★ IRAN
U.S. Nuclear Offer Faces Iranian Rejection and Israeli Warnings
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio proposed a civilian nuclear framework for Iran based solely on imported enriched uranium, demanding a halt to domestic enrichment. Iran rejected this, while indirect negotiations resume in Oman. Simultaneously, Tehran sought Chinese diplomatic backing, highlighting Beijing’s influence in the UN and IAEA. China reiterated its opposition to military threats and sanctions. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu warned of unilateral action to stop Iran’s nuclear program and pledged to defeat Hamas. Iran, accusing Israel of sabotage, vowed full transparency with the IAEA, urging diplomacy during mounting regional tension.
Iran Reinforces Secret Nuclear Tunnels as IAEA Seeks Clarification
Satellite images show Iran fortifying a secret tunnel complex near Natanz, adding walls, surveillance systems, and drainage around Kolang Gazla mountain—possibly hiding advanced centrifuge activity beyond IAEA oversight. Construction has also resumed on a nearby tunnel dormant since 2007, potentially for uranium storage. Iran has not declared these as nuclear sites, risking a safeguards violation. IAEA Director Rafael Grossi has demanded explanations, while indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the U.S. continue under renewed sanctions.
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★ ISRAEL
Spain’s Israel Ammunition Deal Sparks Coalition Tensions
Spain’s socialist government faced backlash from junior coalition partner Sumar after reversing its decision to cancel a €6.6 million ammunition contract with Israeli firm Guardian Israel. Sumar called the move a “blatant violation” of coalition terms and demanded immediate cancellation. The controversy adds pressure on Sánchez’s minority government, already struggling to pass legislation since the 2023 election.
Israel Sends Ambassador Only to Pope’s Funeral as Tensions Rise
Israel will send only its Vatican ambassador to Pope Francis’ funeral, signaling strained ties during the Gaza war. Unlike 2005, when top Israeli officials attended, this downgrade follows deleted condolence posts and criticism of Israel’s actions. Pope Francis’ comments on Gaza and symbolic gestures, like a keffiyeh-wrapped nativity, deepened tensions with Jerusalem.
Abbas attacks Hamas and Calls for Hostage Release
In Ramallah, President Mahmoud Abbas lashed out at Hamas, calling them “sons of dogs” and urging them to release Israeli hostages to deny Israel any pretext for continued war. He demanded Hamas end its Gaza rule, surrender arms to the Palestinian Authority, and follow national and international law. Abbas described Israel’s Gaza assault as genocidal, citing over 200,000 casualties. Hamas rejected Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ demand to end its Gaza control and disarm, calling his remarks suspicious. Hamas official Basem Naim accused Abbas of unjustly blaming Palestinians for Israeli aggression and repeated occupation crimes.
Israeli Strike on Gaza School Kills 23, Tensions Escalate
An Israeli airstrike on Gaza’s Jaffa School, sheltering displaced civilians, killed 23 and sparked a deadly fire. Hours later, 19 more Palestinians died in separate strikes. Over 51,000 Palestinians have been killed since October, with Gaza’s infrastructure collapsing. Internal Israeli disputes worsened as Finance Minister Smotrich demanded Gaza’s reoccupation and blocked aid, clashing with military leaders. Hamas delegates arrived in Cairo for new ceasefire talks. Hamas also released a video of hostage Omri Miran urging a swift deal. Meanwhile, Israel’s Haredi community continues to defy military draft orders despite a Supreme Court ruling.
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★ TÜRKIYE
Strong 6.2 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Istanbul, Injures 236
A 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck Istanbul’s Silivri district on Wednesday, injuring 236 people in panic-related incidents. The quake, felt across the city and nearby provinces, lasted 13 seconds and triggered 127 aftershocks, the strongest at 5.9. No deaths or structural collapses were reported, though nine homes require evacuation. Authorities urged caution and continued damage assessments.
US Mediation Halts Turkish Strikes Near Syria’s Tishrin Dam
Turkey halted attacks on Tishrin Dam following US-mediated talks with the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES). AANES envoy Fethullah Husseini confirmed a pause in operations and calm in the area. Kurdish-led SDF forces will withdraw as part of a phased agreement, transferring control to Damascus-aligned units. A joint civil council will manage the dam. A broader ceasefire remains under negotiation, with U.S. support for SDF ongoing.
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★SYRIA
al Julani, Urges Sanctions Relief, Hints at Military Support From Russia and Turkey
Abu Mohamad al Julani, aka (Ahmad al Sharaa). warned of global instability if chaos spreads in Syria and urged the U.S. to lift sanctions. In a New York Times interview, he revealed talks with Russia and Turkey for possible military aid, as Damascus cancels older pacts to forge new ones. al Julani confirmed Russia rejected a request to extradite Bashar al-Assad and emphasized Syria’s intent to maintain sovereign military agreements. He welcomed Western humanitarian exemptions but said sanctions are still crippling Syria’s economy. Responding to U.S. demands, he pledged to discuss chemical disarmament and anti-terror cooperation, though he warned that some conditions require revision. He also hinted at possible citizenship for long-residing foreign fighters, complicating diplomatic efforts.
US Withdraws 150 Military Vehicles From Syria’s Hasakah to Iraq
The United States withdrew around 150 armored vehicles and logistics trucks from Syria’s Hasakah province to northern Iraq via the Al-Walid border crossing. This follows the closure of three U.S. military outposts and troop reductions from 2,000 to about 1,400 soldiers, reflecting shifting security dynamics after Assad’s fall in December 2024. Further cuts are under review.
IMF Appoints First Syria Mission Chief Since War Began
The IMF appointed veteran economist Ron van Rooden as Syria mission chief, its first such move since war erupted 14 years ago. Requested by Damascus, the appointment follows Finance Minister Mohammad Yasr Barnea’s talks during the IMF-World Bank spring meetings. Syria last hosted an IMF mission in 2009. Van Rooden’s experience with post-conflict states signals renewed economic dialogue.
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★YEMEN
Intensified U.S. Strikes and Houthi Diversion of Funds to Shield Leaders
U.S. military forces carried out 28 coordinated airstrikes across Sanaa, Saada, Marib, Al-Hudaydah, and Al-Jawf, targeting Houthi ballistic missile systems, arms depots, and reinforcement convoys. Footage shows operations launched by aircraft carriers Carl Vinson and Harry S. Truman. The strikes are part of ongoing efforts to protect Red Sea shipping lanes. Over 1,000 strikes since March have reportedly killed more than 200 fighters. In response, Houthi leaders redirected billions of Yemeni riyals from seized funds and donations to protect high-ranking officials. Senior figures like Mohammed Ali al-Houthi and Mahdi al-Mashat are accused of exploiting these funds while receiving declining salaries. Meanwhile, the Houthis initiated mass arrests in Sanaa, Saada, and Al-Hudaydah, charging detainees with assisting U.S. targeting efforts. Dozens now face harsh trials in state security courts, marking a crackdown during intensified U.S. precision operations.
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★JORDAN
Jordan Bans Muslim Brotherhood, Declares All Activity Illegal
Jordan officially banned the Muslim Brotherhood, ordered office closures, and prohibited any affiliation or promotion. The Interior Minister Mazen Al-Faraya cited legal rulings and national security threats, pledging to seize the group’s assets and punish violators. Authorities dissolved the group in 2020, but tolerated its presence until now. The group’s political arm retains legal status.
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★ LEBANON
Hezbollah Rebuilds Southern Presence During Israeli Strikes and Lebanese Turmoil
Despite ongoing Israeli airstrikes, Hezbollah is reportedly rebuilding its field infrastructure and appointing new local leaders in southern Lebanon. Israeli security sources observed intensified Hezbollah activity near border villages, aiming to reinforce the northern front. Internally, Lebanon remains politically divided over Hezbollah’s arms, while border tensions and intermittent strikes fuel fears of broader conflict escalation.
Lebanese Foreign Ministry Renews Summons of Iranian Ambassador After His Apology
Lebanon summoned Iranian Ambassador Mojtaba Amani over his remarks rejecting Hezbollah disarmament talks, but he declined to attend. The Foreign Ministry has now set a new date. Amani emphasized that Iran respects Lebanese consensus and avoids imposing its stance. Foreign Minister Raji reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to exclusive state arms control and full implementation of UN Resolution 1701 and urged global pressure on Israel to halt violations.
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★ THE GULF
Congo and M23 Rebel Group Agree to Pursue Truce via Qatari Mediation
The Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 rebels agreed to seek a ceasefire following “constructive” Qatar-mediated talks. A joint statement expressed intent for an immediate cessation of hostilities during negotiations. Despite over ten failed truce attempts since 2021, both sides now commit to honoring peace efforts during the conflict in the resource-rich eastern region.
Trump’s Tariffs Shake Gulf Markets, Prompt Trade Strategy Revisions
President Trump’s 10% tariffs rattled Gulf markets, sparking stock drops and concerns over oil prices and inflation. Gulf states, major U.S. trade partners, began 90-day negotiations to ease impacts. While aluminum faced a 25% tariff, analysts see potential for the Gulf to attract manufacturing fleeing higher-tariff regions. However, high labor costs and dollar-pegged currencies challenge gains.
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★ EGYPT&NORTH AFRICA
Arab Foreign Ministers Meet in Cairo to Address Gaza and Regional Crises
Arab foreign ministers convened in Cairo ahead of the Baghdad summit, marking Syria’s first participation since Assad’s fall. Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit condemned Israel’s war on Gaza as genocide and ethnic cleansing, and urged global action. The ministers also discussed Gaza reconstruction, Israeli strikes on Syria and Lebanon, and regional crises from Libya to Ethiopia’s Nile dam.
Moroccan Navy Conducts Mediterranean Drills to Boost Combat Readiness
Morocco’s military held “Flotex 2025” naval drills in the Mediterranean from April 14–18 to enhance Royal Navy combat readiness and tactical capability. Exercises included air-sea operations, missile simulations, night helicopter maneuvers, electronic warfare, and real-sea combat scenarios. The three-phase drill improved operational coordination, command skills, and maritime response effectiveness across naval units.
Saudi Ambassador Returns to Sudan, Embassy Rehabilitation Underway
The Saudi Ambassador Ali bin Hassan Jafar arrived in Khartoum for the first time since the war began, launching efforts to rehabilitate the Saudi embassy. His visit follows Sudanese leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s recent trip to Saudi Arabia, where he met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss Sudan’s stability and security during an ongoing conflict.
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