★SYRIA
UN Security Council Holds Emergency Session On Israeli Strikes In Syria
The UN Security Council convened urgently Thursday at Algeria and Somalia’s request to address ongoing Israeli attacks on Syria. Turkey highlighted Syria’s political progress and warned that Israeli strikes undermine sovereignty and regional stability. The U.S. defended Israel’s right to self-defense, while Russia condemned over 700 Israeli strikes as serious violations of Syrian territorial integrity.
Former Syrian Envoy Bashar Jaafari Seeks Asylum In Russia
Former UN envoy Bashar Jaafari and his family have sought asylum in Russia after rejecting Syria’s order for his return to Damascus. Sources confirmed Jaafari’s defiance of the foreign ministry’s decision to recall him from his post in Moscow. In late 2024, he criticized Syria’s leadership as a corrupt mafia system, signaling a dramatic political break.
Syria Extends Coastal Probe As Killings And Abuses Persist
Syrian coastal regions remain unstable a month after mass killings, with armed factions tied to state security reportedly continuing deadly raids. In Latakia’s Al-Da’tour district, attacks target civilians, while in Homs and Tartus, rural residents face extortion and forced disarmament. Rights organizations cite 1,900 deaths and warn of extrajudicial killings by actors operating beyond judicial control. In response, President Abu Mohammad Al-Jolani (Ahmad Al-Sharaa) extended the national fact-finding committee’s mandate by three months. The committee, launched last month, is tasked with investigating civilian deaths, public institution attacks, and abuses by security forces to prosecute those responsible. Meanwhile, Kurdish leaders seek a federal framework with local governance and internal security, pushing back against Al-Sharaa’s centralized policies. A unified Kurdish political document is expected by the end of April, demanding constitutional recognition of Kurdish autonomy within a federal Syria.
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★ IRAN
Iran Weighs Temporary Nuclear Deal As U.S. Threatens Military Response
Iran is considering a temporary nuclear agreement with the U.S. during upcoming indirect talks in Oman, aiming to avoid escalation while gaining time. Tehran views a full deal as unrealistic within two months, proposing instead an extension of the 2015 snapback clause and a pause on U.S. “maximum pressure” policies. As the U.S. deploys B-2 bombers and maintains sanctions, Trump threatens military action if diplomacy fails. Iran warns it may expel IAEA inspectors and relocate enriched uranium to secret sites if attacked. A U.S. think tank has labeled Iran’s program a critical threat, citing advanced enrichment, weaponization support, and drone transfers to Russia. Despite rising tensions, Iran signals openness to diplomacy, while U.S. officials frame the Oman meeting as exploratory. Trump maintains the option for a deal but emphasizes continued pressure as Israel prepares for potential strikes.
Argentina Seeks Khamenei’s Arrest Over 1994 AMIA Bombing
Argentine prosecutors have requested an arrest warrant for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, accusing him of authorizing the 1994 AMIA Jewish center bombing in Buenos Aires that killed 85 people. Prosecutor Sebastián Basso argued that Khamenei issued fatwa 39 ordering the attack, citing international and Argentine law to deny him immunity. Iran denies involvement.
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★IRAQ
Khamenei’s Fatwa Permits Maneuvering As Qaani Prepares Contingency
Iran-backed Iraqi factions received a fatwa from Ayatollah Khamenei permitting tactical flexibility to reduce U.S. pressure without undermining Tehran’s influence. Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani left a team in Baghdad to enforce “zero attacks” while preparing a “Plan B” amid upcoming U.S.-Iran nuclear talks. Washington demands disarmament and drone factory shutdowns, while Iraqi factions debate between surrendering arms or preserving resistance capacity.
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★YEMEN
U.S. Launches Airstrikes on Houthis, Disrupts Missile Threats Regionally
American warplanes struck 11 Houthi targets in Sana’a, including a hidden missile base, following increased attacks on Red Sea shipping. The operation hit weapon depots across four key districts, aiming to cripple offensive infrastructure. Since mid-March, nearly 400 strikes have hit strategic locations in Yemen, significantly reducing Houthi missile launches, especially toward Israel. The USS Carl Vinson joined regional forces to safeguard maritime trade as Houthi threats persist. Washington warned shipping companies against delivering fuel to Houthi ports, citing terrorism sanctions. Yemen’s government backed the measure to block rebel financing. Meanwhile, Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi accused Israel of violating Syrian and Iraqi sovereignty and rejected U.S. ceasefire proposals.
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★ ISRAEL
Trump Says Hostage Deal Near As Israel, Hamas Weigh Proposals
U.S. President Donald Trump stated efforts are advancing to recover hostages from Gaza, describing Hamas as “a nasty group.” His envoy, Steve Witkoff, informed families that a serious deal is imminent. Israel and Egypt exchanged draft ceasefire-hostage deal proposals, with terms ranging from 5 to 8 hostages and a 40–70-day truce. Netanyahu reiterated his goals: free all hostages, eliminate Hamas, and secure Israel.
Arab-Israeli Network Busted for Smuggling $800,000 to Hamas from Turkey
Israeli security forces arrested six Arab-Israeli citizens accused of smuggling over $800,000 from Hamas operatives in Turkey to support terror infrastructure in the West Bank. The suspects used business ties and couriers to transfer funds, including recruiting family members and associates. Authorities described the network as a critical financial lifeline for Hamas’s activities in Judea and Samaria.
Israel Seeks to Annex Rafah and Seal Gaza as Isolated Enclave
Israel is moving to annex a 75-square-kilometer zone in Rafah by demolishing buildings and permanently barring Palestinian return, aiming to isolate Gaza completely from Egypt. This strategic buffer zone would transform Gaza into a sealed enclave fully controlled by Israel, significantly altering the regional map. Israeli security officials caution that the plan may increase risks to soldiers, civilians, and hostages during ongoing operations. Meanwhile, intelligence assessments reveal that Hamas has recruited approximately 40,000 new fighters since the conflict began. The group now avoids tunnel warfare, relying instead on explosive production, though only 25% of Gaza’s tunnel network has reportedly been neutralized.
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★ TÜRKIYE
Turkey Considers Syrian Training Base While Israel Talks Stall
Turkey is evaluating the establishment of a military training base in Syria to enhance local counterterrorism capabilities in cooperation with Damascus. The initiative, grounded in bilateral accords and international law, reflects Ankara’s stated commitment to Syria’s unity and territorial integrity. Turkish authorities highlighted ongoing SDF withdrawals and the development of regional de-escalation strategies. Meanwhile, Israeli-Turkish negotiations on de-escalation in Syria ended without an agreement. The talks held in Azerbaijan were postponed until after the Jewish Passover holiday, and this was accompanied by Türkiye preventing one of the Israeli planes from entering its airspace while continuing frictions over Turkish bases and Israeli air strikes. US mediation was proposed.
U.S.-Russia Talks In Istanbul End Focused On Diplomatic Missions
American and Russian delegations held six-hour talks in Istanbul on restoring embassy operations, excluding political and Ukraine-related issues. The U.S. aimed to stabilize bilateral diplomatic functions, while both sides raised concerns over staffing, movement restrictions, and facility access. The meeting reflects ongoing technical dialogue since Trump’s return to office, amid efforts to normalize strained diplomatic ties.
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★ LEBANON
Hezbollah Open To Dialogue On National Defense Strategy In Lebanon
Hezbollah MP Hassan Fadlallah said the group is ready for talks on a national defense strategy, emphasizing resistance against Israel. He confirmed communication with President Joseph Aoun, who noted Hezbollah’s flexibility on weapons under a set timeline. Following a ceasefire, Hezbollah withdrew south of the Litani River as Lebanese forces redeployed, amid ongoing U.S.-Israeli calls for Hezbollah disarmament.
Lebanese Army Forces Israeli Unit To Retreat After Border Breach
The Lebanese army intercepted an Israeli force that crossed the Blue Line near Alma Al-Shaab, forcing its withdrawal. The incident comes despite a ceasefire, which both Israel and Hezbollah accuse each other of violating. Israel continues strikes in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah has not responded militarily to recent attacks.
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★ THE GULF
Qatar, France, Gulf Powers Intensify Gaza Ceasefire Diplomacy
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim and French President Macron discussed the Gaza crisis and reaffirmed bilateral cooperation. The call comes as Qatar, with Egypt and the U.S., continues to mediate a lasting ceasefire despite renewed Israeli attacks since March. Meanwhile, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister arrived in Turkey for Arab-Islamic committee talks aimed at securing a ceasefire and humanitarian aid access ahead of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.
UAE Hosts Successful Russia-U.S. Prisoner Exchange In Abu Dhabi
The UAE facilitated a prisoner swap between the U.S. and Russia, involving one citizen from each country. The exchange took place in Abu Dhabi, and officials from both sides were present. The UAE highlighted the event as a sign of its strong ties with both nations and expressed hope it would help reduce global tensions and foster dialogue.
Congo Officials And M23 Rebels Begin Peace Talks In Doha
Delegations from Congo and M23 rebels met in Doha for ceasefire talks, following Qatari mediation initiated in March. Both sides confirmed direct meetings, though disagreements remain over negotiation terms. The M23 criticized Kinshasa’s envoys as unqualified. Fighting since January has left thousands dead and displaced hundreds of thousands as rebels seized key eastern cities, raising fears of broader regional conflict.
Gulf Markets Rally After Trump Suspends Tariffs For 90 Days
Gulf stock markets opened higher after U.S. President Trump paused tariffs on dozens of countries. Saudi’s TASI index surged 4%, while Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, and Qatar indexes rose over 2%. Gains were fueled by rising oil prices and Wall Street recovery. Meanwhile, Trump imposed 125% tariffs on China, escalating trade tensions despite short-term global market optimism.
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★ EGYPT&NORTH AFRICA
Egypt Approves Russian Loan To Build Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant
Egypt’s president ratified a protocol with Russia for a state-backed export loan to construct the Dabaa nuclear power plant. The project, valued at $25 billion, includes four reactors with a total output of 4,800 MW, set to begin operation in 2028. The plant aims to stabilize Egypt’s power grid and reduce reliance on gas imports.
Al-Burhan Visits Eritrea As Sudan Accuses UAE Of Genocide
Sudan’s General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan made an unannounced visit to Eritrea, where he was welcomed by President Isaias Afwerki in Asmara. Accompanied by Sudan’s intelligence chief, Al-Burhan discussed regional developments and bilateral relations after Sudanese forces regained key areas in Khartoum from the Rapid Support Forces. Meanwhile, Sudan’s legal delegation accused the United Arab Emirates of violating the Genocide Convention at the International Court of Justice, alleging that Emirati arms were used in attacks on the Masalit ethnic group in Darfur in 2023. The UAE dismissed the claims as politically motivated. A final judgment may take years.
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