★IRAQ
Iranian Missiles Escalate Proxy Conflict as Militias Resist Disarmament
Six major Iranian-backed militias in Iraq secretly agreed to partial disarmament under Iraqi government pressure, seeking to reduce U.S. tensions. Publicly, these factions deny the move, while many groups retain advanced Iranian drones and extensive arsenals. At the same time, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard transferred new long-range missiles to allied militias in Iraq, with some capable of reaching Europe. This direct defiance of U.S. warnings reveals a sharp escalation, contradicting militia pledges to disarm. The dual-track strategy intensifies proxy hostilities between Tehran and Washington while challenging Baghdad’s efforts to unify armed forces and curb foreign influence.
Iraq Builds Gas Import Platforms at Al-Khor Port for First Time
Iraq began constructing its first liquefied gas platforms at Al-Khor Port to import gas from the Gulf and African states. The government aims to diversify energy sources, reduce dependence on Iranian gas, and expand solar projects. Key power stations and new generating units are set for completion by June to improve the electricity grid before summer.
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★YEMEN
U.S. Intensifies Yemen Campaign With Heavy Strikes and Civilian Toll
U.S. forces escalated their air campaign in Yemen, striking over 300 Houthi targets since March across five provinces, including Sana’a, Amran, and Hodeidah. The latest wave of bombings killed at least six people in Hodeidah, including three children and two women, as B-2 bombers joined operations from Diego Garcia. The strikes focused on disrupting Houthi military infrastructure and leadership sites amid growing threats to Red Sea shipping routes. Houthi sources report 78 civilian deaths since March 15, raising international alarm. Meanwhile, U.S. defense officials warn that the campaign is draining critical long-range munitions, straining readiness, and potentially weakening deterrence efforts in the Indo-Pacific region.
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★ IRAN
Trump Demands Iran Dismantle Military Nuclear Sites, Talks Face Rejection
President Trump agreed that Iran could maintain a civilian nuclear program but demanded full dismantling of military nuclear sites, referencing the “Libyan model” during talks with Netanyahu. Israel insists only total U.S.-led disarmament would justify a deal, warning of military options if Iran resists. Tehran rejected demands to halt uranium enrichment and missile development, calling the nuclear program non-negotiable ahead of Oman talks. Iran conditioned negotiations on sanction relief and warned that military threats would backfire. Foreign Minister Araghchi argued that the U.S. war on Iran would devastate its economy, advocating diplomacy and mutual respect as the only viable path forward.
Russian Duma Ratifies Strategic Partnership Treaty with Iran
Russia’s Duma approved a comprehensive strategic partnership with Iran, reinforcing political, economic, and military ties. Though not a mutual defense pact, the treaty commits both sides to counter shared threats. Signed by Presidents Putin and Pezeshkian in January, the deal avoids aiding aggressors. It follows accusations that Iran supplied drones for Russia’s Ukraine war.
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★ SYRIA
Syria Recalls Ambassadors Diplomatic Overhaul
Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani ordered the recall of ambassadors Bashar al-Jaafari from Moscow and Ayman Soussan from Riyadh, launching a broad diplomatic reshuffle after opposition forces seized Damascus and toppled the Assad regime. Both embassies will now be led by chargés d’affaires.Jaafari, a prominent regime defender for decades, refused to return, criticizing his treatment and suggesting plans for relocation abroad. The move reflects efforts to distance the ministry from figures deeply associated with Assad’s rule, signaling a strategic shift in Syria’s external relations following the capital’s fall.
Captagon: Makeshift Workshops Rise from Assad Regime’s Production Ruins
After Assad’s fall, Syria’s organized captagon industry collapsed into unregulated workshops run by ex-traffickers and addicts, triggering deadly overdoses and toxic pills. With rising prices, addicts joined production to fund habits. Despite destroying major factories, new authorities couldn’t stop the spread. Lacking rehab centers and oversight, captagon now threatens regional stability from Syria to Iraq and the Gulf.
Washington Resumes Aid Programs in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Iraq
The Trump administration moved to resume six aid programs, including World Food Programme activities in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Iraq, after recently halting over $1.3 billion in global assistance. The reversal followed internal pressure and UN warnings of catastrophic consequences. The State Department admitted some contracts were cut “by mistake” and has reinstated funding.
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★ ISRAEL
Israel’s Supreme Court Halts Shin Bet Chief’s Dismissal, Blocks Replacement
Israel’s Supreme Court froze Prime Minister Netanyahu’s decision to fire Shin Bet head Ronen Bar and barred appointing a successor. The move follows appeals by opposition figures and rights groups amid allegations of personal conflict of interest. The court urged continued cooperation, while protests and courtroom clashes reflect growing tensions over democratic governance and institutional integrity.
Hamas: Israeli Escalation Will Not Return Captives Alive
Hamas declared Israel’s actions in Gaza as vengeance, not military pressure, warning that escalation endangers captives’ lives. The group reaffirmed negotiations as the only path to recovery. It condemned Palestinian Authority arrests of pro-Gaza demonstrators in the West Bank, calling it a betrayal. Hamas urged global intervention to halt civilian targeting and rallied continued mass resistance.
Indonesia Offers Temporary Shelter to Gaza’s War-Affected Palestinians
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced readiness to temporarily host wounded, traumatized, and orphaned Palestinians from Gaza. He directed the Foreign Ministry to coordinate swift evacuation plans with Palestinian officials. Jakarta stressed the stay would be temporary until full recovery and safe return. Indonesia reaffirmed its support for a two-state solution and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
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★ TÜRKIYE
Erdoğan Warns Opposition, Files Lawsuit Over Mayor Protests
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan condemned the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) for acting like a “fascist fringe” during protests following the March 23 arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Erdoğan filed a defamation lawsuit demanding 500 million lira from CHP leader Özgür Özel, who accused the president of orchestrating a “civil coup” through İmamoğlu’s detention. Erdoğan warned of potential street confrontations and intensified criticism of the CHP’s stance. Prosecutors have charged 139 individuals linked to the protests. The situation has sparked an ongoing national debate over political interference, democratic norms, and the legitimacy of local governance.
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★ LEBANON
Aoun and Berri Launch Direct Hezbollah Talks on Disarmament
President Joseph Aoun and Speaker Nabih Berri began direct negotiations with Hezbollah to confine arms to the state. Hezbollah showed conditional openness, demanding Israel’s withdrawal from five southern hilltops and an end to airstrikes. The talks may lay the groundwork for a national defense strategy and follow renewed U.S. pressure to enforce Resolution 1701, signaling a significant shift in Lebanon’s security dynamics.
Hezbollah Establishes Beirut Port as Main Smuggling Hub from Iran
Hezbollah has turned Beirut Port into its primary maritime smuggling route for weapons and funds arriving from Iran, following the collapse of overland and air routes. According to reports, Iran’s Quds Force orchestrates these transfers via Units 190 and 700, under commanders Shahriari and Gal Brest. Senior Hezbollah official Wafiq Safa oversees operations at the port, enabling shipments to bypass inspection. The group’s grip on Beirut Port, now operating as a central artery for illicit transfers, has raised serious alarms about national security and the viability of foreign investments in Lebanon.
Israel Strikes Hezbollah Air Defense Weapons Depot in East Lebanon
Israel bombed a Hezbollah air defense weapons depot in Lebanon’s Bekaa region, citing violations of the ceasefire. The Israeli army stated the stored arms posed a threat and breached understandings with Lebanon. Despite ongoing Israeli airstrikes, Hezbollah has yet to retaliate, though both sides accuse each other of violating the ceasefire agreement.
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★ THE GULF
Saudi FM in Washington to Plan Trump’s May Visit
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Washington to prepare for President Trump’s May visit to Riyadh. He will also discuss Gaza and Yemen with U.S. officials. The visit, planned before Trump’s tariff announcement, precedes Trump’s expected investment agreement signing and regional stops in Qatar and the UAE.
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★ EGYPT & NORTH AFRICA
Egypt’s Intelligence Chief Meets Sudan’s Burhan to Discuss Stability
Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad met Sudanese leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in Port Sudan to discuss ending the civil war and restoring national stability. Rashad conveyed a message from President Sisi affirming Cairo’s support. Talks focused on strengthening bilateral ties as Sudan’s army regains territory from the RSF in the ongoing conflict, displacing over 13 million people.
Sudanese Envoy Secretly Visits Israel To Finalize Normalization Deal For Military Aid
A Sudanese envoy representing military leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan visited Israel last week to propose finalizing normalization under the Abraham Accords in exchange for Israeli military support. The envoy, Al-Sadiq Ismail, told Israeli officials that Sudan’s outreach to Iran was driven by isolation, not allegiance. Khartoum is now seeking weapons and backing to defeat rebel forces.
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