★ IRAN
Khamenei Rejects Concessions as U.S.-Iran Nuclear Standoff Deepens
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei cautioned against overreliance on talks with the United States, stressing internal independence ahead of a second round of nuclear negotiations in Oman. While confirming progress, Khamenei warned that the process might fail. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard reinforced that military capabilities and regional proxy alliances are off-limits. As tensions rise, Iran showcased drone and missile strength linked to its April strike on Israel, while Prime Minister Netanyahu accused Iran of deception. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff’s controversial remarks on uranium limits drew bipartisan criticism, with Iran maintaining its 60% enrichment and rejecting the foreign transfer of its stockpile. The U.S. deployed the USS Carl Vinson to the region, heightening pressure before talks resume. President Trump repeatedly threatened military action should diplomacy falter, underlining the fragile path ahead.
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★SYRIA
Qatar and Syria Leaders Discuss Political and Diplomatic Cooperation
Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Than,i met Syrian President Abu Mohammad al-Jolani (Ahmad al-Sharaa) in Doha to enhance bilateral relations, particularly in the political and diplomatic sectors. The leaders discussed regional and global developments and emphasized boosting security and stability. This marks al-Jolani’s first visit to Qatar following Sheikh Tamim’s January trip to Damascus to congratulate him on his presidency.
US Plans Major Troop Reduction In Syria, Israel Objects
The US military plans to cut its 2,000-strong troop presence in Syria by half within two months, prompting Israeli efforts to limit the withdrawal. Israel fears the drawdown will embolden Turkey’s ambitions in Syria. While the Pentagon updates Israel, Internal US debate continues over the scale of the cut during broader regional force deployments and limited engagement with Syria’s new government.
Continued Sectarian Violence Displaces Syrian Alawite Communities
Over 1,700 Alawite civilians were killed in revenge attacks last month, with at least 42 additional sectarian murders reported since Eid al-Fitr. Syria’s coastal areas remain volatile as harassment and targeted violence continue. An estimated 30,000 Alawites have sought refuge in Lebanon. The Syrian authorities faces mounting demands to protect minorities and ensure accountability. Despite reports, sources denied Russian military patrols in Latakia and Tartous. Security tensions persist, with a fact-finding committee extending its investigation. Displaced civilians at Hmeimim airbase are being urged to return, raising safety concerns and forced repatriation.
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★YEMEN
U.S. Escalates Yemen Strikes As Local Forces Eye Coastal Advance
The United States launched its fiercest air campaign in Yemen, striking Houthi targets with 15 powerful airstrikes, particularly in Bayda’s Al-Zaher district, hitting missile sites and militant gatherings. Additional U.S. raids targeted Kamaran Island in Hodeidah and command centers in Marib and Jawf. The campaign, aimed at stopping Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, has killed dozens since March 15. As Houthi’s capabilities weaken, southern Yemeni factions—backed by the UAE and advised by U.S. security firms—are preparing a ground offensive to retake Red Sea coastlines, including Hodeidah. Washington supports the move but will not lead it, while Saudi Arabia has declined to join over security concerns. Meanwhile, ex-Qaeda figure Abu Omar al-Nahdi launched a political movement in Hadramout, pledging reform and national unity.
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★ ISRAEL
Hamas Loses Contact With Hostage Cell, Gaza Toll Surges
Hamas announced it had lost contact with the Gaza-based unit holding Israeli-American soldier Idan Alexander after an Israeli airstrike on the location. Alexander, kidnapped since October 7, recently appeared in a video pleading for help. Hamas accused Israel of deliberately targeting dual-nationality hostages. Meanwhile, Islamic Jihad’s al-Quds Brigades claimed responsibility for a tank explosion in Shujaiya. Israeli retaliatory strikes killed one and wounded 10 in Khan Younis. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported 51,000 deaths and 116,343 injuries since the war began, including 17 dead in 24 hours. During this, Hamas launched a global campaign dubbed “Gaza Is Calling You,” urging protests and strikes to condemn the blockade and U.S. support. UN agencies warned of escalating famine, disease, and the displacement of 400,000 people since mid-March.
Israel Expands Gaza Control, Deploys AI, Faces Military Pressure
Israel confirmed the elimination of Mahmud Ibrahim Hasan Abu Hisirah, a senior Hamas commander involved in the 2014 Nahal Oz tunnel attack and planning for October 7. Meanwhile, Israel deployed an AI chatbot, “Genie,” to generate battlefield insights, prompting concerns about automation in lethal operations. An Israeli jet also accidentally dropped a bomb near the Nir Yitzhak settlement; no injuries were reported. Prime Minister Netanyahu visited northern Gaza, vowing continued strikes after new combat plans were approved. Israel now controls over 30% of Gaza and is establishing buffer zones. Over 200 Israeli Navy commandos urged Netanyahu to prioritize hostage deals, joining air force reservists warning that the war now serves political purposes.
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★ IRAQ
Iraq’s 2025 Elections Feature Fragmented Blocs And New Alliances
Iraq’s political landscape ahead of the October 2025 elections shows fractured Shiite and Sunni blocs, with Kurds pushing to revive a unified front. The electoral map includes at least seven Shiite lists, four main Sunni leaders, and ongoing Kurdish negotiations. The election commission has registered 66 alliances and 326 parties, while legal amendments remain contested across blocs.
Iraq Receives 200 ISIS Detainees From SDF Under January Agreement
Under a January 11 agreement, Iraq’s security services coordinated with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to receive 200 ISIS detainees alongside the 19th to 21st convoys of militant families. Iraq has now repatriated 24 convoys from the al-Hol camp, totaling over 13,000 individuals. The detainees were transferred to Baghdad, while families underwent rehabilitation at Jadaa Camp in Nineveh.
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★ TÜRKIYE
Erdoğan Vows Türkiye And Syria Will Block Any Partition Plan
Türkiye and Syria will jointly resist any attempt to divide Syria, President Erdoğan said, vowing Ankara’s support for Damascus against threats to territorial integrity. He ruled out a return to pre–December 8 conditions and hailed the Antalya Diplomacy Forum as a platform for Türkiye’s regional stance. He also addressed food security after severe weather and criticized opposition ties to Western media.
Türkiye’s Budget Deficit Shrinks to $7 Billion in March
Türkiye’s central government budget deficit narrowed to 261.4 billion lira ($7 billion) in March, down from 301.1 billion lira ($8.4 billion) in February, despite a 25.1% year-on-year increase. March revenues reached 766.26 billion lira ($20.6 billion), while spending totaled 1.02 trillion lira ($27.6 billion). Q1 figures showed a $19.5 billion deficit with $66.3 billion in revenue and $85.7 billion in expenditures.
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★ JORDAN
Jordan Foils Muslim Brotherhood Rocket and Drone Attack Plot
Jordanian authorities thwarted a plot by 16 Muslim Brotherhood-linked suspects to launch rocket and drone attacks within the kingdom, claiming that it had been in preparation since 2021. The suspects were reportedly trained and financed in Lebanon. Security forces seized weapons and aerial systems, marking one of the most serious internal threats in years during heightened regional instability.
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★ LEBANON
Lebanese President Seeks Qatari Help to Disarm Hezbollah
President Joseph Aoun arrived in Qatar to secure support for restoring Lebanese state sovereignty and limiting weapons to official institutions. His visit aligns with Qatari-French consultations on Lebanon. Aoun revealed a strategic plan to disarm Hezbollah through peaceful dialogue, offering integration of its fighters into the Lebanese army. He stressed the growing strength of national military authority and dismissed the idea of normalization with Israel. Aoun criticized Israeli troop presence in disputed areas for hindering disarmament and welcomed French assistance in resolving the Shebaa Farms border disputes. He called for Arab and global backing to stabilize Lebanon and revive trust in its governance.
Israel Kills Hezbollah Commander in Drone Strike on Southern Lebanon
An Israeli drone strike killed a Hezbollah commander and injured three, including a child, in Aitaroun, southern Lebanon. The drone fired three missiles at a vehicle, according to Lebanese sources. The attack is part of ongoing Israeli violations of UN Resolution 1701, during daily strikes that have killed over 125 civilians since the November ceasefire.
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★ THE GULF
Trump, Oman’s Sultan Discuss Iran Talks as U.S. Sets Terms
President Trump called Sultan Haitham of Oman to support U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations, following positive initial talks hosted by Oman. Trump reiterated that Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons and threatened military action absent a deal. Envoy Steve Witkoff stressed any agreement must dismantle Iran’s nuclear program and ensure lasting Middle East stability, while Russia declined to comment on uranium stockpile proposals.
Israel and UAE Ratify New Strategic Economic Agreement
Israel and the UAE ratified a new strategic economic agreement to enhance customs cooperation and strengthen bilateral economic ties. Ambassador Yossi Shelley confirmed the deal following recent high-level diplomatic exchanges. The agreement builds on the 2023 comprehensive partnership and reflects deepening ties since the 2020 normalization, with numerous accords signed across economic and defense sectors.
Oman, Netherlands, and Germany Launch Global Hydrogen Export Corridor
Oman, the Netherlands, and Germany signed a joint development agreement to establish the world’s first commercial liquefied hydrogen export corridor linking Duqm, to the Port of Amsterdam and from there to strategic logistics centers in Germany, including the Port of Duisburg. During Sultan Haitham’s state visit to the Netherlands, three economic agreements were signed, including pipeline infrastructure and a partnership with Royal Vopak, positioning Oman as a global green hydrogen hub.
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★ EGYPT&NORTH AFRICA
Israel Downs Drone Smuggling Weapons from Egypt into Its Territory
The Israeli army intercepted a drone attempting to smuggle weapons from Egypt into the Varan Brigade area, recovering four firearms and ammunition. The drone was shot down, and the weapons were handed to Israeli police. Similar smuggling attempts from Egypt, including drones to Gaza, were previously thwarted with airstrikes targeting operatives retrieving downed drones.
RSF Declares Rival Sudan Government as Donors Reject Parallel Rule
RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo announced a “Peace and Unity Government” with a decentralized model and a 15-member council, marking three years of war. Meanwhile, a London conference pledged over $800 million in aid for Sudan, urging a ceasefire and rejecting parallel governments. Donors warned against Sudan’s fragmentation, while the official government condemned its exclusion and RSF’s legitimacy claims.
France Expels 12 Algerian Diplomats, Recalls Ambassador During Diplomatic Spat
President Macron expelled 12 Algerian consular and diplomatic staff and recalled France’s ambassador from Algiers, blaming Algeria for worsening ties. The move follows Algeria’s expulsion of 12 French diplomats after France detained an Algerian consulate worker accused of abducting a dissident. Paris urged Algeria to show responsibility and resume dialogue as tensions escalated rapidly.
U.S. Approves $825 Million Stinger Missile Deal with Morocco
The U.S. approved Morocco’s purchase of 600 Stinger missiles worth $825 million to boost short-range air defense and allied interoperability. The deal follows prior State Department approval and awaits final congressional consent. It reflects deepening U.S.-Morocco ties, especially after Washington recognized Rabat’s Western Sahara claims in 2020 and reaffirmed support for Moroccan autonomy.
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