★ ISRAEL
Hamas Holds Secret Talks With U.S. Over Post-War Gaza Strategy
Hamas is indirectly engaging U.S. officials through Qatar and Turkey, showing readiness to relinquish civil control in Gaza. Qatar’s prime minister and Turkish diplomatic channels are conveying Hamas’s messages. Simultaneously, Hamas asked Turkey to present a ceasefire plan to the Trump administration, calling for an Israeli withdrawal, hostage-prisoner exchange, a five-year truce, and a Palestinian committee to govern Gaza per Egypt’s initiative.
Smotrich Sparks Outrage by Downplaying Priority of Hostage Return
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that returning hostages is not the government’s top priority, sparking backlash from families and coalition members. He emphasized destroying Hamas in Gaza as the main objective. Hostage families condemned the remarks as a betrayal, while MK Moshe Gafni slammed Smotrich for devaluing human life in favor of national goals.
Israeli Airstrikes Escalate as Gaza Death Toll Surpasses 51,000
Israeli airstrikes killed at least seven civilians across Gaza early Tuesday, hitting Gaza City, Beit Lahia, Beit Hanoun, and Khan Younis. More than ten homes were destroyed, with municipal infrastructure also targeted in Jabalia. These attacks follow Israel’s March 18 offensive renewal, pushing the Gaza death toll past 51,201. Over the past 72 hours, the Israeli army struck 200 Hamas-related sites, including rocket launchers and weapons depots, and confirmed the killing of Ahmad Mansour from Hamas’ rocket unit. The UN warns that Gaza is nearing collapse, with no aid allowed in for 50 days. Hospitals lack fuel and equipment, over 50,000 wounded await surgery, and malnutrition among children is rising at an alarming rate.
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★ IRAN
Iran Criticizes Debate Format, Cancels Nuclear Speech at Carnegie
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi’s scheduled remarks at the Carnegie Nuclear Policy Conference were canceled after organizers changed the format from a speech to a debate after a dispute with organizers. Iran’s UN mission expressed regret, confirming Araqchi’s full statement would be released separately. In the unpublished address, Iranian FM Abbas Araqchi urged nuclear talks to stay focused on sanctions and civilian nuclear rights, rejecting any negotiations on Iran’s defense. He cited past U.S. policy failures, noting Trump appears to recognize the costly mistakes of prior administrations. Araqchi proposed future U.S.-Iran nuclear cooperation, highlighting plans for 19 reactors worth billions.
Putin Signs 20-Year Strategic Partnership Treaty With Iran
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed into law a 20-year strategic partnership treaty with Iran, covering cooperation in defense, energy, trade, transport, agriculture, and culture. While the agreement deepens bilateral ties, Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko clarified it excludes any mutual military assistance obligations. The treaty was originally signed by Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on January 17.
Iran Urges Sanctions Relief in U.S. Nuclear Talks Framework
Iran confirmed its willingness to reach a nuclear deal with the United States within a defined framework, emphasizing that all national interests must be preserved. President Masoud Pezeshkian warned of Israeli attempts to sabotage negotiations as Iran prepares for key meetings in Muscat. Tehran demands complete sanctions removal as the core condition for any agreement, accusing Washington of prior violations of the 2015 deal and insisting on binding guarantees. Iran also deployed Khordad-15 air defense systems to protect nuclear sites, signaling its defensive posture amid threats. Simultaneously, Israel simulated Iranian missile strikes, citing growing concerns over Iran’s nuclear program. Talks continue despite tension, with Russia, China, and European nations actively engaged. Arab states, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, now support the negotiations, marking a regional policy shift toward dialogue.
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★ TÜRKIYE
Russia Blocks Turkey’s Attempts to Relocate S-400 Missile System
Russia is obstructing Turkey’s options to relocate its S-400 air defense system, citing end-user certificate restrictions. The U.S. had proposed storing the system at a U.S. base in Turkey or transferring it to Ukraine or a third country. However, Moscow’s refusal, based on contractual and arms control clauses, limits Ankara’s maneuvering and benefits Russia strategically within NATO.
Turkey Expands Regional Oil and Gas Exploration Strategy
Turkey now produces 9.5 million cubic meters daily from its Sakarya gas field and plans offshore exploration with a foreign partner near Bulgaria. Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar confirmed interest in Caspian, Iraqi, and Somali reserves, aiming to reduce imports and boost energy security. Data collection in Somalia ends in May, with drilling decisions expected by year’s end.
Syria and Turkey Agree on Trade Facilitation and Customs Reforms
Turkey and Syria agreed to ease customs procedures, resume their free trade agreement, and cut Syrian tariffs on 300 Turkish goods. Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat announced plans to streamline border crossings and relocate loading operations into Syria. Joint efforts also include industrial zone rehabilitation and broader cooperation in trade, investment, and services.
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★SYRIA
Syrian Security Arrests Two Top Palestinian Islamic Jihad Leaders in Damascus
Syrian forces arrested “Palestinian Islamic Jihad” leader Khaled Khaled and senior official Abu Ali Yasser in Damascus shortly after President Mahmoud Abbas’s visit. This marks the first known arrest of PIJ leaders in Syria, triggering regional mediation efforts. PIJ, which remained in Syria post-conflict, has faced repeated Israeli strikes, including a March attack on its leader’s home.
Syria Confiscates Properties of Former Ambassador Bashar Al-Jaafari
Former Syrian Ambassador to Russia Bashar Al-Jaafari revealed that Syrian authorities seized his Damascus properties in what he described as political retaliation. He stated that homes legally acquired in Qura Al-Sham and Qudsaya, including one bought in 2002, were confiscated without justification. Al-Jaafari condemned the act as a violation of constitutional property rights and the rule of law.
ISIS Resumes Attacks on SDF in Deir Ezzor and Hasakah
ISIS militants launched multiple attacks on Syrian Democratic Forces in Deir Ezzor and Hasakah, signaling a resurgence. Operations included IEDs, RPGs, and gunfire targeting SDF and Asayish positions. The Syrian Observatory reported 66 ISIS operations in Kurdish-held areas since January, killing 23, including 13 SDF members and 5 civilians, despite ongoing security campaigns.
Iran and Hezbollah Seek to Reestablish Presence Across Syria
An Israeli Alma Center report warns that Iran and Hezbollah aim to reestablish their foothold in Syria by reviving the land corridor from Iraq to Lebanon. The potential U.S. troop drawdown—especially from Deir Ezzor and al-Tanf—could accelerate Iranian entrenchment, exposing southern Syria, including Daraa near Israel, to renewed influence and military infrastructure.
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★YEMEN
U.S. Jets Pound Yemen as Houthis Launch Attacks on Allies
U.S. airstrikes killed 12 and wounded dozens in Sana’a and across six provinces, targeting Houthi military sites and weapon depots amid rising tensions in the Red Sea. The Houthis responded by launching missile and drone attacks on U.S. aircraft carriers Truman and Vinson, and Israeli cities Ashkelon and Eilat. Internally, Houthi leadership excluded allied factions from a critical Defense Council meeting, fearing intelligence leaks that could expose hidden command locations. Panic gripped Sana’a as fuel shortages deepened, with the Houthis accused of diverting supplies for military purposes and firing missiles into civilian areas. Meanwhile, U.S. warplanes executed 23 fresh strikes across three provinces and islands, bringing the total to nearly 1,000 since March. The Yemeni Information Minister blamed the Houthis for civilian casualties, accusing them of manipulating public sentiment and exploiting the crisis. The situation escalates as both military and political fronts fracture under pressure, threatening broader instability in Yemen’s coastal and northern regions.
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★ IRAQ
Iraqi PM, Sudanese Form Election Bloc With Resistance Factions
Two political sources confirmed a new election alliance in Iraq led by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani and key Islamic Resistance factions, including Hadi Al-Amiri and Falih Al-Fayyadh, under Khamenei’s direction. Talks are underway to include more factions like Ahmed Al-Asadi’s bloc and Kataib Sayyid Al-Shuhada. Amiri or Sudani may lead the alliance and will promote Iraqi-Iranian integration.
Iraq Launches Three Major Projects Worth 2.2 Trillion Dinars
Iraq began three major projects in Dhi Qar worth 2.2 trillion dinars, including a 921-megawatt gas-powered power station, an integrated medical city with seven hospitals totaling 700 beds, and infrastructure development in Suq Al-Shuyukh. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani confirmed this marks Iraq’s first comprehensive medical city, aiming to reduce citizens’ need for treatment abroad.
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★ LEBANON
Lebanon Arrests Core Group Behind March Rocket Attacks on Israel
Lebanon’s army intelligence arrested a suspected “core group” behind March rocket launches toward Israel, seizing rockets and launchers in South Lebanon. The detainees, reportedly Lebanese and Palestinian, had ties to earlier arrested cells, admitting to launching rockets from Nabatieh. Speaker Nabih Berri condemned Israel’s strikes, accusing it of undermining Lebanon’s adherence to the ceasefire agreement.
Israeli Drone Strike Kills Islamic Group Leader South of Beirut
An Israeli drone strike killed a senior figure in the Islamic Group near Damour, south of Beirut, marking the first strike in Mount Lebanon since the November ceasefire. The targeted vehicle was hit on the Baawerta road, sparking fires. Despite ceasefire extensions, Israeli airstrikes continue across southern and eastern Lebanon amid ongoing regional tensions.
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★ EGYPT&NORTH AFRICA
Saudi and Egyptian Foreign Ministers Bolster Regional Coordination in Riyadh
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdel Aaty chaired a high-level political consultation meeting in Riyadh, focusing on Gaza and boosting bilateral cooperation. The ministers reaffirmed the importance of unified regional positions and pledged annual ministerial-level dialogue, underlining shared commitments to stability, economic ties, and mutual strategic interests.
South Sudan Apologizes and Sends Delegation to Repair U.S. Ties
South Sudan apologized and dispatched a high-level delegation to the U.S. to address tensions over the deportation of 137 nationals, including Nimiri Garang. The crisis began when Juba initially rejected Garang’s entry, alleging false identity. President Salva Kiir later dismissed the foreign minister, pledging improved diplomacy and reaffirming his commitment to warm, strategic relations with Washington.
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