★ THE GULF
Oman Shifts Role From Silent Mediator to Tactical Coordinator in Iran Nuclear Talks
In a critical moment for Iran’s nuclear negotiations, Oman has pivoted from quiet mediator to regional coordinator, channeling Tehran’s diplomatic leverage through Moscow. Sultan Haitham’s closed-door summit with Putin signals Muscat’s strategy: hand Moscow the Iranian card to pressure Washington indirectly ahead of Muscat’s third negotiation round. This marks a shift from passive facilitation to active orchestration—granting Iran alternative negotiating legitimacy, a discreet U.S. channel, and Russian leverage. As Europe watches nervously, China remains silent, and Israel applies open pressure, Oman choreographs a delicate dance to delay collapse, not finalize peace. In a latest move aligned with this strategy, Iran announced the postponement of a technical meeting with the U.S. to Saturday, now set to coincide with the third round of indirect talks in Muscat, following Oman’s proposal.
Qatari PM in Washington Pushes Gaza Truce, Syria Sanctions Relief
Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met U.S. officials in Washington, urging a Gaza ceasefire and lifting sanctions on Syria. He criticized Israel’s stance on hostage deals, confirmed continued coordination with Egypt, and highlighted regional efforts to ease Syrian sanctions, stressing the need to enable Damascus to function. The talks also covered the humanitarian crisis in Iran and Gaza.
China Signs Third LNG Deal in a Week With UAE’s ADNOC
China’s CNOOC signed a five-year deal with the UAE’s ADNOC to purchase 500,000 tons of LNG annually from 2026, marking the third such agreement this week. Amid a trade war with the U.S., Chinese buyers are shifting from American gas, securing long-term supplies from the Middle East to avoid tariff-related cost spikes.
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★ ISRAEL
Maersk Confirms Shipping F-35 Components To Israel
Global shipping giant Maersk confirmed it transports F-35 fighter jet parts to Israel, stating the shipments are received by non-defense entities within the country. Responding to criticism, Maersk emphasized that these components are not sent to Israel’s defense ministry. The company noted Israel’s role in the F-35 supply chain, manufacturing aircraft wings. Dozens of unions worldwide urged Maersk to halt such transfers.
Exposing Israeli Military Secrets: High-Resolution Satellite Imagery and Pilots’ Leaks Threaten National Security
High-resolution satellite imagery now exposes Israeli military locations, including the Dimona nuclear facility and IDF positions in Gaza, on platforms like Google and Apple Maps. Despite U.S. restrictions under the 1997 Kyl-Bingaman Amendment, sharper international images bypass these limitations. The exposure coincides with Israel’s U.S.-backed Gaza offensive, which has killed or injured over 168,000 Palestinians and displaced 1.5 million. Haaretz reported Tuesday that Israeli Air Force pilots uploaded classified documents—including readiness briefings for a potential Iran strike—to an unsecured civilian cloud service and scanned them using a problematic Chinese app, exposing sensitive military data.
Israeli Strikes Kill 44 In Gaza As Hamas Calls For Global Escalation
Israeli airstrikes killed 44 Palestinians and injured dozens across Gaza, with victims trapped under rubble in eastern Gaza City. Civil defense recovered 10 bodies from a school in Al-Tuffah, while strikes hit Jabalia and Khan Younis. Resistance groups claimed to have downed an Israeli drone. In response, Hamas called for a global strike Saturday, urging protests, embassy blockades, and student mobilization to condemn the ongoing offensive and U.S. support for what it labels a genocide.
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★ IRAN
U.S. Sanctions, Iranian Tanker Seizures, and Oil Price Surge
The U.S. sanctioned Iranian tycoon Seyed Asadoollah Emamjomeh and his network for exporting oil to fund Iran’s nuclear and military efforts, using deceptive shipping tactics. The move coincides with upcoming nuclear talks in Oman, following earlier rounds in Rome and Muscat. Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard seized two Tanzanian-flagged tankers for fuel smuggling, detaining 25 crew members and transferring the vessels to Bushehr. Oil prices rose 1% on the sanctions and a sharp drop in U.S. stockpiles, with markets further lifted by Trump’s softened tone on the Fed and U.S.-China trade progress.
Iran Touts Trillion-Dollar Nuclear Deals For US Firms In Cancelled Speech
Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi, in a speech canceled by Carnegie organizers, offered U.S. firms access to “trillions” in potential nuclear energy contracts tied to plans for 19 new reactors. He claimed Iran’s market could revive America’s nuclear industry. While condemning global double standards on Israel’s arsenal, Araghchi emphasized mutual respect in Iran-U.S. talks and released the speech in writing after format disputes. Former Iranian Economy Minister Ehsan Khandoozi dismissed the idea of a $1 trillion U.S. investment after a nuclear deal as a “delusion,” saying even stable countries couldn’t attract such sums.
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★ TÜRKIYE
Council of Europe Confronts Turkey Over Imamoglu Detention, Rights Violations
The Council of Europe intensified pressure on Turkey as its president, Alain Berset, met with President Erdogan in Ankara to protest the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and the suppression of demonstrations. Berset condemned police brutality and demanded fair judicial processes and respect for human rights. Talks also covered Ankara’s defiance of European court rulings and the frozen Kurdish peace process. Meanwhile, from detention, Imamoglu appealed to Germany’s new government to authorize the Eurofighter jet sale, arguing that Turkey’s defense imperatives must override partisan politics. His ongoing incarceration remains a point of international contention.
Fidan’s Algeria Visit Seeks to Calm Tensions Over Drones, Sahel
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan visited Algeria to ease unease over Ankara’s role in the Sahel and drone sales to Mali. He opened a consulate in Oran and co-chaired a bilateral committee amid Algerian anger over Turkish drones supporting Mali’s junta. The visit aimed to mend ties strained by sovereignty concerns and regional military entanglements.
U.S. Lawmakers Warn Turkey Against Deploying S-400 in Syria
U.S. Congressmen Gus Bilirakis and Brad Schneider warned against Turkey’s potential deployment of Russia’s S-400 system at a new base in Syria, citing serious risks to Israeli security and U.S. deterrence. The move could hinder Israeli operations against Iranian targets, provoke direct clashes, and deepen instability. Ankara would need Moscow’s approval to proceed.
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★SYRIA
Syria Expels Palestinian Leaders, Signals Diplomatic Realignment Plans
Syrian authorities expelled Palestinian faction leaders, mainly from Islamic Jihad, while detaining several and threatening further arrests to enforce compliance. These actions are believed to aim at improving Syria’s international reputation and easing Western sanctions. Simultaneously, reports suggest the transitional leadership is planning to replace Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani with a defector diplomat to convey reform intentions. In a broader restructuring, Damascus has invited former diplomats who defected under Assad to return to the Foreign Ministry. This marks an attempt to rehabilitate state institutions and signal a diplomatic shift. Recently reinstated envoys Bashar al-Jaafari and Ayman Sosan embody this effort, though Jaafari criticized regime reprisals, including the confiscation of his property.
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★YEMEN
Houthi Missile Hits Northern Israel as Internal Turmoil Shakes Leadership
A ballistic missile launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels was intercepted over northern Israel, setting off sirens in Haifa and Galilee for the first time since the conflict began. The attack coincides with a Houthi claim of downing a U.S. MQ-9 drone over Hajjah and striking two American naval carriers. In response, the U.S. expanded its air campaign, targeting Houthi weapons depots and drone teams in Saada, Taiz, and al-Jawf, killing senior figures. Inside Yemen, the Houthi leadership is destabilized by recent precision strikes on secret command centers. Over 100 arrests and severe internet restrictions reflect growing internal paranoia. Fearing an Israeli-style decapitation strike, Houthi leaders have restricted communications and reverted to outdated Iranian systems. Meanwhile, the group escalates mine-laying around Hodeida’s port, preparing for a possible joint Yemeni-American ground offensive. President Rashad al-Alimi signals readiness for a decisive battle as the U.S. nears 1,000 strikes since March, aiming to neutralize Red Sea threats and restore state authority.
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★ LEBANON
Lebanon Summons Iranian Ambassador Over Comments on Hezbollah Disarmament
Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Youssef Raji summoned Iranian Ambassador Mojtaba Amani to protest a tweet opposing Hezbollah disarmament talks, calling it interference. Amani warned that disarmament schemes are conspiracies and cited Iraq and Libya as cautionary tales. The move marks a rare diplomatic protest as Beirut debates restricting weapons to state forces amid renewed U.S.-backed efforts for sovereignty.
Israeli Strikes Kill Islamic Group, Hezbollah Members South of Beirut
Israeli drone strikes killed Islamic Group leader Hussein Izzat Atwi near Beirut and a Hezbollah fighter near Tyre on Tuesday. Israel accused Atwi of past rocket attacks and infiltration attempts. Despite a ceasefire since November 2024, Israel continues targeting Hezbollah and allied groups, with over 190 Lebanese killed and military infrastructure under ongoing bombardment.
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★ EGYPT&NORTH AFRICA
Egypt And Qatar Propose Full Israeli Pullout In Gaza Deal
Egypt and Qatar proposed a five-to-seven-year ceasefire, complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and a full hostages-for-prisoners exchange including all Israeli captives, according to a senior Palestinian official. Hamas expressed readiness to hand Gaza over to an agreed Palestinian body. Israel has yet to respond, while senior Hamas leaders are set for talks in Cairo.
Egypt Tests Chinese Jets in Historic Drills During U.S. Arms Rift
Egypt conducted its first joint air exercises with China, titled “Eagles of Civilization 2025,” near the Israeli border, sparking Israeli concern. The 10-day drills feature Chinese J-10C fighters and surveillance aircraft, reflecting Egypt’s shift toward Beijing after the U.S.’s reluctance to supply advanced jets like the F-35 and F-16. Former Israeli general Eitan Dangot questioned the drills’ timing, linking them to upcoming U.S. diplomatic visits and warning of broader strategic shifts. Military analyst Brig. Gen. Samir Ragheb confirmed Egypt’s pivot to Chinese defense alternatives following Israeli opposition to U.S. arms sales.
USS Mount Whitney Visit Signals Deeper U.S. Military Engagement in Libya
A U.S. delegation aboard the USS Mount Whitney concluded a two-day Libya visit, meeting top officials in Tripoli and Benghazi to bolster military cooperation and unify Libyan forces. The visit, timed ahead of joint African Lion 25 drills, also responded to Russia’s growing military footprint. Washington’s outreach reflects a strategic push to counter rival powers and secure Libya’s stability and resources.
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