★SYRIA
ISIS Resumes Operations With Deadly Attack In Eastern Syria
ISIS claimed responsibility for an attack that killed five Kurdish fighters in Syria’s Deir Ezzor province, which SDF spokesman Farhad Shami described as one of the most intense in recent months. ISIS previously controlled Deir Ezzor in 2014 before Syrian forces recaptured it in 2017. and is now attempting to revive operations in various locations around the world.
Syria Rejects Abraham Accords Over Israeli Occupation of Its Territory
Syria informed U.S. officials it will not join the Abraham Accords, citing Israel’s occupation of Syrian land. Though expressing interest under “right conditions,” Damascus emphasized Israel must halt strikes and withdraw from areas like the Golan Heights. Abu Mohamad al Julani, aka (Ahmad al Sharaa). also stressed unity and peace during meetings with U.S. lawmakers seeking regional normalization.
Al-Julani Government Faces Global Trust Crisis After Syrian Protests
Hundreds of Syrians protested outside Germany’s parliament against massacres in Syria’s coastal region, demanding international protection. Armed Islamist factions operating there threaten civilians, while Syria’s government, led by Al-Julani, is seen as stalling reforms. Despite diplomatic efforts to lift sanctions and rebuild ties, the international community doubts its sincerity, citing reliance on foreign fighters.
Syrian Army Takes Control of Tishreen Dam During Drone Tensions
Syrian forces assumed control of Tishreen Dam from the Kurdish-led SDF under a U.S.-brokered deal with Turkey, aiming to unify military structures. A Turkish drone strike near the site reignited tensions, prompting reinforcements. Damascus warned against SDF federalism, while Ankara demanded enforcement of the unity pact and elimination of non-state armed groups.
Deadly Clashes Erupt In Jaramana Following Sectarian Tensions
Four Druze gunmen and two security officers were killed in overnight clashes in Jaramana, near Damascus, after sectarian tensions flared over an offensive audio clip. The Druze religious authority condemned the attack and blamed the Syrian government. Syria’s Interior Ministry denied the suspect’s identity but vowed to prosecute and warned against unlawful retaliation.
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★ IRAN
Iranian President’s Baku Visit Counters Israeli-Azerbaijani Rapprochement
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held rare talks with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Baku, marking a cautious warming of previously strained relations. The visit follows years of diplomatic tension, including a fatal attack on Iran’s embassy and disputes over the Zangezur corridor. The leaders focused on regional cooperation during heightened U.S.-Iran hostilities. Their meeting also comes amid growing Israeli-Azerbaijani ties, positioning Tehran’s outreach as a countermeasure. Discussions touched on nuclear issues and condolences from Aliyev following Iran’s recent port explosion. The visit signals Iran’s intent to reclaim influence in the Caucasus.
Iran Port Explosion Blamed on Negligence, Cyberattack Foiled Aftermath
Iran’s government attributed the deadly explosion at Shahid Rajaee port to “negligence” and failure to adhere to safety procedures, as the death toll reached 70. While some lawmakers suspected Israeli involvement, officials denied any military connection. A parliamentary investigation is underway to determine if the blast was accidental or deliberate. Just 48 hours later, Iran repelled a major cyberattack targeting its critical infrastructure. Officials described it as one of the most sophisticated assaults in recent memory. The close timing of the explosion and cyberattack has intensified speculation about foreign sabotage.
EU Tightens Maritime Rules to Block Iran’s Sanctions Evasion via Shadow Fleets
The EU now requires all vessels in its waters to disclose insurance details, even if not docking at its ports. This move aims to curb Iran’s use of unregulated “shadow fleets” to bypass sanctions by transporting oil covertly. The regulation enhances EU monitoring of non-compliant ships, reinforcing maritime safety and limiting Tehran’s circumvention of global trade restrictions.
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★YEMEN
Houthis Strike U.S. Carrier and Blackmail Tribes to Recruit Children
Houthi forces claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks on the USS Harry S. Truman, alleging it retreated following their strike. They accused the U.S. of killing 68 African migrants in a Saada detention center during ongoing air raids. Meanwhile, a U.S. F-18 fell into the Red Sea during evasive maneuvers, and seven MQ-9 drones have been lost in Yemen since March. Each one is worth approximately 30 million dollars. U.S. forces continue extensive strikes on Houthi sites under Operation Rough Rider, targeting weapons depots, missile platforms, and command centers. The EU’s ASPIDES mission safely escorted a ship through the Red Sea without engaging land targets. The U.S. sanctioned firms over oil deliveries to Houthi-controlled ports, while rights groups accused Houthis of forced child recruitment using food as leverage. The Houthis reportedly exploit media to conceal military use of schools and related civilian casualties. The region remains volatile with ongoing confrontations and civilian tolls escalating.
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★ ISRAEL
Israel Rejects Hamas Truce Proposal, Citing Security Risks
Israel rejected Hamas’ five-year ceasefire offer, which included full hostage release, labeling it a threat enabling Hamas’ military resurgence. Officials emphasized maintaining gradual operations to preserve negotiation chances but criticized Qatari mediation. Coordination with the U.S. on Iran continues, while Israel denied involvement in Iran’s port explosion. Hostage families demand clearer government strategy and direct engagement.
Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar to Resign on June 15 Over October 7 Failures
Shin Bet head Ronen Bar announced his resignation, effective June 15, citing responsibility for the agency’s failure to warn of the October 7 Hamas attack. Bar, who served 35 years, announced a memorial for fallen agents, calling it an act of accountability. His departure follows government controversy over his dismissal.
Pentagon Funds Israel’s F-35 Upgrades as Defense Budget Soars
The U.S. Department of Defense allocated $26.7 million in new contracts with Lockheed Martin and Israel to enhance F-35 fighter jet systems. This follows Israel’s recent delivery of three F-35I “Adir” jets and reflects its role in shaping design specifications as a security partner. The announcement came shortly after a large U.S.-Israel joint air drill. Simultaneously, global defense expenditures surged to $2.7 trillion in 2024, with Israel leading all countries in increased military spending. Its defense budget soared 65% to $46.5 billion—8.8% of GDP—largely due to the Gaza conflict and regional security concerns. In contrast, Iran’s military spending fell 10% during continuing sanctions.
Israeli Strikes Kill Dozens as Haredi Protests Erupt Over Conscription
Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and Khan Younis killed 44 Palestinians, including four children, in a central Gaza drone strike. Gaza’s Health Ministry confirmed 71 deaths and 153 injuries within 24 hours. Strikes targeted Beit Lahia, Deir al-Balah, and intensified in northern Gaza, supporting Israeli ground operations. The IDF deployed the “Bar” rocket system, developed by Elbit Systems, marking its first use in combat by the 282nd Artillery Brigade to hit Hamas targets. Simultaneously, ultra-Orthodox Jews clashed with Israeli police near a Tel Hashomer recruitment center. The protests erupted after a Supreme Court ruling mandating Haredi conscription, disrupting the Netzah Yehuda Battalion’s enlistment. Protesters blocked roads and refused service, escalating religious tensions within Israel.
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★ LEBANON
Hezbollah’s Qassem Accuses Israel of Breaking Pact 3,000 Times
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem condemned Israel’s latest strike on Beirut’s southern suburb as unjustified and politically motivated to alter established rules. He claimed U.S. approval of the attack and urged Lebanon to launch diplomatic action, summon major ambassadors, and file UN complaints. Qassem held the U.S., France, and the UN accountable for curbing Israeli raids on Lebanon.
Israel Strikes Southern Lebanon as Lebanese President Urges State Control
Israel launched a drone strike on Aitaroun in southern Lebanon and conducted air overflights in Bekaa’s Hermel region Monday, during ongoing border tensions. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized restricting arms to state forces and urged Israeli withdrawal from contested hills. He reaffirmed reforms, anti-corruption efforts, and joint Lebanese-Syrian committees for border and refugee issues.
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★ TÜRKIYE
Erdogan Says 200,000 Syrians Returned from Turkey Since December
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Monday that 200,000 Syrians have returned home since Bashar al-Assad’s fall in December 2024. Speaking in Istanbul, Erdogan emphasized Syria’s gradual recovery and criticized Western policies for driving migration while avoiding burden-sharing. He stated that Türkiye hosts over 4 million migrants, including 2.86 million Syrians under temporary protection.
Türkiye Denies Sending Weapons to Pakistan, Cites Refueling Stop Only
Türkiye refuted claims of sending six cargo planes with weapons to Pakistan, confirming only one aircraft made a scheduled refueling stop. The Presidency’s Communications Directorate urged the public to disregard unofficial and misleading reports, emphasizing the importance of relying on verified sources during rising India-Pakistan tensions.
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★ THE GULF
Saudi and Iranian FMs Discuss U.S.-Iran Nuclear Negotiations
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi discussed U.S.-Iran nuclear talks on Monday, following a third Muscat-hosted negotiation round. They reviewed bilateral ties, regional security, and the Gaza crisis. Araghchi urged international action, while bin Farhan offered condolences for Iran’s port fire tragedy. A fourth round is expected next week.
Saudi Aramco, Sinopec Sign $3.9 Billion Refinery Deal in China
Saudi Aramco and China’s Sinopec signed a $3.9 billion deal to develop Fujian’s Gulei II refinery and petrochemical complex. Each firm will hold 25% equity, with Sinopec’s Fujian unit holding 50%. The project aims to boost refining-petrochemical integration and regional competitiveness. It follows recent expansion plans for Saudi Arabia’s Yasref refinery with major production units.
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★ EGYPT&NORTH AFRICA
Israeli Delegation in Cairo as Egypt Reports Progress on Gaza Truce
Israeli Minister Ron Dermer met Egypt’s intelligence chief in Cairo as part of trilateral Egypt-Qatar-U.S. mediation to reach a Gaza ceasefire. The talks followed a Hamas delegation’s visit proposing a comprehensive deal involving full hostage release and a five-year truce. Egyptian security sources confirmed significant progress, though key points—such as Hamas’ weapons—remain under negotiation.
Egypt And Sudan Strengthen Water, Security, And Reconstruction Ties
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Sudanese leader Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan met in Cairo to coordinate joint infrastructure, humanitarian aid, and water security strategies. Both sides reaffirmed their opposition to unilateral actions on the Nile and emphasized regional cooperation. Discussions focused on reconstruction in Sudan, especially in conflict-affected regions. Meanwhile, the Sudanese army repelled a major RSF attack in El-Fasher, killing 245 fighters and capturing 17 vehicles. The assault resulted in three civilian deaths and 75 injuries, while the RSF detained 40 aid workers. Famine worsens in Darfur as El-Fasher remains the army’s last stronghold.
Algeria Seizes Africa’s Largest Drug Haul: 1.65 Million Ecstasy Pills
Algerian police announced Monday the seizure of 1.65 million ecstasy pills in Mostaganem, hidden in a truck arriving from Marseille. Valued at over €26 million, it marks the largest drug bust in Africa. Authorities arrested nine suspects linked to a network operating between Morocco and France, and confiscated vehicles, local and foreign currency across several provinces.
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