★ IRAN
Trump Warns Iran As U.S. Signals Readiness, Israel Poised To Strike
President Donald Trump declared that Israel would spearhead any military response against Iran if nuclear negotiations collapse, underscoring that force remains an option. As U.S. and Iranian officials prepare for Saturday’s direct talks in Oman, the Biden administration escalated pressure by imposing new sanctions on Iranian entities tied to its nuclear program. In a show of military readiness, six U.S. B-2 bombers were deployed to Diego Garcia. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Iran to heed the message. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian denied nuclear bomb ambitions and invited American investment, signaling a softer diplomatic tone. Despite this, Iran launched joint drills with Armenia and expanded drone bases across the country, reinforcing its military posture. Tehran’s opposition to the Zangezur Corridor project and its strategic drone enhancements reflects deepening regional calculations. While diplomacy edges forward in Oman, both sides appear locked in a high-stakes standoff with parallel paths of dialogue and deterrence.
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★IRAQ
Iraq Signs Deal With U.S. Firm For 24,000 Megawatt Power Project
Iraq signed a memorandum with U.S.-based GE Vernova to build gas-fired power plants generating 24,000 megawatts, the country’s largest energy initiative. Another agreement with UGTRenewable covers 3,000 megawatts of solar power, 500 megawatt-hours of battery storage, and 1,000 kilometers of high-voltage infrastructure, with financing from major Western banks. A third deal strengthens U.S.–Iraq commercial ties.
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★YEMEN
Houthis Target U.S. and Israeli Forces as Airstrikes Intensify in Yemen
Yemen’s Houthi group launched drone attacks on an Israeli military site in Tel Aviv and on U.S. warships, including the USS Truman, in the Red Sea, while confirming the downing of a U.S. MQ-9 drone over Al-Jawf. The group vowed to continue operations in solidarity with Gaza, linking their campaign to ending Israeli offensives and the blockade. In response, U.S. forces intensified their military campaign, conducting over 365 air and sea strikes since March, targeting key Houthi infrastructure across northern Yemen. Recent strikes hit weapons depots and military sites in Sanaa, Hodeidah, and Kamaran Island, with explosions reported near Jabal Nuqm and the Al-Nahdain presidential complex, killing at least ten. Yemeni Minister Muammar al-Eryani estimated the strikes have diminished Houthi military capacity by 30%, disrupting drone and missile operations. CENTCOM reiterated warnings against aiding the Houthis, especially in fueling vessels at their ports, as the U.S. escalates efforts to secure Red Sea shipping lanes from further threats.
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★ ISRAEL
Trump Suspends Tariffs on Israel Following Netanyahu’s Washington Visit
President Trump announced a 90-day suspension of tariffs on Israel after Prime Minister Netanyahu urged exemption during a visit to Washington. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel had removed all tariffs on U.S. imports and should not face the previously announced 17% U.S. tariff. The suspension applies to over 75 countries, with China excluded and facing a 125% tariff rate.
Hamas Leadership Goes Underground as Movement Faces Growing Strain
Following the killing of top leaders Ismail Haniyeh, Mohammed Deif, and Yahya Sinwar, Hamas has concealed the identities of its new commanders to avoid Israeli assassinations. Experts suggest Yahya Sinwar’s brother, Mohammed, may now lead the armed wing. The group adopts collective decision-making through its Shura Council. Though battered by war, Hamas retains control in Gaza, resisting internal dissent and global pressure to cede power. Public frustration is growing as rare protests and signs of leadership division emerge, yet no viable alternative currently challenges its rule.
Fifty Palestinians Killed as Israeli Strikes Devastate Shujaiya Neighborhood
Israeli airstrikes killed 50 Palestinians in Gaza, including 35 in one attack on a residential building in Gaza City’s Shujaiya, strikes in Khan Younis and Rafah accompanied Israel’s expanding ground operations, Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz announced that Israeli forces have seized “wide areas” of Gaza to isolate the enclave, following another strike in Shujaiya that killed 23, allegedly targeting a Hamas commander. Gaza’s Health Ministry warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis. Meanwhile, Israel’s Air Force threatened to dismiss 970 aircrew who signed a letter opposing the Gaza war, claiming political—not security—motivations. Only 25 have withdrawn their names, Separately, Israeli sources admitted that 75% of Hamas’s tunnel network remains intact, including smuggling tunnels from Egypt, justifying continued operations in Rafah and refusal to exit the Philadelphia Corridor. U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly given Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a two- to three-week deadline to end the war in Gaza, prioritizing a hostage deal and broader regional diplomacy, including nuclear talks with Iran.
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★ TÜRKIYE
Turkey And Israel Launch Military Talks To Avoid Syrian Conflict
Turkey confirmed talks with Israel aimed at preventing confrontation in Syria as regional tensions escalate. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that the discussions include possible coordination mechanisms modeled on the Turkish-Russian framework. While diplomatic and trade ties remain suspended over Israel’s war in Gaza, military-level contacts began to explore a deconfliction protocol. Turkey criticized Israel’s strikes and occupation in Syria but signaled willingness to support Damascus if a military pact emerges. Ankara stressed that a ceasefire in Gaza is key to reviving bilateral relations and stabilizing the region.
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★ LEBANON
Israeli Drone Crash, Airstrikes Escalate Tensions Across Southern Lebanon
Israeli Apache helicopters struck three Hezbollah-linked homes in Yater after residents were ordered to evacuate, while a separate drone strike landed near a school in Ramyah. The Israeli army confirmed the drone had crashed due to a technical failure, ruling out a security breach. Since November 2024, Israel has committed 1,440 ceasefire violations, resulting in 125 deaths and including repeated strikes in Bint Jbeil. Separately, Israel accused Hezbollah of rebuilding an underground military site in Beirut’s Choueifat suburb, near a school. Aerial evidence suggests resumed activity after a surprise January inspection. Israel continues to hold five strategic hills in Lebanon’s south, intensifying fears of broader escalation.
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★ THE GULF
Saudi Leadership Engages U.S., French, And UK Counterparts On Key Global Issues
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held separate calls with French President Emmanuel Macron and the UK’s Starmer, while Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met U.S. Secretary Marco Rubio in Washington. Talks addressed bilateral ties, regional conflicts, trade, and defense cooperation. Leaders emphasized strategic partnerships, global economic stability, and diplomatic solutions in Gaza, Sudan, Yemen, and Ukraine.
Saudi Arabia Discovers 14 Oil And Gas Fields Across Two Regions
Saudi Arabia announced 14 new oil and gas discoveries in the Eastern Province and Rub’ al Khali, including six oil fields, two oil reservoirs, two gas fields, and four gas reservoirs. Aramco’s finds include high-flow light crude and significant gas volumes, reinforcing Saudi energy dominance and supporting Vision 2030’s economic and global goals.
Qatar Mediates Return Of Three Americans Jailed In Congo Coup Plot
Three Americans jailed in Congo for a failed 2024 coup were repatriated to the U.S. after Qatar-mediated talks. Their death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment following the U.S. envoy Adam Boehler’s meeting with President Tshisekedi in Doha. The men, tied to a plot led by Christian Malanga, will now face charges in the United States.
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★ EGYPT
Egypt Assumes Command Of Red Sea Maritime Security Task Force
Egypt took command of the multinational Task Force 153 from Australia during a ceremony in Manama on April 9. The force, part of the Combined Maritime Forces, secures the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Egyptian Rear Admiral Mohamed Rasmi succeeded Australian Captain Jorge Mackie, with U.S. Vice Admiral George Wikoff overseeing the handover.
Egypt, U.S. Discuss Red Sea Tensions During Houthi Threats
Egyptian and U.S. defense ministers discussed the impact of the Houthi attacks on Suez Canal security in a phone call, reaffirming strategic ties. Trump and Sisi also spoke on Gaza and Red Sea stability. Egypt refuses military alliances despite $800 million monthly canal losses, urging de-escalation and a ceasefire in Gaza to restore navigation and protect economic interests.
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