★YEMEN
US-Houthi Truce Brokered by Oman as Tel Aviv Escalates
The United States and Yemen’s Houthi rebels reached a ceasefire brokered by Oman, halting weeks of Red Sea hostilities and missile strikes. President Trump announced an end to American air raids, declaring Houthi “surrender,” a claim swiftly rejected by Houthi leadership. Oman’s mediation, coordinated with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, aimed to de-escalate regional tensions and revive U.S.-Iran nuclear diplomacy. Israel, uninvolved in the truce, launched retaliatory airstrikes on Sanaa’s airport following a Houthi missile attack near Tel Aviv. Local sources reported over 20 airstrikes and total airport destruction. Israel also targeted a cement plant and central power stations used by the Houthis for military purposes. Dozens were killed in earlier Israeli operations targeting Hodeida and infrastructure allegedly used for weapons smuggling. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz blamed Iran for enabling Houthi aggression, warning of expanded retaliation. In defiance of the ceasefire, Houthi leader Mahdi al-Mashat vowed continued attacks on Israel and shipping lanes, citing support for Gaza. Meanwhile, Iran reportedly urged the Houthis to scale down operations to support the ceasefire bid, underscoring Tehran’s attempt to shield itself from regional escalation.
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★ IRAN
Iran and the U.S. Prepare for Nuclear Talks in Oman Sunday
Iran and the United States are poised to resume indirect nuclear negotiations in Muscat on May 11, amid rising regional tensions and international pressure. The talks, delayed from May 3, come as Tehran intensifies uranium enrichment to 60% and advances ballistic missile programs, prompting new U.S. sanctions. Iran insists that discussions remain strictly limited to its nuclear file, rejecting broader conditions and demanding American goodwill. Russia has offered to mediate, while the European Union calls for de-escalation. Internal divisions within the U.S. and Israeli demands for military deterrence add friction. President Trump has reaffirmed a hardline stance, warning Iran against weaponization and threatening force if diplomacy collapses.
Iran Launches 20-Year Nuclear Plan, Declares Enrichment Core of Industrial Power
Iran’s nuclear chief, Mohammad Eslami, unveiled a 20-year strategy to expand Iran’s civilian nuclear program, calling uranium enrichment the “core” of national industrial sovereignty. Dismissing U.S. criticism, Eslami framed nuclear progress as a tool of resistance to Western dominance. The roadmap includes growth in energy, agriculture, and medicine, with emphasis on innovation, transparency, and peaceful development under IAEA oversight.
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★SYRIA
Israel Warns Syria While Secret Negotiations and Druze Tensions Unfold
Israel sent a direct threat to Damascus through an Azerbaijani channel, accusing it of supporting militants in Druze-majority areas. Simultaneously, Syrian elites reportedly engaged in discreet meetings with Israeli officials in a European city, while journalist Ata Farhat claimed al-Julani seeks to ease Israeli concerns. The Israeli army confirmed it is monitoring southern Syria and is prepared for potential escalations, continuing to treat wounded Druze and secure the frontier. Meanwhile, Druze communities near Damascus refused to disarm, fearing militant attacks after sectarian clashes and Israeli airstrikes. Residents are demanding equal disarmament and state guarantees.
Syrian Authorities Foil Smuggling of 800,000 Narcotic Pills
Syria’s Interior Ministry thwarted a smuggling attempt involving over 800,000 narcotic pills in Daraa, southern Syria, amid a broader crackdown on drug networks. The fall of Assad’s regime disrupted trafficking routes, especially those run by the Fourth Division. Recent operations dismantled drug labs and storage sites across southern Syria, once protected by military figures linked to the former regime.
Armed Ambush Kills Syrian Security Officers in Restive Sweida Province
Two Syrian General Security officers were killed and four were injured in a rebel ambush in Sweida’s countryside, targeting vehicles transporting wounded civilians from recent clashes in Al-Surah. Officials blame remnants of the former regime and the so-called “Military Council” of Sweida for violating a reconciliation deal with Druze leaders, aiming to destabilize the fragile peace in southern Syria.
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★ ISRAEL
US Proposes Simpler Gaza Ceasefire Plan Ahead of Trump Visit
Washington presented Egypt with a simplified Gaza ceasefire proposal, aiming to secure a long-term truce before Donald Trump’s expected Middle East tour. The plan outlines the establishment of humanitarian corridors, limited hostage releases prioritizing American detainee Idan Alexander, and mechanisms to verify aid access into Gaza. A proposal for aid delivery oversight by a private firm led by a Palestinian-American under Israeli supervision surfaced, though Israeli officials deny knowledge. Meanwhile, Hamas rejected Israel’s separate aid distribution plan, labeling it political coercion and a breach of international law. The group demanded that only neutral international organizations manage humanitarian relief, accusing Israel of using starvation to exert pressure.
Netanyahu, Putin Hold First Call Since 2023 During Middle East Escalation
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Russian President Putin spoke Tuesday for the first time since December 2023, discussing regional tensions and bilateral ties. Putin raised concerns over Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and urged restraint. Netanyahu thanked Russia for helping release an Israeli-Russian hostage. The call followed Israel’s renewed strikes in Yemen, though not directly addressed by either leader.
New Israeli Bill Seeks to Weaken Legal Oversight, Halt Netanyahu Trial
Israel’s Knesset advanced a controversial bill to split the attorney general’s role, severely limiting current advisor Gali Baharav-Miara’s authority and enabling political interference in criminal cases, potentially halting Prime Minister Netanyahu’s corruption trial. Critics, including Haaretz, warn that the move dismantles legal safeguards, empowers unchecked governance, and accelerates Israel’s democratic erosion under Netanyahu’s coalition.
Biden’s Gaza Aid Pier Injured 62 U.S. Troops, Cost $230 Million
A Pentagon watchdog report revealed that 62 U.S. soldiers were injured during the construction and operation of President Biden’s $230 million Gaza aid pier—far more than previously reported. Operational for just 20 days, the pier faced weather disruptions and logistical failures. Republicans called it a political move, while aid delivery to Gaza remains severely restricted by Israel.
Deadly Strike Hits Displacement School During Israeli Calls to Destroy Gaza and Annex West Bank
An Israeli airstrike Tuesday targeted a UN-run school sheltering displaced civilians in Al-Bureij, killing at least 29 people, part of a broader bombing campaign that left 66 Palestinians dead across Gaza. Children and entire families perished, while hospitals struggled under mounting casualties. Hamas denounced the strike as a war crime and urged urgent global intervention. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich escalated rhetoric by calling for Gaza’s “destruction” and Palestinian displacement, alongside annexation plans for the West Bank. In Rafah, senior Hamas figures surrendered, offering intelligence to Israeli forces amid intensified ground operations. Meanwhile, the Israeli army expanded conscription orders to ultra-Orthodox men, provoking backlash and deepening political tensions within the ruling coalition. The Gaza death toll since October 7 has now surpassed 52,600.
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★ TÜRKIYE
Istanbul University Erases Imamoglu’s Degree as Tensions Escalate
Istanbul University deleted Ekrem Imamoglu’s 31-year-old degree record following a March decision to revoke his diploma, prompting legal action from his lawyers. The move sparked renewed protests led by opposition leader Ozgur Ozel, who vowed a public response. This comes amid Imamoglu’s continued detention and rising popularity in polls, positioning him ahead of President Erdogan.
Mauritania Deepens Military Ties with Türkiye, Eyes Strategic Shift
Mauritania’s top gendarmerie official met Turkish counterparts in Ankara to expand military cooperation, training, and intelligence-sharing, signaling a pivot toward diversified security partnerships. This deepening alignment with Türkiye may strain ties with traditional allies France and the UAE, amid Türkiye’s growing African influence and Mauritania’s evolving regional strategy since Erdogan’s 2018 visit to Nouakchott.
Türkiye announces it seized explosive communications devices en route to Hezbollah before the deadly attack.
Turkish intelligence intercepted 1,300 rigged pagers in Istanbul on September 16, 2024, just before a deadly Hezbollah-linked explosion in Lebanon. Hidden in mislabeled cargo from Taiwan, each pager contained flammable explosives in its battery. Erdogan reportedly informed Lebanon’s Mikati of the discovery, which coincided with a major walkie-talkie blast, marking a severe breach of Hezbollah’s communications security.
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★ IRAQ
Sudani Seeks Bin Salman, Bin Zayed Mediation with Trump for Second Term
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani reportedly asked Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed to mediate with U.S. President Donald Trump to support his bid for a second term. Official statements highlighted bilateral relations and regional coordination, especially regarding Gaza, but did not mention the mediation request.
Iraq Secures €130 Million in French Loans
Iraq signed two credit agreements with France’s AFD worth €130 million to support sanitation infrastructure. One €30 million loan supplements an existing €80 million project in Anbar’s Khalidiya district, while a new €100 million loan funds a project in Diwaniya’s Hamza district. The initiative aims to transfer French water treatment expertise and enhance urban health services.
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★LEBANON
Israeli Drone Strikes Kill Senior Hezbollah and Hamas Figures in Lebanon
An Israeli drone strike in Kfar Reman killed Adnan Mohammad Sadeq Harb, logistics chief of Hezbollah’s Badr Unit, who oversaw the restoration of combat infrastructure north of the Litani River. Three others were injured. The strike follows over 2,700 reported Israeli ceasefire violations since November, with Hezbollah accusing Israel of persistent aggression but withholding retaliation. On the same day, another Israeli drone strike in Sidon’s Al-Filat area killed senior Hamas leader Khaled Al-Ahmad near the Mieh Mieh camp. This marks the third targeted Hamas assassination in Lebanon this year. Meanwhile, Hamas handed over a third suspect to the Lebanese army over alleged rocket fire, as tensions persist along the Lebanon-Israel border.
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★ THE GULF
UAE Mediates Exchange of 410 Prisoners Between Russia and Ukraine
The UAE successfully brokered a new prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine, involving 205 captives. This marks the 15th mediation by the UAE since the war began, reflecting its strong ties with both nations. The total number of exchanged prisoners through UAE efforts has reached 4,181, with ongoing peace efforts.
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★ EGYPT&NORTH AFRICA
Gideon Boats Plan Sparks Egyptian-Israeli Tension Over Gaza Displacement
Israel’s “Gideon Boats” plan proposes relocating Gaza’s civilians near Egypt’s border under military oversight, raising fears of forced displacement. Critics warn the move echoes the 1948 Nakba and threatens Egypt’s national security. Cairo rejects any role in relocating Palestinians. Analysts say the plan aims to depopulate Gaza, destabilize the region, and risk undermining the Egypt-Israel peace treaty.
Chinese Fighter Jets Fly Over Cairo in First Joint Drill with Egypt
Chinese warplanes flew over Egypt near the Giza Pyramids in “Eagles of Civilization 2025,” the first-ever joint air drill between Egypt and China. The 18-day exercise signals a shift in Cairo’s defense alliances, showcasing its strategy to diversify military partners and modernize capabilities. Analysts see potential arms deals ahead, including drones and missile systems.
Sudan Severs Ties with UAE Over RSF Strike on Port Sudan
Sudan severed diplomatic relations with the UAE on Tuesday, accusing it of backing the Rapid Support Forces following drone strikes on Port Sudan. Khartoum labeled the UAE an “aggressor state” and cited years of alleged interference. The move followed the ICJ’s dismissal of Sudan’s genocide case against Abu Dhabi over its role in Darfur.
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