★ LEBANON
Jordan And Lebanon Crack Down On Hamas Operatives In Joint Raids
Jordan and Lebanon arrested Hamas-linked operatives accused of planning attacks and storing missiles, in a joint effort reflecting regional pressure to dismantle Palestinian resistance networks. Jordan’s intelligence operation uncovered a Lebanon-based Hamas-trained cell tied to a missile plot and drone production with foreign support. Beirut detained dozens, including two Palestinians and a Lebanese accused of firing rockets at Israel. Hamas publicly pledged compliance with Lebanese law, but analysts see the crackdown as aligned with U.S.-Israeli-backed efforts, echoing Syria’s recent security campaign. Israeli airstrikes simultaneously targeted Hezbollah operatives in southern Lebanon, killing two. Lebanon’s president distanced Hezbollah from the rocket fire that occurred last March and ordered a full investigation.
Qatar Grants $60 Million and 162 Vehicles to Lebanese Army
Qatar renewed a $60 million grant and donated 162 military vehicles to support the Lebanese army’s border control and stability efforts. Emir Tamim and President Joseph Aoun discussed economic cooperation, peace efforts, and regional de-escalation in Doha. Both sides emphasized implementing Resolution 1701, supporting Palestinian rights, and strengthening bilateral investment and security partnerships across Lebanese territory.
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★ IRAN
IAEA Warns Iran Near Bomb As Rome Nuclear Talks Loom
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi warned that Iran is “not far” from producing a nuclear weapon, urging transparent oversight during his Tehran visit. As nuclear negotiations resume in Rome under Omani mediation, Iran declared uranium enrichment “non-negotiable,” rebuffing U.S. calls to dismantle its program. Iranian FM Araghchi condemned Washington’s shifting stance, while President Pezeshkian accepted the resignation of former FM Zarif, pressured by judiciary figures. Meanwhile, Trump halted a planned Israeli strike on Iran, preferring diplomacy but warning military options remain. Concurrently, the U.S. imposed new sanctions on Iranian shipping and oil networks, and the UK sanctioned a Swedish gang tied to Iran over attacks on Jewish targets. Iran signaled openness to a deal if Washington adopted a constructive tone but insisted on retaining its nuclear rights. The outcome of the Rome talks could reshape regional dynamics and global security measures.
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★SYRIA
Syrian Interior Minister Claims Foiled Coup Plot by Former Regime Officers
Interior Minister Anas Hassan Khattab announced Syrian forces foiled a coup attempt by ex-regime officers on March 6 in the coastal region. He confirmed the plot is over and attributed its failure to security forces and public support. The statement follows Khattab’s appointment in Abu Mohammad al-Julani’s new government and outlines upcoming ministry coordination efforts.
No U.S. Troop Withdrawal From Northeast Syria, Military Activity Intensifies
Despite reports of a gradual U.S. withdrawal from Syria, no troops have been removed from the northeast. American bases remain unchanged, with large convoys—over 100 trucks—arriving last week. Officials confirmed possible troop reductions but stressed no final decisions. The U.S. continues to reinforce forces in the region, raising questions about future operations during regional tensions.
Syria, World Bank Discuss Sanctions Relief and Financial Transfer Reforms
The Syrian government met with a World Bank delegation in Damascus to discuss easing economic sanctions and improving financial transfers. Backed by key ministries and the central bank, talks focused on a joint roadmap for recovery, following recent U.S. and EU steps to relax restrictions. A major coordination meeting is expected later in April to advance targeted support programs.
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★YEMEN
U.S. Launches Unprecedented Air Campaign Against Houthis After Aden Attack
Following an armed assault near Aden’s eastern coast, the United States escalated its military response, launching over 450 airstrikes since mid-March against Houthi targets across Yemen. The recent wave, over 50 strikes in one night, marks the heaviest U.S. bombardment. Targets included Sanaa’s Al-Hafa camp and strategic sites in Saada, Al-Nahdain, and Manakha. The campaign aims to dismantle Houthi weapons infrastructure and sever Iranian arms routes. U.S. Ambassador Stephen Fagin confirmed the strikes intend to degrade the group’s capabilities and reestablish maritime safety in the Red Sea. The Houthis, designated a terrorist group by Washington, vowed retaliation and arrested 63 soldiers in Sanaa for alleged espionage, intensifying fears of internal crackdowns. Meanwhile, the UAE denied any coordination with the U.S. on a potential ground invasion, rejecting media reports of joint planning. The sustained American offensive reflects rising urgency to counter Houthi threats and safeguard international shipping lanes.
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★ ISRAEL
Massive U.S. Airlift Delivers Heavy Weaponry to Israel During Tensions
A major U.S. airlift delivered MK-84 bombs, THAAD interceptors, and bunker-buster munitions to Israel via dozens of aircraft landing at Nevatim Airbase. The shipments, originating from U.S. bases in Europe and the Middle East, come during nuclear talks with Iran. The delivery, previously frozen by the Biden administration, resumed under Trump, signaling preparation for possible escalation with Tehran.
Al-Qassam, Islamic Jihad Strike Israeli Forces as Protests Erupt in Gaza
Palestinian factions escalated attacks on Israeli forces in Gaza, with Al-Qassam Brigades targeting three Merkava tanks near Al-Wafa Hospital using Yassin-105 shells. Islamic Jihad’s Al-Quds Brigades launched rockets at Israeli troops near the Netzarim axis and seized two Israeli quadcopters, releasing footage of the April 12 operation. Simultaneously, a video of Israeli captive Baron Barslavsky emerged, pleading for a hostage deal and condemning Netanyahu, Ben Gvir, and Trump for abandonment. Hamas rejected Israel’s latest ceasefire proposal, refusing disarmament and insisting on a full withdrawal and aid access. During this, rare public protests erupted in Beit Lahiya demanding peace and an end to Hamas rule. Financially, Hamas is reportedly struggling to pay fighters due to Israeli operations halting its revenue sources from seized aid.
Israeli Drone Strike Kills 15 in Khan Younis, Gaza Aid Blocked
An Israeli drone strike killed at least 15 Palestinians in tents for displaced persons in Khan Younis, severely burning victims’ bodies. Additional airstrikes on Deir al-Balah left five more dead. Since October 2023, over 51,000 Palestinians have died. Israel reaffirmed a total blockade on humanitarian aid to Gaza, worsening famine risks for 2.4 million people. The Israeli military has delayed a full offensive in Gaza to avoid disrupting hostage negotiations but continues strategic strikes, killing 350 militants and hitting 1,200 targets since March 18. Buffer zones now span 30% of Gaza. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant vowed an indefinite Israeli military presence across Gaza, southern Lebanon, and Syria, drawing international criticism and threatening ceasefire efforts.
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★ IRAQ
Iraq Invites Syrian Leader in Bid to Strengthen Regional Ties
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani invited Abu Muhammad al-Jolani (Ahmad al-Shara) to attend the upcoming Arab Summit in Baghdad, signaling a clear push to restore full political engagement with Damascus. Al Sudani underscored Iraq’s neutral stance and stressed the importance of Syria’s presence, framing the summit as a platform for renewed Arab cooperation on security and economic challenges.
Iraq Summons Lebanese Envoy Over Aoun’s Criticism of PMF
Iraq summoned Lebanon’s ambassador after President Joseph Aoun rejected adopting Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces model, calling it unsuitable for Lebanon. Baghdad condemned the remarks as inappropriate, stressing the PMF’s official status within Iraq’s military. Iraq urged a clarification to preserve bilateral ties, while Lebanon reiterated appreciation for Iraq’s support and pledged to convey the concerns.
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★ TÜRKIYE
Four Turkic-Origin States Reject Northern Cyprus Recognition in Exchange for EU Investments
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan agreed not to recognize Turkish Cyprus in exchange for €12 billion in EU investments.” The deal aligns them with UN Resolutions 541 and 550, declaring only Greek Cyprus legitimate. The agreement calls Turkish military presence in Cyprus “occupation” and labels Turkish-Cypriot diplomatic ties “illegal,” weakening Ankara’s global stance on Cyprus, Turkey sharply criticized this stance, describing it as a “betrayal” and a “diplomatic failure”.
Turkey and Israel Sustain Talks to Prevent Syria Clashes
Israel and Turkey continue high-level communications to avoid military friction over Syria despite failed talks in Azerbaijan last week. Israeli officials stress regular coordination to prevent unintended conflict, noting Ankara’s private disinterest in confrontation. Israel opposes Turkish bases in Syria, especially in Palmyra, citing regional security risks and ongoing military operations to counter hostile forces.
Turkey Expands Influence in Eastern Libya with Haftar Military Deal
Turkey agreed to train and equip Libya’s eastern forces, including drone supply and military infrastructure upgrades, during talks with General Haftar. Concurrently, President Erdoğan met Tripoli’s PM Dbeibah, signaling Ankara’s dual-track approach. Turkey aims to support a U.S.-backed plan for joint east-west border forces, counter Russian influence, and secure energy interests in Haftar-controlled areas.
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★ THE GULF
Qatar’s Emir Visits Moscow to Discuss Ukraine and Regional Crises
Emir Tamim bin Hamad arrived in Moscow to meet President Putin, focusing on Ukraine and key regional issues. Accompanied by Qatar’s Prime Minister, the visit underscores Doha’s diplomatic engagement and interest in deepening bilateral ties, especially in energy. Both sides praised Qatar’s mediation role and humanitarian efforts, including reuniting families separated by the Ukraine conflict.
Qatar’s LNG Exports to EU Surge by 13.7% in Early 2025
Qatar’s liquefied natural gas exports to the EU rose 13.7% in Q1 2025, reaching 2.65 million tons. This increase reinforces Qatar’s role as a key energy supplier during Europe’s diversification drive. The U.S. remained the top exporter, while EU LNG imports overall rose 11.5% year-on-year to 25.46 million tons despite a Russian export decline.
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★ EGYPT
Red Sea Crisis Halves Suez Canal Traffic, Costs Egypt $7 Billion
Suez Canal revenues dropped by $7 billion last year as ship traffic fell 50% due to Red Sea attacks. Chairman Osama Rabie blamed ongoing Houthi threats and predicted full recovery by year’s end. Egypt added emergency maritime services and logistics incentives while urging global action to ease regional tensions and protect 12% of global trade.
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