★ IRAN
Explosion at Iranian Gunpowder Facility Kills Two During Surge in Deadly Blasts
A deadly explosion at the Ava Nar Parsian gunpowder plant in Isfahan killed two workers Tuesday, marking the latest in a string of incidents that left 73 dead in just four days. The facility, tied to Iran’s top security organs, remains under scrutiny as officials withhold details on the cause. Meanwhile, a massive fire at Rajaei Port in Bandar Abbas—initially blamed on hazardous cargo misreporting—has crippled over half of Iran’s cargo movement and may take 20 days to extinguish. Lawmakers increasingly suspect sabotage, with warnings of potential drone or infiltration attacks. The blasts coincide with sensitive nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington, raising fears of strategic disruption.
Iran Warns of Regional Explosion If Attacked by Israel
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that any Israeli strike would ignite the region and trigger retaliation, including on U.S. bases. He dismissed Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s threats to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program as meaningless without U.S. approval. Meanwhile, France reiterated it may restore UN sanctions if no deal is reached to secure European security interests.
U.S. Sanctions Chinese and Iranian Entities Over Missile Fuel Transfers
The U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on six companies and six individuals in Iran and China for supplying ballistic missile fuel components to Iran’s IRGC. The targeted network allegedly transferred sodium perchlorate and dioctyl sebacate—used in solid-fuel rockets—from China to Iran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bisent cited threats to global stability and reaffirmed efforts to block Iran’s missile advancement.
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★SYRIA
Syria’s FM Says Damascus Won’t Undermine Regional Stability, Including Israel’s
From the UN in New York, Syrian Foreign Minister Assad Al-Shibani affirmed Syria’s full commitment to transitional justice and regional stability, stating Damascus will not hinder the security of any party, including Israel. He called UN sanctions outdated and obstructive to Syria’s progress, urging their immediate removal, and raised Syria’s new flag symbolically at UN headquarters.
Leaked Document Reveals Syrian Committee to Monitor Palestinian Factions
A leaked document indicates Syria has formed a committee to monitor Palestinian factions, aiming to restrict their military activity and meet U.S. conditions for sanctions relief. The move is sensitive, as some leaders within Syria-backed HTS are Palestinian. Analysts warn that sidelining foreign fighters could destabilize the group’s internal power and threaten its leadership.
Sectarian Violence Escalates Across Druze Towns Near Damascus
Sectarian unrest intensified in Jaramana, Sahnaaya, and Ashrafiyat Sahnaaya near Damascus after clashes erupted between Druze factions and Syrian forces. The violence followed the spread of an audio recording insulting the Prophet Muhammad, which triggered armed confrontations and a swift government-imposed lockdown. Tensions deepened after the assassination of Sheikh Wajdi Al-Hajj Ali, leading to the deployment of surveillance drones and the enforcement of a curfew. Simultaneously, unidentified actors shelled the Thala military airport in Sweida. Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri denounced the attacks and urged for unity and justice. Fierce night battles in Druze-majority areas involved anti-armor weapons as locals repelled infiltrators. Reports indicate Druze from northern Israel and the Golan crossed into Syria to assist relatives, while Israeli Hermes 900 drones monitored the airspace. Emergency mediation efforts are ongoing to de-escalate the crisis and avert a repetition of previous atrocities in Syria’s coastal regions.
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★YEMEN
First joint British-American Strikes to Destroy Houthi Air and Missile Capabilities
British and American forces launched a coordinated overnight airstrike on a Houthi drone production facility 25 kilometers south of Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, targeting Iran-backed capabilities. On day 46 of the U.S.-led campaign, 49 airstrikes hit Houthi missile positions, arms depots, and command centers across six northern provinces, including 24 raids in Al-Jawf. Israel intercepted a Houthi drone launched from Yemen over Egypt’s Sinai, reflecting ongoing attacks in support of Gaza. The Houthi movement claimed it struck the USS Truman in the Red Sea with ballistic and cruise missiles, suggesting the vessel may withdraw. Although the U.S. Navy has not confirmed the hit, over 1,200 U.S. strikes have occurred since mid-March, as both sides intensify actions in response to Gaza’s war.
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★ ISRAEL
Israeli Government Reverses Dismissal of Shin Bet Chief During Legal Pressure
Israel’s government rescinded its March 2025 decision to dismiss Shin Bet head Ronen Bar following a Supreme Court freeze and widespread protests. Bar, who plans to resign on June 15, faced alleged political targeting linked to the “QatarGate” probe. Legal advocates demand a ruling on the legality of his dismissal, warning against executive interference with security institutions.
Hamas Offers to Place Heavy Weapons Under Egyptian Oversight
A senior Arab source revealed that Hamas proposed to Egypt a plan to relinquish heavy weapons, including medium- and long-range missiles, placing them under Egyptian control. However, Hamas insists on retaining what it calls “defensive weapons” such as mortars, mines, and sniper rifles. The group asked Egypt to present this offer to Israel as part of post-war arrangements.
Forty Palestinians Killed As Famine Deepens And Fighting Escalates
Israeli airstrikes killed 40 Palestinians in one day, including a child, during a deepening famine across Gaza. Over 52,000 people have died since October 2023, while Israeli forces have continued to restrict food and medical aid since March. UNICEF warns 335,000 children under five face starvation, with 65,000 acutely malnourished and 50 already dead from hunger. In response, Al-Quds Brigades released footage of a 107mm rocket strike on a house allegedly sheltering Israeli soldiers in Gaza’s Al-Tuffah neighborhood. The faction accused the troops of firing on civilians. Armed groups continue launching attacks as humanitarian conditions deteriorate.
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★ TÜRKIYE
CHP Unveils Plan for Imamoglu to Lead Turkey Despite Imprisonment
CHP leader Özgür Özel announced a roadmap for Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu to govern Türkiye if barred from politics and jailed. Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş would become president, while a strengthened parliamentary system would allow Imamoglu to serve as prime minister. The plan mirrors Erdoğan’s 2002 path via Abdullah Gül. Özel demanded early elections by November 2025 to restore democracy.
Türkiye Joins Three Seas Initiative As Strategic Partner To Boost Connectivity
Türkiye will become a strategic partner in the Three Seas Initiative, a regional platform connecting Baltic, Adriatic, and Black Sea nations. Announced at the Warsaw summit by Polish President Andrzej Duda, Türkiye’s inclusion, alongside Spain, aims to enhance transport, energy, and digital links. Türkiye’s role, including in the Via Carpatia project, is seen as vital for Black Sea stability.
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★ IRAQ
Ambiguity Surrounds al Julani’s Attendance at Arab Summit During Fears of Iraqi Militia Threats
Syria has not yet responded to Iraq’s invitation for Abu Mohammad al Julani—also known as Ahmad al Sharaa—to attend the Arab Summit scheduled for May 17 in Baghdad. Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit confirmed that decisions about guest invitations fall solely under host state authority. Iraqi Shiite militias and Popular Mobilization Forces have vocally opposed al Julani attendance, accusing him of ties to Iraqi bloodshed. Member of Parliament Abdulrahman Al-Jazairi stated the Syrian delegate would not participate due to grave security concerns. Threats include potential airport blockades, risking the summit’s overall security and regional diplomatic efforts.
Iraq Integrates 20,000 Militiamen Into PMF Ahead of Elections
An Iraqi security source revealed that around 20,000 armed faction members have been officially integrated into the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), with updated voter IDs in preparation for upcoming elections. Newly assigned security roles include deployment around Baghdad’s outskirts. The move follows prior combat experience gained during anti-ISIS operations since June 2014.
Iraq Eyes $25 Billion in Annual Imports From Iran Under New Trade Plans
Iraq may boost annual imports from Iran to $25 billion, up from $11 billion, following trade agreements on joint economic zones and border markets, according to the Iraqi PM’s advisor Hazem Al-Khalidi. During a visit to Tehran, both sides also agreed to expedite the Shalamcheh-Basra railway and facilitate banking guarantees for Iranian businesses.
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★ THE GULF
UAE Thwarts Smuggling of Five Million Ammunition Rounds to Sudan
UAE security forces foiled an illegal attempt to smuggle five million 7.62x54mm rounds to Sudan’s army aboard a private jet. Authorities arrested suspects involved in illicit arms deals linked to Sudanese military figures, including ex-intelligence chief Salah Gosh. The shipment, falsely declared as medical supplies, was intercepted at a UAE airport during refueling.
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★ EGYPT&NORTH AFRICA
El-Sisi And Al-Sudani Discuss Gaza Ceasefire And Arab Summit Plans
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani discussed efforts to end the Gaza war, affirming support for reconstruction and rejecting Palestinian displacement. They addressed Syria’s unity, preparations for the May 17 Arab Summit in Baghdad, and enhancing bilateral economic ties. The call comes during regional efforts to restore stability and advance a political solution in Gaza.
Israeli Tanks Stationed Near Egypt Stir Treaty Dispute
Israeli Merkava tanks were spotted near Egyptian villages south of Rafah, positioned on high ground and conducting daily patrols. The Egyptian border presence remains limited to light vehicles. Since May 2024, Israeli forces have increased deployments along the Gaza-Egypt border, leading Egypt to accuse Israel of breaching the 1979 peace treaty. Tensions have escalated further with Israel’s claims of drone-borne weapons crossing from Egypt, most recently, a drone reportedly carrying 10 M16 rifles. Egypt dismissed the reports as politically motivated attempts to weaken its mediation role and shift its Gaza policy. Analysts argue Israel is using these allegations to justify its military posture and deflect criticism of its operational performance.
Libyan Presidential Council Suspends Controversial Constitutional Court Law
Libya’s Presidential Council suspended Parliament’s 2023 law establishing a constitutional court in Benghazi, citing a Supreme Court ruling deeming it unconstitutional. The Council warned that the law threatened the political process and judicial independence, accusing Parliament of unilateral judicial control. It urged authorities to enforce the suspension and pledged broader reforms to end political paralysis and preserve national unity.
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