces in tracking U.S. aircraft. The transfers align with bilateral defense agreements and aim to bolster Iran’s readiness against potential U.S. or Israeli strikes.
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★ SYRIA
Israel Strikes Syrian Sites, Warns Al-Joulani of Retaliation
Israeli airstrikes targeted Brigade 75 near Al-Kiswah after earlier raids in Homs, Hama, and central Damascus, causing explosions across the capital. In Daraa, nine fighters were killed as Israeli forces briefly seized Tell Al-Jumou before retreating. Warning leaflets were dropped near the Yarmouk Valley to deter local militant activity. Defense Minister Yisrael Katz threatened harsh retaliation against Al-Joulani if Israeli security was endangered and warned against a Syrian-Turkish military axis. Intelligence officials cited risks of a coup and Syria’s accelerating internal fragmentation.
Syria and SDF Begin Prisoner Exchange Following March Agreement
The Syrian government and Syrian Democratic Forces exchanged 250 detainees in Aleppo as part of a March 10 agreement. Syria released 140 SDF detainees, while SDF freed 100 prisoners and began withdrawing forces from Aleppo’s Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh. The process, involving three phases, includes SDF integration into Syria’s military and full state control over northeastern regions.
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★ ISRAEL
U.S. Senate Overwhelmingly Blocks Bid to Halt Israel Arms Sales
The U.S. Senate rejected two resolutions aimed at stopping an $8.8 billion arms sale to Israel, despite growing concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza. With votes of 82–15 and 83–15, Lawmakers dismissed Senator Bernie Sanders’s proposals to block offensive weapons sales during ongoing humanitarian restrictions. Calls to protect civilians persist, but bipartisan support for Israel remains firm.
Hungary Withdraws from ICC Following Netanyahu’s Arrival in Budapest
Hungary announced its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu landed in Budapest for an official visit. The move follows ICC arrest warrants issued in November against Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza. Hungary had previously refused to enforce the warrants despite being a signatory.
Israeli Strikes Kill Civilians, Hit Gaza Water Plant, School
Israeli strikes killed 13 Palestinians in Khan Younis and destroyed Gaza’s main desalination plant, cutting clean water for 90% of residents. In Gaza City, a strike on Al-Arqam School killed the grandson of Hamas leader Khalil Al-Hayya. Over 100 Palestinians were killed in 24 hours. Hamas called for a global “Day of Rage” in protest. President Trump acknowledged the Gaza death toll and vowed to pursue a resolution after speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Israel Strikes Hamas Command Center, Kills Key Operatives
Israel killed four senior Hamas members in Jabalya, including an October 7 attacker and the group’s rocket unit chief. The strike targeted a Hamas command center as ground operations expanded in northern Gaza. Separately, Israel intercepted a rocket fired from Gaza toward Kibbutz Nahal Oz, marking the third such attempt in 24 hours. No injuries or damage were reported.
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★ TÜRKIYE
Türkiye Accuses Israel of Fueling Terror and Destabilizing Syria
Türkiye condemned Israel on Thursday, calling it the region’s greatest threat and accusing it of fueling terror and chaos through continued airstrikes in Syria. The Foreign Ministry urged Israel to halt actions undermining Syrian stability and criticized recent attacks near Damascus. Ankara also denounced Israeli ministers’ remarks as provocative and reaffirmed support for Palestinians during Gaza’s ongoing devastation.
The European Union Increases Pressure on Turkey After İmamoğlu’s Arrest
The European Union escalated diplomatic pressure on Türkiye following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, with EU Enlargement Commissioner Narta Kos canceling meetings with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and withdrawing from the upcoming Antalya Diplomacy Forum. The European Parliament warned that Türkiye is straying from democratic norms essential for EU accession as protests and boycotts spread nationwide.
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★ IRAQ
Iraq Accelerates Pipeline Project to Avert Looming Power Collapse
Iraq is rapidly building a 43-kilometer gas pipeline to deliver 800 million standard cubic feet daily to the Bismayah power station. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani announced 75% completion and vowed to eliminate legal barriers to expedite delivery. The project seeks to compensate for declining Iranian gas supplies due to escalating U.S.-Iran tensions and internal Iranian shortages. A recent Atlantic Council report warns Iraq could lose up to 40% of its electricity supply if Iranian imports stop, risking nationwide blackouts during summer temperatures exceeding 50°C. Iraq’s energy infrastructure, heavily dependent on Iran, remains vulnerable until planned domestic investments reach full capacity by 2028.
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★YEMEN
U.S. Intercepts Yemen Missile, Expands Strikes, Iran Withdraws Forces
U.S. forces intercepted a missile launched from Yemen toward Israel over Saudi airspace without triggering alarms in Israel. The interception coincides with intensified U.S.-Israeli coordination and growing regional strain linked to Gaza. U.S. warplanes launched dozens of strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen’s Saada and Sana’a provinces, targeting command centers and maritime threat nodes. The Houthis reported 36 strikes in one day, with casualties confirmed. The group also claimed to down another U.S. MQ-9 drone—raising the total to 13 since October 2023—each worth $30 million. Simultaneously, U.S.-led naval forces seized a drug shipment from Iran to Yemen valued at $8 million, marking the third such interception in 2025. A senior Iranian official revealed that Tehran is withdrawing personnel from Yemen in response to escalating U.S. strikes. The U.S. campaign aims to degrade Houthi capabilities, protect Red Sea shipping lanes, and pressure Iran-backed actors across the region.
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★ LEBANON
UK Arrests Two Men, Lebanon Restricts Hezbollah Airport Access
British police arrested two men in London suspected of Hezbollah ties—one for terrorism financing and planning, the other for group membership. Both were released on bail. Meanwhile, Lebanese authorities revoked airport access for over 30 Hezbollah-linked staff at Beirut’s Rafic Hariri Airport after tightening inspections, banning Iranian civilian flights, and seizing suspected Hezbollah funds. Security sources confirmed ongoing efforts to limit the group’s influence in customs and internal security.
Israel Escalates Strikes in Southern Lebanon, Targets Health Center and Hamas Leader
Israeli airstrikes destroyed a Lebanese civil defense health center in Naqoura on Thursday and injured two civilians near Bint Jbeil. A subsequent strike early Friday targeted a residential apartment in Sidon, killing senior Hamas leader Hassan Farhat, his son, and his daughter. Lebanon’s health ministry condemned attacks on medical facilities, while the army removed Israeli-installed barriers inside Lebanese territory. Officials documented 1,364 Israeli ceasefire violations since November and called for international enforcement of UN Resolution 1701. Despite a declared ceasefire, Israel has intensified operations in southern Lebanon, targeting both infrastructure and high-ranking militants.
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★ THE GULF
Saudi Crown Prince, Iranian President Discuss Regional Developments
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, during which both leaders exchanged Eid al-Fitr greetings and discussed ongoing regional developments. The conversation also covered several mutual concerns, signaling continued diplomatic engagement between Riyadh and Tehran.
Qatar Denounces False Accusations Over Undermining Egypt’s Mediation
Qatar’s Ministry of Communications issued a firm statement rejecting media allegations tied to the “QatarGate” investigation, denying any attempt to undermine Egypt’s role in mediating between Hamas and Israel. Qatar labeled the claims baseless and part of a disinformation campaign, reaffirming its cooperation with Egypt to secure a lasting ceasefire and protect Palestinian civilians.
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★ SUDAN
Iran Allegedly Supplied Drones and Arms to Sudan Army
A European intelligence source revealed that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps sent weapons to Sudan’s army via a March 17 flight operated by IRGC-owned Fars Air Qeshm. The shipment included drones like the Ababil-3 and Mohajer-6, which were used against Rapid Support Forces. Satellite images also confirmed Iranian anti-armor missiles at Sudanese bases, underscoring Tehran’s backing of Sudan’s military.
