★ IRAN
Khamenei Orders Military Alert As Iran Rejects U.S. Overtures
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei ordered full military readiness, warning of retaliation against any U.S. aggression. Tehran dismissed direct nuclear negotiations with Washington but expressed openness to indirect talks via Oman. Military chief Mohammad Bagheri and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi affirmed Iran’s refusal to surrender under pressure or accept a Libyan-style disarmament model. Araghchi warned against threats, stating any deal “on their terms” was unrealistic. As Khamenei cautioned Gulf states against aiding potential U.S. strikes, he declared their territories would become legitimate targets. Iran’s stance hardened as its currency hit a historic low—1,043,000 rials per dollar—fueling domestic unrest and inflation. dismissed top officials in response. Fears of a broader regional escalation now mount, driven by military alerts, economic collapse, and diplomatic deadlock.
Iran Recruited Georgian Drug Trafficker in Foiled Plot to Kill Azerbaijani Rabbi
Iran’s Quds Force enlisted Georgian drug kingpin Agil Aslanov to assassinate Azerbaijani Rabbi Shenor Segal for $200,000, according to a report. Aslanov recruited a local accomplice and surveilled Segal before Azerbaijani security services thwarted the plot and arrested both men in January. The plan included attacking a Jewish education center. Segal later said he remains unafraid in Azerbaijan.
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★IRAQ
Iran-Backed Iraqi Militias Signal Willingness to Disarm Amid U.S. Warnings
Senior Iraqi officials revealed Monday that key Iran-aligned militias, including Kataib Hezbollah, Harakat al-Nujaba, and others, are ready to disarm to avoid U.S. airstrikes. The groups began evacuating bases and reducing presence in major cities in January. U.S. officials warned Baghdad of potential strikes if militias remain armed. Talks between Prime Minister al-Sudani and militia leaders have reportedly advanced, with Iran granting them autonomy to avoid escalation.
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★ SYRIA
Russia Rejects Syria’s Request to Extradite Former President Assad
Russia dismissed Abu Mohammad al-Jolani’s (Ahmad al-Sharaa) official request to extradite former leader Bashar al-Assad, citing his compliance with asylum terms. Russian Ambassador to Iraq Elbrus Kutrashev confirmed that Assad’s political silence is a condition for his stay and emphasized extradition is “not an option.” The Kremlin granted Assad refuge under direct orders from President Putin.
Syrian President Appoints Brother Maher al-Sharaa as Presidential Secretary-General
Maher al-Sharaa, brother of Syrian President Abu Mohammad al-Jolani’s (Ahmad al-Sharaa), has been appointed Secretary-General of the Presidency, replacing former HTS official Abdul Rahman Salama. The role oversees internal presidential operations and coordination with state bodies. Maher, a gynecological surgeon and former acting health minister, previously advised hospitals in northern Syria. The move raises concerns over growing nepotism in post-Assad governance.
OPCW: Over 100 Suspected Assad-Era Chemical Sites Still in Syria
More than 100 suspected chemical weapons sites remain in Syria following Assad’s fall, far exceeding the 27 he disclosed. According to the OPCW, some sites are hidden and tied to sarin and chlorine attacks during his rule. The new government allowed inspections but has yet to appoint an OPCW envoy. Experts warn that unsecured stockpiles risk falling to armed groups, threatening regional stability and accountability efforts.
Weapons, Secret Centers Found in SDF Raid on ISIS Family Camp in Syria
Kurdish-led forces uncovered secret ISIS training centers for children and seized light weapons, phones, documents, and mission papers during a sweeping security raid Sunday on the al-Roj camp in northeast Syria. Six suspects linked to ISIS cells were arrested. The camp houses 2,600 people, mostly women and children of foreign fighters. Officials warned of ISIS indoctrination and recruitment, urging international intervention to dismantle extremist networks within such camps.
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★ ISRAEL
Netanyahu to Discuss Tariffs, Iran, Hostages in Washington Visit
Netanyahu will meet Trump on Monday in Washington to address 17% U.S. tariffs on Israeli imports, Iran nuclear negotiations, hostage release efforts in Gaza, and rising tensions with Turkey over Syria. Despite scrapping tariffs on U.S. goods, Israel was hit with higher duties, prompting urgent talks. The visit comes after a meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and includes discussions on ICC challenges and new U.S. missile deployments to Israel.
Israel Reveals Alleged Iran-Hamas Funding Ties; Hamas Denies Claims
Israeli Security Minister Yisrael Katz published documents alleging that Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Deif requested $500 million from Iran to help destroy Israel, citing Quds Force involvement and affirming Tehran’s pledge to fund Hamas despite economic strain. Katz claimed the documents were recovered from tunnels in Gaza. Hamas dismissed the report, calling the messages false and fabricated, and reiterated there was no coordination with Iran over the October 7 attack.
US Delivers THAAD System and 20,000 Rifles to Israel
The US transferred a second THAAD missile defense system to Israel on Saturday as tensions with Iran intensified, with the battery arriving at Nevatim Airbase aboard a C-5M Super Galaxy. Simultaneously, the Trump administration approved a $24 million sale of 20,000 assault rifles to Israeli police, reversing a Biden-era hold over settler violence concerns.
Netanyahu Orders Expanded Gaza Strikes Following Hamas Rocket Fire
Israeli airstrikes killed at least six people and injured 28 others in Khan Younis, including journalists, following Hamas rocket attacks on southern Israel. Two more were killed near Nasser Hospital when a press tent was hit, including journalist Hilmi al-Faqaawi. In retaliation for the rocket barrage that struck Ashdod and Ashkelon, injuring one Israeli, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, en route to Washington, ordered a forceful response. Warplanes bombed Khan Younis, Rafah, and Deir al-Balah while evacuation warnings were issued to civilians in five neighborhoods. Israel called this a“final warning” ahead of a possible ground offensive. Hamas’s Al-Qassam Brigades had fired ten rockets from Deir al-Balah, five of which were intercepted. Simultaneously, a hostage video released by Hamas showed wounded Israeli captives pleading for a prisoner deal. Meanwhile, Gaza’s humanitarian crisis deepened, with fuel shortages halting water pumps and 59% of essential medicines being depleted. The West Bank responded with a general strike.
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★ TÜRKIYE
Türkiye Denounces Israeli Airstrikes Targeting Syrian Military Airbases
Türkiye strongly condemned recent Israeli airstrikes that destroyed the T4, Palmyra, and Hama airbases in Syria—sites recently surveyed by Turkish forces. Intelligence confirmed heavy damage to the T4 base, interpreted as a message opposing Türkiye’s expanding role in Syria. Ankara, aiming to limit Iranian sway in the region, reassured Washington that its military involvement poses no threat to Israel. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, speaking at the NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels, stressed that Türkiye seeks no confrontation with Israel in Syria. He warned that continued Israeli operations risk escalating regional tensions and affirmed that any arrangements between Damascus and Tel Aviv are internal matters, unrelated to Türkiye’s position.
Turkish Opposition Leader Challenges Erdoğan to Early Elections
The opposition leader Özgür Özel urged President Erdoğan to hold early elections by November, vowing to field jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Özel cited 7.2 million signatures demanding elections and called Erdoğan’s government undemocratic. He denounced İmamoğlu’s imprisonment as politically motivated and pledged nationwide rallies, asserting Türkiye’s return to democratic norms must start with a new vote.
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★YEMEN
U.S. Airstrikes in Yemen Kill Commanders, Hit Civilians, Face High Cost
U.S. forces intensified airstrikes across Yemen, targeting Houthi sites in Sana’a, Saada, Hodeidah, and Kamaran Island. Precision strikes killed 70 Houthi fighters, including senior military commanders, intelligence heads, and financial officers, severely disrupting Houthi command structures. Meanwhile, Houthis launched ballistic missiles at a U.S. supply vessel linked to the USS Harry Truman, claiming it thwarted further American attacks. Civilian areas in Sana’a were also struck, killing four and injuring 25, including women and children. The strikes, part of a broader U.S. effort to end Red Sea disruptions and pressure Iran over its Houthi support, have so far cost nearly $1 billion, with limited strategic effect reported.
Houthis Expand Influence Into Africa With Iranian Support
The Houthis, backed by Iran, are extending their operations into Africa, establishing a presence in Djibouti, Somalia, Eritrea, and Ethiopia. U.N. reports confirm cooperation with al-Shabaab, including weapons transfers and training in exchange for piracy and maritime attacks. Testimony from Eritrean recruits reveals Houthi indoctrination and recruitment efforts targeting the Afar tribe. Analysts describe this as part of a broader Iranian strategy to build a new proxy network called the Axis of Resistance (2.0), with the Houthis leading operations in the Horn of Africa. The expansion threatens regional stability and global maritime security.
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★ LEBANON
U.S. Envoy Ortagus Urges Border Control And Ceasefire Compliance
U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus concluded a three-day visit to Beirut, focusing on ceasefire enforcement, border control, and economic reform. She met with Lebanese political and military leaders, emphasizing full implementation of UN Resolution 1701, halting Israeli strikes, and ending Hezbollah’s armed presence in the south. Ortagus also praised airport security upgrades and discussed financial transparency and reconstruction aid.
Israel Strikes Hezbollah Operatives Rebuilding Terror Sites In Lebanon
The IDF conducted an airstrike in southern Lebanon, killing two Hezbollah operatives allegedly restoring terror infrastructure using an engineering vehicle. Lebanon’s health ministry confirmed the deaths in the town of Zibqin. Israeli Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi visited the border, emphasizing offensive operations and strengthening defenses. He barred civilian border access outside designated Israeli areas.
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★ THE GULF
UAE And Israeli Foreign Ministers Meet To Discuss Gaza Ceasefire
UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed met Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa’ar in Abu Dhabi to address Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and revive ceasefire talks. Bin Zayed stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire and hostage release, calling for unimpeded humanitarian aid. Sa’ar confirmed discussions on regional issues and the strengthening of bilateral ties during their second official meeting.
Gulf Stock Markets Plunge as Global Sell-Off Deepens Over Tariff Fears
Gulf stock markets suffered sharp losses Monday amid global turmoil triggered by the U.S. tariff escalation. Dubai’s index dropped 5.96%, Abu Dhabi fell 4.18%, and Saudi Arabia’s TASI slid 3.48%. Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman also recorded declines. The sell-off follows President Trump’s decision to enforce broad tariffs, with China responding in kind—raising fears of a deepening global trade war.
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★ EGYPT & NORTH AFRICA
Macron Visits Cairo For Gaza Talks And Regional Agreements
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Cairo for talks with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi focused on ending the Gaza war. The leaders dined in Khan el-Khalili and toured Egypt’s Grand Museum. A trilateral summit with Jordan’s King Abdullah is scheduled for Monday. Macron will also visit Arish and witness the signing of 22 bilateral and economic agreements.
France And Algeria Revive Ties While Sahel Tensions Rise
France and Algeria agreed to restore cooperation in security, justice, and historical reconciliation during a French ministerial visit to Algiers. France also pledged to boost dialogue on Sahel security and anti-corruption. Meanwhile, tensions escalated as Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso recalled ambassadors, accusing Algeria of downing a Malian drone. Algeria defended the act, citing airspace violation. Mali responded by suspending military coordination. The parallel developments highlight improving Franco-Algerian ties while regional relations with Algeria decline.
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