★SYRIA
U.S. Withdraws 600 Troops, Leaves 1,400 in Syria
The U.S. will withdraw approximately 600 troops from Syria, reducing its military presence to 1,400 personnel. The remaining forces will continue operations with Kurdish allies to counter the Islamic State group. The U.S. previously raised its troop levels to over 2,000 after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack in Israel, responding to threats from Iranian-backed militias targeting American forces in the region. The withdrawal returns troop numbers to levels maintained in prior years during the campaign to defeat ISIS. U.S. troops in Syria have also helped prevent weapons trafficking by Iranian-aligned groups through southern Syria. The reduction has not been officially announced; details were provided by a U.S. official on condition of anonymity.
Julani Fooled U.S. With Fake ID During Iraq Detention
Leaked documents circulated by Iranian-linked sources allege Syria’s self-proclaimed president Abu Mohamad al Julani, aka (Ahmad Al Sharaa), was held by U.S. forces in Iraq from 2005 to 2011 under a false identity at Camp Bucca and Camp Taji. Julani fooled the U.S. by using a fabricated Iraqi Shiite identity, supported by photos in the leaked documents, to avoid detection and remain in custody under a false name. Detained under Article 4 – Terrorism, he was released due to lack of evidence two weeks before Syria’s uprising began.
Julani Meets Iraqi Prime Minister in Qatar With Emir’s Mediation
Self-proclaimed president of Syria, Abu Mohamad al Julani, aka (Ahmed al-Sharaa) met Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in Doha under the auspices of Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The leaders discussed deepening bilateral ties, boosting border security coordination, and rejecting foreign interference. The meeting marked a step toward balanced Arab cooperation amid regional instability and shared threats.
Israel’s Destruction of Syrian Forests Sparks Economic and Environmental Alarms
Israeli forces have razed forests across Syria’s Quneitra province, including the Koudna and Taranja forests, disrupting ecosystems and threatening livelihoods. Bulldozers uprooted rare trees and blocked farmers’ access, with damages estimated at $103 million. Israel also restricted access to vital water dams, deepening fears of agricultural collapse. The incursions follow Israel’s declared nullification of the 1974 disengagement deal.
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★ IRAN
Iran Proposes Nuclear Deal; Trump Demands Full Shutdown, Delays Strike
Iran offered a three-phase deal to cap uranium enrichment at 3.67% and lift U.S. sanctions. The plan includes moving enriched uranium to a third country and allowing full UN inspections. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff welcomed the offer at first, but later said Trump wants Iran to fully shut down enrichment and weaponization. Trump confirmed he delayed an Israeli strike but warned he won’t accept partial limits. Congress threatened to block any deal that keeps Iran’s enrichment. Iran International reported Khamenei approved talks to buy time and rebuild missile systems hit by Israeli airstrikes. Iran doubled its 60% uranium stockpile and plans to boost ore output. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi warned that the U.S. and Iran are running out of time. Araghchi met with Witkoff face-to-face despite denying direct talks. Iran demanded that the next meeting be moved from Rome to Oman, fearing protests and a possible encounter with VP Vance. Khamenei sent Putin a message Thursday as signs grew that Iran may accept direct negotiations.
Iran Displays Drone Arsenal, Missile Systems in Army Parade
The military showcased infantry, mechanized, air, naval, and air defense units. A parade attended by Iran’s president, Pezeshkian, began with a drone exhibition featuring Arash, Karrar, Amin, Sadeq, Mohajer-6, Ababil-5, and Kaman-12 UAVs, followed by ground displays of tanks, armored vehicles, artillery, and the Fath 360 missile system. Airborne troops conducted live demonstrations over the site. Iran’s Air Defense Force exhibited its radar systems and missile platforms, including the S-300 and locally produced systems. The Navy and Air Force also presented their capabilities. President Pezeshkian said Iran’s army enables confident diplomacy and self-reliant defense across land, air, and sea, praising its crisis response and role in national strength.
Khamenei Receives Hand-Written Letter from Saudi Arabia’s King via Visit
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman visited Tehran on April 18, delivering a written message from King Salman to Khamenei. The message emphasized Riyadh’s interest in expanding diplomatic normalization, stabilizing the region, and pursuing economic cooperation. It included proposals for a joint Gulf security mechanism, de-escalation in Syria and Yemen, and coordination on energy infrastructure and production. The visit follows recent U.S.–Iran talks in Oman and signals Saudi Arabia’s intent to influence the region’s post-conflict landscape and ensure its role in shaping any new balance of power.
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★YEMEN
U.S. Airstrikes Hit Houthis, Al-Qaeda, Iran-Linked Targets
The United States launched nine coordinated airstrikes across Yemen, targeting Houthi military and economic infrastructure in Al-Bayda, Sanaa, and the strategic Ras Issa fuel port. The U.S. Central Command confirmed the destruction of the fuel terminal to disrupt Houthi financing and arms smuggling. Reports from Houthi media allege civilian areas were hit, with at least 38 people killed and 102 injured in Ras Issa alone. In Al-Bayda, stealth bombers struck a major Houthi command center atop Mount Ali. Concurrently, the U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on the International Bank of Yemen for facilitating financial networks linked to Iran-backed militants. Intelligence findings reveal a growing alliance between the Houthis and Al-Qaeda, coordinated by top Houthi leadership and backed by Tehran. The U.S. also accused China’s Chang Guang Satellite Technology Company of supplying satellite data used by the Houthis to target ships in the Red Sea, escalating concerns of foreign-backed regional destabilization.
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★ ISRAEL
Israeli Foreign Minister Cuts UK Visit Short During War Crimes Allegations
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar abruptly left the UK after lawyers filed for his arrest over Gaza war crimes, including his role in the siege of Kamal Adwan Hospital. The complaint, submitted by GLAN and the HRF, accuses Sa’ar of overseeing policies linked to civilian deaths. UK officials confirmed a private meeting with Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
Hamas Rejects Israeli Ceasefire Deal, Demands Full War Termination
Hamas rejected Israel’s 45-day ceasefire offer, refusing any deal that excludes a complete end and IDF withdrawal. The proposal included hostage and prisoner exchanges and humanitarian aid. Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya condemned Netanyahu’s “partial deals,” asserting readiness for a full hostage-prisoner swap. Israeli hardliners vowed intensified military pressure, deepening the conflict’s political and humanitarian toll.
Israeli Strikes Kill Dozens Across Gaza, Elite Israelis Protest War
Israeli airstrikes on Gaza’s Jabalia refugee camp killed at least six inside a UN-run school, while broader bombardments left 40 Palestinians dead and 73 injured in 24 hours. Strikes in Al-Mawasi and Khan Younis reportedly killed 25 displaced civilians, mostly women and children. Israel claimed responsibility for killing Hamas smuggling head Yahya Abu Shaar and Islamic Jihad commander Mazen Farah, also targeting 110 sites, including a Hamas command center in a school. Meanwhile, Israel introduced a pre-alert system for missile threats from Iran and Yemen, aiming to reduce civilian panic. Domestically, over 3,000 elite Israelis —including ex-military, Mossad chiefs, and academics—signed petitions demanding an end to the war and immediate return of hostages, signaling growing dissent within Israel’s top ranks.
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★ LEBANON
Israel Targets Hezbollah Commanders as Lebanon Begins Disarmament
Israel confirmed the killing of Hezbollah commander Abdel Nabi Hijazi in a drone strike on Blida, alongside the dismantling of an Israeli spy device and additional strikes on southern villages, causing casualties. Israel accused Hezbollah of using civilian infrastructure for military purposes. Meanwhile, Lebanon launched a broad disarmament effort, with 400 Hezbollah commanders relocated to South American countries. President Joseph Aoun confirmed ongoing arms seizures and tunnel closures through dialogue. The Lebanese army also removed Hezbollah and Iranian symbols from Beirut, signaling a shift toward exclusive state control over weapons. However, Hezbollah’s deep influence remains a major challenge.
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★ THE GULF
Qatar Accuses Israel of Truce Breach, Netanyahu Responds
Qatari Emir accused Israel of violating the Gaza ceasefire during talks with Putin in Moscow, reaffirming Qatar’s mediation efforts to ease Palestinian suffering. Israel resumed its offensive in March after talks failed. In response, Netanyahu accused Qatar of fueling anti-Israel sentiment on U.S. campuses through funding, Hamas ties, and Al-Jazeera, urging it to clarify its stance while praising Trump’s pro-Israel policies.
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★ EGYPT
China and Egypt Launch First Joint Air Drill, Signaling Regional Shift
China and Egypt began their first joint air drill, “Eagle of Civilization 2025,” running mid-April to early May, highlighting growing military ties. The exercise includes combat flight operations and tactical training. Experts say it boosts regional deterrence, marks China’s strategic Middle East entry, and sends signals to rivals like Israel amid Egypt’s firm stance on Palestinian statehood.
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★ IRAQ
Iraq to Continue Importing Iranian and Gulf Gas Despite U.S. Pressure
Iraq’s Oil and Gas Committee confirmed that the country will import gas from Iran and the Gulf via a new floating platform. MP Adnan Al-Jabri said maritime imports will support electricity demands during summer. Despite U.S. sanctions opposing Iranian gas purchases, Baghdad continues to make deals under Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Sudani, fueling criticism over financial support for Tehran.
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★ TÜRKIYE
Ozil Launches Signature Campaign to Delegitimize Erdogan, Free Imamoglu
Turkish opposition leader Ozgur Ozil accused prosecutors of coercing witnesses in the corruption case against Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and urged immediate disclosure of the indictment. Visiting Imamoglu in prison, Ozil cited financial crimes documents and criticized Erdogan’s legitimacy, citing over 10 million signatures demanding early elections. Weekly rallies continue nationwide. Meanwhile, Ankara and Athens clash over maritime jurisdiction in the Aegean and Mediterranean.
Türkiye Blocks Black Sea Straits Until Russia-Ukraine Peace Deal Signed
Türkiye will maintain its closure of the Black Sea to military vessels until a Russia-Ukraine peace agreement is reached, reaffirmed during a 21-nation security summit it hosted without Russia. Türkiye leads post-war maritime security planning and enforces the Montreux Convention. Ankara also clarified that Syria talks with Israel in Baku aim at military deconfliction, not normalization.
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