★YEMEN
Houthis Strike Tel Aviv And U.S. Warships; Airstrikes Escalate
Yemen’s Houthis claimed responsibility for drone and missile attacks on Tel Aviv and two U.S. Navy destroyers in the Red Sea. Israel intercepted a drone before it breached its airspace. In retaliation, U.S. forces launched coordinated airstrikes on Houthi targets in Sanaa, Marib, Hodeidah, Hajjah, and Kamaran Island, destroying weapon depots and military camps. A senior Houthi intelligence officer, Colonel Abdulnasser al-Kamali, was killed. The group responded with arrests, citing internal leaks. These developments follow Israel’s renewed Gaza operations, which the Houthis cited as the reason for resuming regional attacks.
============
★ IRAN
Trump Claims Direct Nuclear Talks With Iran Begin Saturday
President Trump announced that U.S.-Iran nuclear talks will begin on Saturday in Oman, framing them as direct and urgent. Tehran confirmed its participation but insisted the talks would be indirect and mediated. This divergence follows months of rising hostility and signals cautious diplomatic re-engagement. Meanwhile, Iran deployed “Ghadir” radar systems near the Strait of Hormuz and reinforced air defenses, citing threats from the U.S. and Israel. Tehran also stationed long-range missiles in underground silos, asserting its refusal to abandon nuclear or missile programs. Both moves underscored heightened confrontation and strategic brinkmanship in the Gulf.
Iran Recruits Swedish Teenagers Through Gangs to Target Israeli Interests
A CNN investigation revealed that gangs linked to Iran are recruiting Swedish teenagers to carry out attacks on Israeli sites in Europe. Two boys, aged 14 and 15, were involved in an attempted attack on the Israeli embassy in Stockholm in May 2024. Swedish intelligence attributes this attempt and others to gangs operating on behalf of Iran. The United States has imposed sanctions on the “Foxtrot” gang and its leader, Rawa Majid—known as “The Fox”—accusing them of coordinating with Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence.
============
★IRAQ
Iraq Establishes New Bases On Türkiye Border To Bolster Security
Iraq announced the construction of new military bases along its border with Türkiye to reinforce border security and counter PKK threats. The effort includes coordination with Kurdish Peshmerga forces and follows recent security deals between Baghdad and Ankara. The initiative comes as PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan called on the group to disband, prompting regional calls for compliance.
Iraq Foils Smuggling Of 400,000 Captagon Pills From Eastern Syria
Iraqi forces intercepted an attempt to smuggle 400,000 Captagon pills from eastern Syria via the Euphrates River near Al-Baghuz. The drugs were hidden in sealed plastic containers. Iraq, facing a surge in narcotics trafficking and consumption, has become a major corridor for Captagon, which is reportedly produced in Syria and trafficked toward Gulf markets.
============
★ SYRIA
U.S. Offers Syria Sanctions Relief and Seeks Immunity Removal
The United States has proposed conditional sanction relief to Syria’s transitional government without demanding the withdrawal of Russian forces from the Tartus and Hmeimim bases. Officials in Washington confirmed that the Russian military presence is not currently a requirement for lifting sanctions while stressing the need for a gradual approach to easing economic restrictions. The U.S. is monitoring the behavior of the Syrian president to shape its future policies, urging Syria to pursue peaceful coexistence with its neighbors, respect human rights, and prevent terrorist groups from operating on its territory. Meanwhile, the United States has begun procedures to remove diplomatic immunity from Syria’s representatives at the United Nations, including changing their visa classification from G1 to G3 following the fall of the Assad regime. Syria, for its part, is seeking sanctions relief to curb its rapidly worsening economic collapse. These developments reflect a calculated U.S. strategy to reshape Syrian diplomacy by targeting legal immunities rather than military alliances.
Israel And Türkiye Explore Power-Sharing Deal For Syrian Stability
Despite heightened tensions, Israel and Türkiye are quietly discussing a U.S.- and Russia-backed plan to divide zones of influence in Syria to prevent future conflict. The proposal assigns northern Syria to Türkiye and the south and east to Israel, with Damascus retaining central regions until elections are held. Israel’s recent airstrikes targeted bases Ankara eyed for deployment, signaling a warning against Turkish expansion.
============
★ ISRAEL
Netanyahu Says Israel Working On New Deal To Free Gaza Hostages
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel is pursuing a new agreement to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Speaking alongside President Trump at the White House, Netanyahu reaffirmed his commitment to freeing all captives. Trump said efforts are underway for another ceasefire, while Israeli forces continue operations resumed on March 18 after a two-month truce.
Israel And India Successfully Complete Barak Missile Defense Tests
Israel Aerospace Industries and India’s DRDO completed the final trials of the Barak MRSAM system, confirming its full operational readiness for India’s army, navy, and air force. The tests included four direct interceptions of aerial targets at varying ranges. The joint air defense system can intercept threats up to 70 kilometers away and strengthens Israel-India defense ties.
Trump Refuses To Lift Israel Tariffs Despite Billions In Aid
President Trump upheld a 17% tariff on Israeli imports, urging Israel to act “reasonably” on trade despite $4 billion in U.S. aid. Prime Minister Netanyahu pledged to remove barriers on U.S. goods, warning the tariffs could cost Israel $2.3 billion in exports and 26,000 jobs. Israel’s Manufacturers Association flagged deeper risks if tariffs extend to pharmaceuticals and chips, raising losses to $3 billion. Tel Aviv markets dropped sharply as pressure mounted for tariff exemptions.
Israeli Forces Besiege Tubas, Block Nablus, Intensify Gaza Strikes
Israeli forces raided Tubas overnight, clashing with Palestinian fighters and turning homes into military outposts under curfew. Nablus was fully sealed with checkpoints, while settlers assaulted Palestinian farmers near Beita. In Gaza, 57 Palestinians were killed and 137 wounded in 24 hours of Israeli strikes, with hospitals facing collapse. The IDF also killed Hamas member Hassan Eslaih in Khan Younis; he had posed as a journalist while filming the October 7 attack.
============
★ TÜRKIYE
Trump Offers Mediation Between Israel And Türkiye Over Syria
President Trump offered to mediate between Israel and Türkiye over Syria, praising Erdoğan’s proxy control and role in Assad’s decline. Netanyahu welcomed Trump’s involvement, aiming to avoid a clash with Türkiye. Turkish analyst Hafizoglu confirmed Ankara rejected a U.S. request to leave the T4 base near Palmyra, despite Israeli objections. Türkiye seeks to rebuild Syria’s army and curb Israel’s aerial reach. Tensions rose after Israeli strikes near Turkish forces, prompting U.S. diplomatic engagement.
Coalition Mediates Between Turkey And SDF To Halt Clashes Near Tishrin Dam
The U.S.-led coalition is mediating between Turkey and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to de-escalate tensions around Tishrin Dam and lift the siege on Kobani. Indirect talks involve message exchanges, with a recent agreement transferring dam control to Damascus under U.S.-Turkish coordination. Joint maintenance teams from SDF and the Syrian government have begun the dam repairs.
============
★ LEBANON
Israeli Strikes Kill Three In Lebanon, Targeting Hezbollah Commander
Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon killed three people and wounded others, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. One strike in Tybeh reportedly killed Hezbollah artillery commander Mohammad Adnan Mansour. Other drone attacks hit Khiyam, Dardara, and Beit Lif. President Joseph Aoun reiterated Lebanon’s push to monopolize arms, as U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus urged complete disarmament of Hezbollah.
============
★ EGYPT & NORTH AFRICA
Trump, Macron, Sisi, And Abdullah Call For Immediate Gaza Ceasefire
Donald Trump held a joint call with Macron, Sisi, and King Abdullah II, urging an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, full humanitarian access, and swift implementation of the January hostage deal. The leaders rejected the displacement or annexation of Palestinian land and backed empowered Palestinian Authority control under international oversight. In a parallel Cairo summit, Egypt, France, and Jordan echoed these demands, while Egypt and France upgraded ties to a strategic partnership and reaffirmed support for Gaza’s reconstruction and a two-state solution.
Egypt Proposes Gaza Ceasefire With Hostage Release Timeline
Egypt proposed a new Gaza ceasefire plan offering the release of eight Israeli hostages over one week in exchange for a 40- to 70-day truce, renewed humanitarian aid, and Palestinian prisoner releases. A Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya is heading to Cairo for talks. Netanyahu discussed the plan in Washington with Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff.
Algeria Responds to Mali by Withdrawing Ambassadors and Closing Airspace
Algeria closed its airspace to Mali-bound flights and recalled ambassadors from Mali and Niger after Bamako accused Algiers of downing a drone inside Malian territory. Algeria denied the claims, calling them false, and cited radar evidence of Malian airspace violations. It also delayed appointing a new envoy to Burkina Faso, condemning regional alignment with Mali’s accusations.
Israel Alarmed As Sudan Strengthens Military Ties With Iran
Israel is increasingly concerned as Sudan, a signatory to the Abraham Accords, deepens ties with Iran amid its ongoing civil war. Sudanese leader al-Burhan resumed relations with Tehran in 2024 and reportedly received Iranian military support after Israel declined to assist. Sudanese sources say disappointment with Israel prompted Khartoum to embrace Iran, straining normalization efforts.
============
