★ IRAN
Iran Strengthens Regional Influence with Spaceport and Advanced Military Display
Iran is building a Chabahar spaceport to regain regional power, planning 20 satellite launches honoring Soleimani. The U.S. and Israel fear it may enhance missile capabilities. Russia backs the project; Western sanctions followed as nuclear talks stalled. Meanwhile, Iran displayed advanced defense systems at the Baghdad Security Expo 2025, joining 155 firms from 24 nations. Iraq’s Prime Minister called the event key to defense modernization, with emphasis on cybersecurity and military cooperation.
Iran and the U.S. Resume Nuclear Talks with Russian Support Proposal
The United States and Iran will hold expert-level nuclear talks on April 23 in Muscat, following earlier discussions in Rome. Iran maintains that uranium enrichment is non-negotiable and demands full sanctions relief, access to $100 billion in frozen assets, and firm guarantees. Meanwhile, the U.S. remains firm that Iran must not develop a nuclear weapon. Russia has offered to assist by storing Iran’s 60% enriched uranium if needed, signaling support for any eventual agreement. Iran’s foreign ministry urged cautious optimism, warning against premature judgments on negotiation outcomes. The resumption of negotiations in Rome has sparked criticism in Iran, with many Iranians viewing the talks as irrelevant to their daily lives and potentially benefiting only the leadership in Tehran. A significant portion of international communications to Iran reflects a widespread belief that any agreement would ultimately strengthen the Islamic Republic while providing no relief to the population struggling with economic hardship and political repression.
============
★ TÜRKIYE
Erdoğan Attacks Opposition as Istanbul Erupts Over Imamoglu and Gaza
During a hospital inauguration in Istanbul, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan lashed out at the opposition, accusing them of corruption and poor governance, while praising his administration’s development achievements, such as the Silvan Irrigation Tunnel. Simultaneously, violent clashes swept the city as students protested the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and the suppression of Gaza solidarity marches. Police blocked hundreds from advancing, resulting in injuries and arrests. Protesters accused the government of manipulating national tensions for political gain, denouncing university restrictions and rising authoritarianism. The twin unrest highlighted deepening political polarization and growing public unrest in Turkey’s largest city.
Türkiye’s Intelligence Chief, Hamas Leaders Discuss Gaza Aid and Cease-Fire Efforts
Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalın met Hamas political leader Mohammad Darwish in Türkiye to coordinate humanitarian aid to Gaza and support a lasting cease-fire. They condemned Israel’s blockade and alleged plans for population displacement. Kalın reaffirmed Türkiye’s opposition to occupation policies and pledged support for global efforts to halt the escalating humanitarian crisis.
Germany Blocks Eurofighter Jet Sale to Türkiye Over Imamoglu Arrest
Germany’s outgoing coalition government halted a Eurofighter jet deal with Türkiye in protest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu’s arrest, seen by critics as politically motivated. Despite efforts by Chancellor Olaf Scholz to advance the sale, internal opposition, especially from the Greens, blocked it. The deal’s fate now depends on Germany’s incoming CDU/CSU-led administration.
============
★SYRIA
Syria Seeks Sanctions Relief and Reconstruction Through International Cooperation
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani met U.S. Congressman Cory Mills to discuss security, economic recovery, and lifting sanctions, affirming Syria’s openness to dialogue. The UNDP pledged $1.3 billion over three years for reconstruction. Syria will also attend the IMF-World Bank spring meetings to boost international support.
Russia Reaffirms Syrian Military Presence, Sends Oil Amid Regional Talks
Russia confirmed its military presence in Syria while pursuing strategic dialogue with Damascus to sustain bilateral cooperation and access to Tartus and Hmeimim bases. President Putin reaffirmed respect for Syria’s sovereignty and emphasized preserving its territorial unity. Russian officials engaged regional actors to bolster stability across the Levant. Concurrently, a Russian crude oil shipment carrying one million barrels is en route to Syria, part of a broader effort to import seven million barrels for the Baniyas Refinery. The delivery, arriving within a week, seeks to compensate for reduced Iranian supplies and restore Syria’s refining capacity after months of disruption.
U.S. Builds Border Base as Israel Expands in Southern Syria
The U.S. is building a new military base in Kased near the Turkish-Syrian border, signaling repositioning rather than withdrawal. It proposed deploying the New Syrian Army along the border while maintaining its presence at Rmeilan airbase. Coordination is underway between U.S.-backed and Turkish-aligned forces to secure the Tishrin Dam. Simultaneously, Israel confirmed control of nine military sites in southern Syria and expanded 25 km into Syrian territory, violating the 1974 disengagement agreement.
============
★YEMEN
Houthi Fighters Down U.S. Drone, Recruit Migrants During Rising Tensions
Houthi fighters in Yemen downed a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone over Sana’a, marking their sixth drone strike in April and 21st since March. This came amid rising tensions as Houthi official Jamal Amer warned of a U.S. ground operation following deadly airstrikes on Ras Issa port that killed 80 and injured 150. Overall, Houthis claim 205 civilians have died in U.S. attacks. Simultaneously, reports emerged that Houthis are recruiting impoverished African migrants from four countries for combat, including cases of forced conscription. U.S. forces intensified operations, launching over 40 airstrikes in one night across Sana’a, Amran, Marib, and Kamaran Island, killing dozens. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed grave concern over civilian harm. Aircraft carriers USS Carl Vinson and USS Harry Truman are running 24/7 missions against Houthi targets. Meanwhile, villagers near Sana’a rejected Houthi-led protests against the U.S., leading to forced attendance by militants, reflecting growing local dissent.
============
★ ISRAEL
Israel Cancels Visas for 27 French Lawmakers During Diplomatic Rift
Israel revoked entry visas for 27 French left-wing lawmakers just two days before their planned visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories. The group, including members from France’s Ecologist and Communist parties, called the move “collective punishment” and urged President Macron to intervene. The cancellation follows France’s signals toward recognizing Palestinian statehood and rising diplomatic tensions.
Hamas Strikes Israeli Forces, Proposes Truce as Global Protests Surge
Hamas’s Al-Qassam Brigades launched the “Sword Breaker” ambush in northern Gaza, striking an Israeli military jeep and rescue team, killing one soldier—the first since March. Concurrently, footage emerged showing Hamas fighters destroying three Israeli tanks near Gaza City. Islamic Jihad’s Al-Quds Brigades also released a video of two Israeli drones captured over Shujaiya. In a separate broadcast, Israeli hostage Elkana Bohbot was seen pleading for rescue, intensifying pressure on stalled negotiations. A new truce proposal includes halting tunnel and weapons development, releasing all hostages, and relinquishing control of Gaza, but Israel rejected the offer. Meanwhile, mass protests erupted across global cities demanding a ceasefire, humanitarian access, and accountability for attacks on civilians. The situation remains volatile as diplomatic efforts stall and hostilities persist in Gaza’s buffer zones.
Eighteen Killed in Gaza Strikes as Hospitals Near Collapse
Israeli airstrikes killed 18 Palestinians in Gaza, including women and children, targeting homes, roads, and refugee tents. UNICEF warned of the collapse of pediatric hospitals due to the ongoing blockade of aid and medicine. Humanitarian officials cited famine conditions, critical medical shortages, and the deaths of over 18,000 children since October 7, urging a ceasefire and immediate aid access. Meanwhile, Israel deployed incompletely trained recruits from elite units to Gaza due to troop shortages, raising concerns over combat readiness. Additionally, Israel expanded its use of remote-controlled “Rob Dozer” bulldozers to reduce soldier exposure and increase battlefield efficiency, marking a new phase of automated warfare, meanwhile Despite losing resources, Hamas retains 20,000 fighters and is recruiting 30,000 more amid a pivot to guerrilla warfare
============
★ IRAQ
Fifty Iraqi Shiite Lawmakers Oppose al Julani Arab Summit Visit
Fifty Iraqi Shiite MPs signed a petition urging parliament to block Abu Mohamad al Julani, aka (Ahmad al Sharaa). from attending the May 17 Arab League Summit in Baghdad, following Prime Minister al-Sudani’s disputed meeting with al-Julani in Doha. The Dawa Party, led by former PM Nouri al-Maliki, condemned the invitation, citing past Syrian-linked crimes against Iraqis and calling for respect of international law. Meanwhile, Asaib Ahl al-Haq’s leader, Qais al-Khazali, threatened to arrest al Julani if he arrives, referencing an alleged warrant and stressing Iraqi judicial authority. The incident tests Baghdad-Damascus ties despite recent Qatari mediation.
============
★ LEBANON
Israel Kills Hezbollah Arms Facilitator, Lebanon Faces Escalating Violence
Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed Hassan Ali Nasr, deputy head of Hezbollah’s Unit 4400, responsible for smuggling weapons and funds from Iran through Beirut airport and land routes. The operation occurred despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, which Israel claims Hezbollah violated by rearming. Simultaneously, three Lebanese soldiers died when munitions detonated in their vehicle in Nabatieh, intensifying national grief. In Sidon, the Lebanese Army intercepted a rocket attack intended to target Israel, confiscating launchers and arresting suspects, seizing launchers and detaining suspects. With six fatalities in a single day—the deadliest since the ceasefire—Prime Minister Salam reaffirmed the state’s exclusive right to wield arms, rejecting unauthorized warfare.
============
★ THE GULF
UAE Mediates Massive Russia-Ukraine Swap Freeing 538 Prisoners
The UAE brokered the largest Russia-Ukraine prisoner swap since 2022, exchanging 246 detainees per side, plus 46 wounded, totaling 538 individuals. This marks the 14th Emirati mediation and raises the total released through UAE efforts to 3,771. Ukraine’s President Zelensky thanked the UAE, reaffirming its balanced diplomacy and humanitarian focus on prisoners and refugees.
Oman’s Sultan to Meet Putin After Mediating US-Iran Talks
Oman’s Sultan Haitham will visit Moscow for talks with President Putin following Muscat-mediated US-Iran nuclear negotiations held at the Omani embassy in Rome. Tehran has expressed interest in involving Moscow in the process, signaling a broader diplomatic alignment. The visit highlights Oman’s growing role in regional nuclear diplomacy and backchannel negotiations.
============
★ EGYPT&NORTH AFRICA
Israel Concerned Over Egypt’s Acquisition of Chinese Air Defense System
Israel expressed concern over Egypt acquiring China’s advanced HK-9B air defense system, capable of intercepting targets over 200 km away. The system resembles Russia’s S-400 and the U.S. Patriot, enhancing Egypt’s multi-source military capabilities. Reports also indicate potential Egyptian procurement of Chinese fighters with 300 km-range missiles, amid rising tensions since the October 7 attacks.
Sudan Opens Trial In Absentia Against Hemeti and His Brother
A Sudanese court in Port Sudan began the in absentia trial of RSF leader Mohamed “Hemeti” Dagalo, his brother, and 14 others for the June 2023 killing of West Darfur governor Khamis Abakar. The prosecution labeled the case vital for justice. Abakar’s mutilated body was found after his abduction. Conviction could lead to life imprisonment or execution.
============
