★ IRAN
Oman Announces Postponement of Nuclear Talks, Iran Blames Washington For The Stalemate
Oman announced the postponement of the fourth round of indirect nuclear talks with Washington, which was scheduled to take place in Rome. Mediator Oman cited logistical reasons for the delay and confirmed the proposal to reschedule originated from Muscat. Iran blamed U.S. sanctions and “provocative” conduct for undermining diplomatic momentum, meanwhile, its foreign ministry reaffirmed its commitment to diplomacy but warned that future negotiations depend on American behavior. The U.S. has not confirmed its participation in the fourth round of nuclear talks with Iran. In a related context, IRGC adviser Ali Balali confirmed that Iran’s missile development continues without interruption, stressing that the Western-backed Israeli defenses are ineffective. Speaking in northeastern Iran, he stated that Tehran’s missile and space programs are advancing through domestic expertise, reaffirming Iran’s commitment to strengthening its capabilities despite international opposition.
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Threatens Sanctions on Iranian Crude
Brent crude rose 1.75% to $61.46 and WTI jumped 1.8% to $59.24 after Trump warned of secondary sanctions on buyers of Iranian oil. The gains ended a losing streak fueled by OPEC+ supply hikes and economic concerns. Despite weak U.S. and China data, market risks from geopolitical tensions and sanctions continued to support oil prices.
Iran’s Syria Empire Collapses After Assad Falls and Embassy Is Looted
Iran’s post-war plan to build an economic empire in Syria, modeled on the U.S. Marshall Plan, unraveled after Assad’s fall in December 2024. In Iran’s looted embassy in Damascus, documents revealed abandoned investments, $178 million in unpaid debts, and over 40 stalled projects. Iran’s long-term ambitions were thwarted by Assad’s ouster, militant attacks, sanctions, and local corruption.
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★SYRIA
Israel Bombs Area Near Presidential Palace in Damascus, Sends Warning Message
Tensions escalated across Druze-populated regions in Syria and Israel after deadly violence erupted in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya near Damascus, triggered by a blasphemous recording. Syrian security forces responded with operations targeting so-called outlaws, Calm has since returned, but security reinforcements extended to villages like Sura al-Kubra in Sweida. Hours after the raid, Sahnaya’s mayor, Hussam Warwar, was assassinated, igniting public fear and speculation over motives. In a bid to contain unrest, Damascus reached separate disarmament agreements with Druze leaders in Jaramana and Sweida, mandating the surrender of heavy arms and integrating local forces under state and religious authority. However, deep divisions remain, as factions loyal to Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri opposed Syrian military movements. In northern Israel, hundreds of Druze protesters blocked major roads and called on the Israeli government to protect their Syrian kin, with some IDF reservists threatening cross-border intervention. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed an airstrike near Syria’s presidential palace, marking the second such strike in two days. He warned Damascus against deploying forces near southern areas, citing a commitment to protect the Druze minority. , while Syrian FM Al-Shibani warned foreign involvement would prolong chaos. Meanwhile, analysts alleged covert coordination between Druze factions, Israel, and Hezbollah aimed at destabilizing southern Syria. Lebanese journalist Ghadi Francis condemned sectarian manipulation and described Syria as a collapsed state governed by unaccountable powers.
Kurdish Administration Urges Damascus to Stop Turkish Strikes on Tishrin Dam
The Kurdish-led Autonomous Administration in northeastern Syria has called on Damascus to intervene and halt Turkish strikes on the Tishrin Dam, which has gone offline due to sustained damage. The region’s energy authority reported water inflows down 75%, causing major power disruptions. A U.S.-brokered agreement for joint dam management is at risk of collapse during renewed drone attacks. Raising fears of a looming humanitarian and environmental disaster.
France’s CMA CGM Signs 30-Year Deal to Operate Syria’s Lattakia Port
Syria signed a 30-year contract with French firm CMA CGM to modernize and operate Lattakia port, marking the first major foreign investment since Assad’s fall. The €230 million deal includes building a 1.5-km, 17-meter-deep quay to handle large container ships. Syria will receive 60% of revenues, with the remainder going to CMA CGM.
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★YEMEN
Houthi Missile Debris Hits Israeli Kindergarten as U.S. Expands Yemen Airstrikes
Debris from a Houthi missile launched from Yemen pierced the roof of a kindergarten in Mishmar HaEmek, northern Israel, after being intercepted by Israeli defenses. No children were present, and no injuries were reported. The incident, the second in ten days, did not prompt Israeli retaliation, reportedly due to U.S. pressure. Meanwhile, the U.S. launched five airstrikes on Houthi weapons depots near Saada, followed by additional strikes across four Yemeni provinces, including a training camp in Mahwit and a military base in Sanaa, killing or injuring air defense experts and senior commanders. The campaign, underway since March 15, aims to stop Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping. In response, Houthi forces imposed total isolation on Kamaran Island, banning movement, cutting communications, and detaining residents over alleged U.S. ties. In Sanaa, Houthis raided shops enforcing a U.S. goods boycott, extorting merchants with fines and threats, deepening fears of economic collapse in one of 2025’s poorest nations.
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★ ISRAEL
Netanyahu Sparks Outrage With Remarks On War Priorities
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said victory over Hamas is the supreme goal, despite acknowledging efforts to return 59 remaining hostages. Speaking during a Bible quiz event, he noted 196 hostages had been recovered. Families of the captives condemned his remarks, insisting that the hostage return must be Israel’s top priority, criticizing his alliance with far-right figures.
IDF Plans New Gaza Aid System to Block Hamas Diversions
Israel plans to resume Gaza aid with a new system requiring family representatives to collect food boxes from IDF-secured zones, aiming to prevent Hamas theft. Aid will bypass wholesale storage, using private firms like Orbis and NGOs. The military supports the plan despite logistical and safety concerns, stressing that aid must resume soon to avoid legal risks and starvation.
Al-Qassam Ambush Kills Soldiers, Gaza Toll Soars, Demolitions Ordered
Hamas’s Al-Qassam Brigades claimed responsibility for a lethal ambush in Rafah, killing and injuring Israeli soldiers after luring a convoy into a trap. Israel confirmed two officer deaths on April 26 but withheld further details. Since October 7, Israeli military losses have reached 850, with allegations of unreported casualties. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 31 Palestinians, including women and children, as the World Health Organization warned of a “catastrophic” crisis in Gaza. Disease is spreading, and food has run out, with the death toll climbing to 52,418 and over 118,000 wounded. In the West Bank, Israel ordered the demolition of 106 Palestinian homes in Tulkarm and Nur Shams camps within 24 hours, citing security reasons. Local officials urged immediate international action to prevent further mass displacement, as over 25,000 residents have already been uprooted by ongoing military operations.
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★ TÜRKIYE
Political Escalation in Türkiye and Mass Arrests During Istanbul Protests
Opposition leader Özgür Özel condemned President Erdoğan’s warning that Ekrem İmamoğlu is heading toward “destruction,” labeling it a direct threat to democracy. He affirmed İmamoğlu’s presidential prospects and accused Erdoğan of undermining national will during mass protests and corruption probes against Istanbul officials. On May Day, Turkish authorities deployed over 52,000 police in Istanbul, arresting nearly 400 demonstrators defying a protest ban near Taksim Square. Riot police clashed with crowds, using force and detaining dozens. Metro lines were shut, roads sealed, and access to city hall blocked. The crackdown follows unrest sparked by İmamoğlu’s recent arrest and looming trial.
Türkiye and Egypt Conduct Joint Special Forces Drills in Ankara
Türkiye and Egypt held joint special forces exercises in Ankara from April 21 to 29, focusing on urban warfare, sniping, medical training, parachuting, helicopter assault, rope descent, medical evacuation, and reconnaissance operations. The Turkish Defense Ministry released footage of the drills, highlighting strengthened military cooperation between the two countries.
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★ IRAQ
France Delivers Two Advanced Caracal Helicopters to Iraq
Iraq received two French Caracal helicopters under a defense agreement, with more to follow as production completes. The helicopters enter service in June, boosting Army Aviation’s combat readiness in harsh conditions. In July 2024, Iraq also acquired seven U.S.-made Bell-505s to enhance pilot training. Iraq now ranks third in Gulf airpower, with 361 aircraft overall.
Iraq Approves Strategic Railway Linking Baghdad and Tehran
Iraq approved a railway linking Baghdad to Iran’s Khosravi crossing, extending to Tehran, as confirmed by PM advisor Hazem Al-Khalidi. The deal, backed during PM Sudani’s Spain visit, includes a Spanish firm. Both sides agreed to fast-track projects like the Shalamcheh–Basra line and create free trade zones near Qasr-e Shirin–Khanaqin to boost economic ties. Despite repeated American warnings to Iraq about dealing with Iran.
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★LEBANON
Four Killed In Two Israeli Drone Strikes On South Lebanon
Four people were killed in two Israeli drone strikes on the town of Meiss El Jabal in southern Lebanon, including a Lebanese man, two Syrians, and a civil defense worker. Israeli media claimed a Hezbollah member was also killed. The attacks follow over 2,700 Israeli violations since the November 2024 ceasefire, causing hundreds of casualties.
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★ THE GULF
Kuwait Frees 10 More Americans, Total Reaches 23 Since March
Kuwait released 10 additional American prisoners, bringing the total number of prisoners freed from its prisons since March to 23. U.S. envoy Adam Boehler credited the Trump administration and thanked Kuwait for its goodwill. The released individuals, including veterans and contractors, were jailed for drug-related and other charges, marking the largest single-nation release of U.S. citizens in years.
Saudi Economy Grows 2.7% in Q1 2025, Driven by Non-Oil Sector
Saudi Arabia’s economy expanded 2.7% year-on-year in Q1 2025, marking its fourth consecutive quarterly growth. The rise was fueled by a 4.2% surge in non-oil activities, while oil sector output shrank 1.4% due to OPEC+ cuts. For the first time, non-oil sectors made up 51% of the economy, reflecting steady progress under Vision 2030 reforms.
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★ EGYPT&NORTH AFRICA
Egypt Repays $10 Billion to IMF, Reinforces Economic Stability
Egypt has repaid over $10 billion of its IMF loans since 2016, reflecting its commitment to financial reforms during regional turmoil. Out of $28 billion in total IMF support, Egypt expects another $5 billion soon under the current $8 billion program. Foreign reserves rose to $47.4 billion, aided by $46 billion in FDI and declining inflation.
Rapid Support Forces Seize Sudan’s Second-Largest City in Kordofan
Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces took control of Al-Nuhud, West Kordofan’s second-largest city, after heavy fighting, cutting army routes to lift the siege on El Fasher and surrounding El-Obeid. RSF also shelled the Republican Palace in Khartoum and drone-attacked an army base in Kosti. The army claims it remains active in Al-Nuhud despite RSF assaults.
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