★ IRAN
Explosions Hit IRGC Depot as Iran Reveals Initial Losses from Rajaei Port Blast
An explosion rocked an underground ammunition depot linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the southern city of Kazerun on Monday, with local media reporting it was located beneath mountain foothills. No government statement has been issued. This follows recent unexplained blasts, including one in Mashhad on Sunday. Separately, a deadly explosion at Rajaei Port in Bandar Abbas killed 50 people, injured over 1,200, and triggered up to $4 billion in trade losses. The blast decimated Iran’s main commercial port, halting operations and prompting investigations into possible negligence or Israeli involvement. The twin incidents raise concerns over security and stability within key Iranian infrastructure.
Iran Offers Mediation as India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate Over Kashmir
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad to mediate rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22 Kashmir attack. He affirmed Iran’s neutrality and announced plans to visit New Delhi. Araghchi also met Pakistani officials, rejecting any link between Islamabad and the attack. Meanwhile, Pakistan conducted missile tests during Indian airspace violations.
Iran Opens Door to Deal, Warns U.S. and Israel Against Escalation
Iran indicated willingness to reach a nuclear agreement with Donald Trump, provided that its only aim is to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Top negotiator Abbas Araghchi underscored diplomacy and mutual respect as vital to progress. Talks with the U.S. have seen three indirect rounds, while a fourth was postponed due to technical issues. Iran is now waiting for Oman to schedule the next meeting. Meanwhile, Foreign Ministry spokesman Bagheri reaffirmed Iran’s right to uranium enrichment and criticized Washington’s mixed messaging. Separately, Iran’s UN envoy warned of a swift and proportional response to any U.S. or Israeli military action, urging the UN Security Council to deter violations of international law.
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★YEMEN
Israel Bombs Houthi Targets in Yemen Following Missile Strikes
Israel carried out extensive airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen, hitting 18 sites including Hodeidah Port, Sana’a, and Jouf, with intelligence support from the United States. The operation involved over 30 Israeli warplanes and targeted coastal and inland infrastructure, including the Bajil cement plant used for weapons trafficking and tunnel networks. The port of Hodeidah reportedly suffered 70% damage, halting cargo operations. The strikes were launched after a Houthi missile landed near Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport. Yemen’s Houthi-run Health Ministry reported 21 civilian injuries, denouncing the attack and urging global condemnation. The United States also struck Ras Isa Port and a military site in Sana’a, injuring 14 people. and a crippling fuel crisis. Fuel distribution was suspended, with gas stations shut down across Sanaa and nearby areas. Iran, accused by Israel of backing the Houthis, dismissed the claims and labeled Houthi actions as acts of Palestinian solidarity. The escalation marks a significant widening of the regional conflict.
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★SYRIA
Two Violent Attacks Raise Minority Fears and Security Concerns in Syria
A woman was killed and others injured in an armed attack on the Al-Karawan nightclub in Damascus—the second such incident within 24 hours. Syria’s interior ministry announced arrests connected to a previous assault but gave no further clarity on the perpetrators. Meanwhile, in Suweida, a revered Druze shrine was deliberately set on fire, intensifying fears among minorities under the shadow of an emerging Islamist-led order. Clashes erupted in Suweida’s western countryside between local groups and unidentified armed outsiders, compounding instability. Civilians across Syria are alarmed by rising attacks, including recent violence in Homs against activists. The absence of state control and unidentified actors stoking unrest reflect mounting threats to public safety and minority rights. Separately the Syrian government appointed Ahmad al-Hays (Abu Hatim Shaqra), under U.S. sanctions, to command Division 86 covering Raqqa and Hasakah. Al-Hays is accused of killing Kurdish politician Hevrin Khalaf in 2019 and committing detainee abuses. His appointment risks straining ties with Kurdish forces, which remain the strongest factions outside government control.
Israel Expands Control in Golan, Strikes Key Assad-Era Base
Israeli forces destroyed a former Syrian regime headquarters on Mount Hermon during a raid led by the 810th Brigade. Troops uncovered and eliminated weapons caches, including rocket launchers and mines, after a wave of Israeli airstrikes hit targets near Damascus, including areas close to the presidential palace. Meanwhile, the Israeli military has intensified its presence across the Golan Heights, six months after entering without resistance. The IDF has tripled troop deployments, built nine outposts, and conducted drone strikes, mainly in the unstable southern sector. Despite a temporary calm in the north under al Julani’s interim rule, intelligence gaps and fractured Syrian governance continue to undermine long-term security.
SDF Foils ISIS Attack and Captures Leader in Eastern Deir Ezzor
The Syrian Democratic Forces thwarted an ISIS rocket and gunfire assault on their Dheeban Brigade in eastern Deir Ezzor, forcing the attackers to flee. In a separate raid backed by the coalition, SDF arrested ISIS commander Hamoud Al-Khatib, known as Abu Zakariya. These actions followed deadly ISIS attacks that recently killed and wounded SDF members in the region.
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★ ISRAEL
Abbas to Demand Disarmament of Palestinian Factions in Lebanon Camps
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will visit Lebanon on May 21 to push for disarming Palestinian factions in refugee camps. The plan, confirmed by PA sources, involves transferring weapons to the Lebanese army—“by force if necessary.” Abbas is set to meet President Joseph Aoun and top officials to finalize the controversial proposal.
Israel Launches Gaza Plan for Total Control and Mass Displacement
Israel’s cabinet has approved a sweeping new Gaza strategy combining humanitarian aid deliveries through U.S.-run NGOs with a full military campaign to eliminate Hamas and establish long-term territorial control. Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed a sustained, intense ground operation, rejecting any territorial withdrawal and promoting the voluntary displacement of Gaza civilians to neighboring states. The Israeli army, under “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” has initiated tens of thousands of reserve call-ups and plans mass relocations of civilians into designated zones cleared of militants. Ministers Ben Gvir and Smotrich opposed the aid measures, triggering outrage from families of Israeli hostages who condemned the move as a betrayal in favor of occupation. Hamas rejected Israel’s ultimatum and reiterated its demand for a full ceasefire, withdrawal, prisoner release, and comprehensive reconstruction, calling the humanitarian situation catastrophic.
Fifty-Four Palestinians Killed as Israeli Raids Hit Gaza and West Bank
Israeli airstrikes killed 54 Palestinians across Gaza on Monday, striking Al-Karama, Beit Lahia, Khan Younis, and Rafah. Gaza’s health ministry said over 52,500 people have died since October 7. Meanwhile, Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades reported killing Israeli soldiers in Khan Younis and disabling tanks with Yasin-105 rockets near the eastern border. In the occupied West Bank, Israel began demolishing 106 buildings in Tulkarm and Nur Shams camps under “Operation Iron Wall,” condemned by Palestinians as forced displacement. UNRWA warned of worsening humanitarian fallout. A study by Lewin Stone and Gregory Rose challenged Hamas fatality figures, claiming civilian deaths comprise 51% of Gaza casualties, not 70%, and accusing Hamas of inflating numbers for propaganda. The study urges a critical review of casualty data to curb misinformation.
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★ TÜRKIYE
Trump and Erdoğan Hold Productive Call, Plan Reciprocal Visits
President Trump and Turkish President Erdoğan discussed Gaza, Syria, Ukraine, and Iran in a “productive” call. Both leaders expressed intent to enhance cooperation, especially in defense. Erdoğan urged uninterrupted Gaza aid and praised Trump’s diplomatic efforts. Each invited the other for official visits, underscoring hopes to strengthen Türkiye–U.S. ties through renewed dialogue and collaboration.
UAE President, Turkish FM Discuss Regional Stability and Strategic Ties
UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed met Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Abu Dhabi to discuss enhancing strategic ties and addressing regional and global issues. Both leaders stressed the importance of joint efforts to promote peace, security, and stability across the Middle East for the benefit of all regional populations.
Turkish Opposition Leader Accuses Government of Assault Incident
Turkish opposition leader Özgür Özel blamed the government for a physical attack during MP Sırrı Süreyya Önder’s funeral in Istanbul. A man struck Özel while shouting pro-Ottoman slogans; he was later identified as a convicted killer. Özel linked the attack to political repression following Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu’s arrest. Protests erupted nationwide, demanding justice and early elections.
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★ IRAQ
Iraq’s Non-Oil Economy Grows as Budget Deficit Remains Low
According to Finance Minister Taif Sami, Iraq’s non-oil GDP grew by 5% in 2024, driven by agriculture and public spending. The budget deficit stood at 5 trillion dinars (1.5% of GDP), posing no threat to public debt. The IMF praised Iraq’s progress and pledged support in debt management, tax reform, and financial restructuring initiatives.
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★LEBANON
Lebanese Army Dismantles Massive Captagon Hub Near Syrian Border
The Lebanese army has dismantled the largest Captagon production facility ever discovered, located in Harf al-Samaqa near Hermel, close to the Syrian border. The three-story factory, hidden in remote mountainous terrain, contained millions of pills and hundreds of chemical barrels. This marks a major escalation in Beirut’s anti-narcotics operations targeting the Captagon trade, which thrived under Syrian regime protection and in Hezbollah-dominated areas. The raid aligns with growing regional pressure, particularly through Saudi-led security coordination, to curb cross-border smuggling networks. A formal investigation into those behind the operation is ongoing.
Israel Strikes Hezbollah Weapons Site in Beqaa Valley, Kills Key Operatives
The IDF struck a Hezbollah weapons facility in Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley and additional sites in Srifa, citing violations of Israel-Lebanon agreements. Israel also eliminated multiple Hezbollah operatives, including top commanders and a Jamaa Islamiya member, near Halta and Beirut. Over 140 terrorists have been killed in Lebanon since the November 2024 ceasefire.
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★ THE GULF
ICJ Dismisses Sudanese Army Lawsuit Against UAE Over War Allegations
The International Court of Justice dismissed a lawsuit filed by Sudan’s army against the UAE, citing a lack of legal and factual grounds. The UAE denied involvement in Sudan’s conflict, labeling the claims baseless and politically motivated. Abu Dhabi reaffirmed its commitment to peace, condemned attacks on Sudanese infrastructure, and called for urgent protection of civilians and unhindered aid delivery.
Saudi Arabia Records Tenth Consecutive Deficit at $15.7 Billion in Q1 2025
Saudi Arabia posted a Q1 2025 budget deficit of 58.7 billion riyals—the largest in over two years—driven by a 5% rise in spending and an 18% drop in oil revenues. Total revenues fell 10% to 263.6 billion riyals, while debt climbed 9% to 1.33 trillion riyals. Non-oil income grew slightly to 113.8 billion riyals.
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★ EGYPT&NORTH AFRICA
European Bank Funds $1.5 Billion for Egypt Projects in 2024
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development invested $1.5 billion in 26 Egyptian projects in 2024, with 98% supporting the private sector. Egypt led the bank’s operations in the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean for the seventh year. Key sectors included clean energy, SME support, infrastructure, and desalination in partnership with Egypt’s sovereign fund and international institutions.
Rapid Support Forces Drone Strikes Fuel Depots, Port Sudan Airport
A drone strike, blamed on Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, hit fuel depots at Port Sudan Airport, causing explosions and a massive fire. Authorities evacuated the airport and halted all flights. A second explosion occurred overnight. Officials warned of a potential disaster as fires spread through fuel-filled tanks supplying eastern and northern Sudan. The government labeled the attack a terrorist act.
Algeria and Oman Launch $298 Million Joint Investment Fund
Algeria and Oman signed a preliminary agreement to establish a $298 million joint investment fund focusing on food security, pharmaceuticals, and mining. The deal, signed during Sultan Haitham’s visit to Algeria, aims to deepen bilateral economic ties. Additional accords were reached in energy, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals, aligning with both nations’ plans to diversify beyond oil dependence.
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