★ TÜRKIYE
Türkiye Expands Influence In Africa Through Mediation And Military Partnerships
Türkiye is accelerating efforts to expand its influence in Africa by mediating regional disputes and forming military partnerships. At the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in April, leaders from Somalia and Côte d’Ivoire praised Ankara’s role. Türkiye helped broker peace between Somalia and Ethiopia and signed defense deals with several African states, boosting arms exports and regional trust.
Istanbul Court Upholds Detention Of Former Mayor Over Corruption Charges
A Turkish court upheld the detention of former Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu, rejecting his legal team’s request for release. Imamoğlu, arrested in March, faces charges of leading a criminal organization accused of bribery, data theft, and rigging public tenders. His aide Murat Ongun and 98 others are also implicated. The former mayor remains in Silivri prison with no trial date set, while the opposition CHP continues nationwide protests. Concurrently, an official report revealed that Istanbul’s debt soared to $6.94 billion during Imamoğlu’s six-year tenure, marking a ninefold increase since 2019. Funds were allegedly misallocated to events and advertising.
Türkiye Backs Syria’s Defense Build-Up And Regional Security Plan
The Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler reaffirmed Türkiye’s support for building Syria’s security and defense capacities and maintaining its war on terrorism. He backed forming a regional Joint Operations Center with Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon. Türkiye also monitors the Syria–SDF agreement and welcomed the appointment of Turkish-backed commander Fahim Isa as Syria’s deputy defense minister.
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★ IRAN
Araqchi to Visit Moscow Ahead of Second Round of Muscat Talks
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi will visit Moscow this week to coordinate before the second round of indirect nuclear talks with the U.S. in Muscat on April 19. The trip follows a successful first round in Muscat, mediated by Oman. Iran reaffirmed its commitment to the 2015 nuclear deal, stating that it remains legally valid and in effect.
EU and UK Impose New Sanctions Targeting Iran’s Hostile Activities
The EU sanctioned seven Iranian individuals and two entities, including Evin and Shiraz prisons, over detaining European citizens, accusing Tehran of “hostage diplomacy.” Concurrently, the UK imposed sanctions on the Foxtrot Network and its leader, Rawa Majid, for serious organized crime linked to Iran-backed actions targeting Israeli interests. Both moves reflect escalating Western pressure against Iran’s regional and extraterritorial threats.
Iran And Turkey To Establish Joint Free Trade Zone
Iran and Turkey will form a joint free trade zone to resolve stalled investment issues and enhance regional cooperation, according to Iran’s Free Zones Council. A joint working group and July investor forum are planned, with parallel feasibility studies for similar zones in Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan. Iran urged swift reforms and local community engagement to boost investor confidence.
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★SYRIA
UAE And Syria Resume Air Travel Following Presidential Talks
The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority announced the resumption of flights with Syria, signaling strengthened economic and transport ties. The move follows a high-level meeting in Abu Dhabi between UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed and Syrian President Abu Mohammed al-Jolani (Ahmad al-Shara), where both leaders discussed bilateral issues and developments in Syria. Operational preparations for flights are currently underway.
Saudi Arabia Plans to Pay Syria’s $15 Million Debt to World Bank
Saudi Arabia intends to settle Syria’s $15 million debt to the World Bank, which could unlock millions in grants for reconstruction and public sector support. This marks Saudi Arabia’s first financial action for Syria since December, indicating growing Gulf support. Gulf-backed initiatives, including Qatar’s energy aid, persist despite prior setbacks due to U.S. sanctions.
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★YEMEN
U.S. Airstrikes Intensify As Yemen Conflict Escalates Toward Hodeidah Battle
U.S. forces launched a series of powerful airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen’s Al-Jawf and Marib provinces, striking key military infrastructure in Al-Jahf, Juba, and Majzar. The Houthis reported 15 strikes in Marib alone, with civilian casualties rising to 123 dead and 247 injured since mid-March. Simultaneously, Yemen’s internationally recognized government is mobilizing 80,000 troops for a major offensive to reclaim Hodeidah, a strategic port city, as Emirati outlets report that U.S.-backed strikes have eliminated senior Houthi figures. Meanwhile, 50% of Houthi missiles reportedly failed mid-air or were intercepted by U.S.-Israeli systems such as THAAD and Arrow 3, highlighting successful regional coordination. The developments point to a significant turning point in the Yemen war and signal a potential advance toward the Houthi-held capital, Sana’a.
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★ ISRAEL
Hamas Rejects Egyptian Disarmament Plan, Signals Openness to U.S.-Brokered Ceasefire
Hamas rejected an Egyptian ceasefire proposal that included disarmament, calling it a “red line,” and instead emphasized the need for a permanent Israeli withdrawal and end to the war in Gaza. The group is reportedly open to releasing U.S.-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander as a goodwill gesture, contingent on a framework agreement possibly announced by Donald Trump. Talks also involve phased hostage releases and a 45-day truce, with Hamas demanding U.S. guarantees and a second phase ending the war. Despite no breakthrough in Cairo, Hamas signaled flexibility if a full ceasefire is assured.
U.S. Approves Expanded Arms Packages To Support Israel’s Gaza, Iran Operations
The U.S. approved major arms transfers to Israel, including over 3,000 munitions and Eitan Powerpack engines worth $180 million, as Israel resumes operations in Gaza and eyes Iran. These shipments, part of a $7.41 billion package, include JDAM kits, Hellfire missiles, and smart bombs. Deliveries begin in 2025, with U.S. firms like Rolls-Royce Solutions supplying equipment.
- EU Announces $1.8 Billion Aid Package to Support Palestinians
The European Union unveiled a €1.6 billion ($1.8 billion) aid package to support Palestinians through 2027, aiming to stabilize Gaza and the West Bank and strengthen the Palestinian Authority. The plan includes grants, loans, and economic recovery projects, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasizing that lasting peace requires accountability and an end to Gaza’s aid blockade.
- Thirteen Killed In Gaza As Israeli Strikes Escalate Combat
Thirteen Palestinians, including displaced civilians in Khan Younis, were killed Monday by Israeli airstrikes targeting tent shelters. In Gaza City’s Al-Tuffah neighborhood, six family members died when their home was hit, with bodies retrieved from the rubble. The Israeli army also eliminated Hamza Asafeh, a Nukhba fighter linked to the October 7 attack. Meanwhile, clashes intensified in Shujaiya, where Hamas ambushed Israeli forces, and Islamic Jihad released footage of a sniper targeting a Givati Brigade soldier. Israel’s death toll in Gaza has exceeded 50,983. Internally, dissent grew as 150 Golani Brigade troops joined protests demanding hostage release, urging an end to the war. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir warned of severe manpower shortages, citing collapsing reservist turnout and stressing that military action alone cannot achieve victory without a political strategy to replace Hamas.
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★ THE GULF
Prince Faisal bin Farhan Discusses Regional Developments with Al-Shaibani and Araqchi
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan spoke with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on Monday to discuss regional developments and ongoing efforts in the area. During the calls, Prince Faisal reviewed bilateral relations with Syria and exchanged views on regional issues.
Saudi Envoy Makes ‘Discreet’ Visit to Beirut, Discusses Hezbollah Weapons
Saudi Arabia’s envoy to Lebanon, Yazid Bin Farhan, met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Sunday to discuss Hezbollah’s weapons, Lebanon’s ties with Syria, and stalled domestic reforms. The discreet meeting, held in Baabda Palace, was not officially reported. Bin Farhan is also scheduled to meet Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, with Saudi Arabia regaining interest in Lebanon amid shifting political dynamics.
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★ EGYPT
Qatari-Egyptian Summit in Doha Promotes Gaza Ceasefire and Investment Plan
Qatar and Egypt have reaffirmed their commitment to the Palestinian cause and outlined a plan for sustainable peace in Gaza. In a meeting between Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Doha, both leaders called for a ceasefire in Gaza and underscored the need for a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Additionally, they announced a $7.5 billion investment package to support Gaza’s reconstruction and Palestinian reconciliation efforts. The investment is part of a broader push for stability and peace, with an international conference on Gaza’s rebuilding expected to be held in Egypt.
Egyptian Parliament Acts on Israeli Violations Threatening Camp David Treaty
Egyptian parliament moves to address Israeli violations of the 1979 peace treaty, citing escalated tensions. Lawmaker Mustafa Bakri raised concerns over Israel’s actions, including military operations in Gaza and occupation of the Philadelphi Corridor, violating the Camp David Accords. Bakri plans to present evidence of Israel’s violations, while Egypt strengthens its military presence in Sinai amid fears of Israeli plans to forcibly resettle Palestinians.
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