★ IRAN
Iran Warns Against Any Attack, Unveils New Defensive And Offensive Capabilities
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Chief Hossein Salami warned of devastating retaliation against Israel and the US if attacked, citing failed Israeli defenses against past Iranian missile strikes. Air Force Commander Hamid Vahedi declared Iran is at an “extremely sensitive” moment, revealing all fighter jets are now armed with locally produced long-range missiles. The Revolutionary Guard also unveiled an underground drone base in Hormozgan province, claiming it actively monitors US carriers in the Gulf. Meanwhile, satellite images published by Fox News exposed a secret nuclear site in Semnan, allegedly extracting tritium for weapons. These developments come as Iran and the US prepare for renewed indirect nuclear negotiations in Oman.
Washington Sanctions Iran’s Oil Networks and Accuses Panama of Aiding Smuggling
The United States escalated its pressure on Iran by imposing new sanctions on two individuals, several companies, and maritime operators linked to Tehran’s sanctioned oil exports. Targets include China’s Khabi Xinhai refinery, three Shandong-based firms, and shipping operators from China, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom, as well as two Indian vessel captains. This action comes ahead of renewed US-Iran nuclear talks scheduled for Sunday in Oman. Simultaneously, the US-based group United Against Nuclear Iran accused Panama of enabling Iranian sanctions evasion, revealing that 17% of suspect tankers fly Panama’s flag despite recent registration cancellations. Iran, boasting record oil and gas production, denied any legal violations and dismissed US sanctions as illegitimate.
Google Maps Switches to ‘Arabian Gulf’ Label During Regional Sensitivities
Google Maps has updated its label from “Persian Gulf” to “Arabian Gulf” for Middle East users, coinciding with Donald Trump’s planned visit to the region. U.S. officials say Trump may formalize the change in U.S. terminology. Iran condemned the move as politically motivated. Apple Maps already uses “Arabian Gulf,” while Iran previously threatened legal action against Google in 2012.
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★SYRIA
al Julani, Offers U.S. Business Access to Ease Sanctions
Abu Mohamad al Julani, aka (Ahmad al Sharaa). is seeking sanctions relief by offering U.S. companies access to Syria’s energy sector, according to The Wall Street Journal. al Julani seeks a meeting with President Trump in Saudi Arabia, promoting economic partnership and strategic cooperation. His efforts face scrutiny over recent violence against Alawites and Druze minorities.
SDF Responds to Escalating ISIS Attacks in Eastern Syria
ISIS cells launched several attacks in Deir Ezzor’s eastern countryside, targeting checkpoints and security posts with RPGs and gunfire. The SDF and internal security forces repelled the assaults, killed fighters, and arrested senior ISIS leader Abu Zakaria. Despite setbacks, ISIS cells remain active near the Iraqi border, prompting continued SDF and coalition operations to prevent the group’s resurgence.
Druze in Jaramana Move to Secure Stability and Reject Israeli Patronage
Druze leaders in Jaramana proposed recruiting up to 300 youths into the Syrian Defense Ministry following sectarian unrest. An agreement was reached with security forces to manage local checkpoints and disarm armed groups. Civil society announced a “City of Civil Peace” celebration, highlighting renewed stability among the city’s two million residents. Meanwhile, Israel established a field medical facility near Syria’s Hadar village to treat injured Druze. Israeli officials claimed it was for community safety, following earlier evacuations and military threats. Druze leaders strongly rejected Israel’s intervention.
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★YEMEN
Houthi Leader Dismisses Trump, Threatens Israel With New Attacks
Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi denied President Trump’s claims of requesting a halt to U.S. strikes on Yemen, calling them “a mockery.” He declared responsibility for 131 attacks, including a strike on Ben Gurion Airport, and vowed further operations against Israel and Red Sea shipping. Meanwhile, sources confirmed three uninsured Yemenia Airways aircraft were destroyed in an Israeli strike on Sanaa Airport, raising global aviation insurance concerns. U.S. officials revealed that operations against the Houthis have cost over $1 billion since March, including the loss of drones and fighter jets. Despite this, Trump admitted the Houthis inflicted heavy losses before agreeing to an Omani-brokered truce.
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★ ISRAEL
Netanyahu Says Israel Working To Relocate Hamas Leaders To Third Country
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu told reservists that Israel must defeat Hamas and force its leaders to surrender or accept exile. He confirmed ongoing efforts with the U.S. to relocate Hamas leaders to a third country, stressing Israel’s goal of recovering hostages and eliminating Hamas’s threat.
Israeli Drones Deepen India-Pakistan Crisis
Pakistan announced it intercepted 25 Israeli-made drones allegedly launched by India during the latest cross-border escalation. Islamabad accused New Delhi of using Israeli Harop drones to target military sites in at least nine Pakistani cities, including Rawalpindi and Lahore. The strikes marked Israel’s growing military footprint in the region’s conflict, raising concerns about wider international involvement in the India-Pakistan standoff.
Israeli Army Faces Deadly Ambush, Internal Crisis, and Rising Trauma
Israel’s military sustained fresh losses in Rafah when a resistance bomb collapsed a building, killing two soldiers and injuring twelve, including troops trapped under rubble. In Nablus, Israeli forces killed Lion’s Den fighter Rami al-Qahen and arrested another operative during a raid that sparked heavy clashes. Meanwhile, the IDF announced killing Hamas’s rocket production chief in Deir al-Balah as part of a wider air campaign hitting 150 Hamas targets. Domestically, Netanyahu’s coalition faces collapse threats from ultra-Orthodox parties over stalled military draft exemptions, with Knesset boycotts intensifying. Israeli medical sources also reported a surge in combat trauma cases among soldiers returning from Gaza, raising concerns over long-term mental health impacts on the army’s frontline units.
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★ TÜRKIYE
Türki̇ye Blocks Imamoglu’s Million-Follower X Account After Court Order
Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu’s X account was blocked in Türki̇ye following a court order over alleged incitement. His lawyer vowed to appeal. Authorities cited a post urging protests after his March 19 arrest. Imamoglu denies wrongdoing. His detention sparked major protests and boosted his rising popularity as Erdogan’s main challenger in the 2028 elections.
Türki̇ye Plans Daily Gas Exports To Syria Through Kilis-Aleppo Pipeline
Türki̇ye’s Energy Minister announced plans to export 6 million cubic meters of gas daily to Syria for power generation in Aleppo. Infrastructure work has started, aiming for gas flow within three months. Türki̇ye already supplies Aleppo with 200 megawatts of electricity, supporting Syria’s post-war recovery under the new transitional administration.
Türkiye’s Net Foreign Reserves Drop to $32.79 Billion During Market Turmoil
Türki̇ye’s net foreign reserves fell over $2 billion to $32.79 billion by May 2, after market instability following Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu’s arrest. Reserves have dropped $40 billion since mid-March, while the central bank intervened heavily to support the lira, now trading at 38.3684 per dollar, ahead of Imamoglu’s pending trial.
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★IRAQ
Iraq And Türki̇ye Hold Strategic Talks On Development And Security
Iraqi Prime Minister Al-Sudani met Turkish President Erdogan in Ankara, confirming ties based on counterterrorism and economic development. Both chaired strategic cooperation meetings, stressing Iraq’s role in regional stability. Al-Sudani highlighted the Development Road as a strategic economic project, while Erdogan emphasized its importance for Iraq’s stability and prosperity across the entire region.
Iran Risks Losing Iraq as Economic Influence Rapidly Deteriorates
Iran faces the risk of losing Iraq as U.S. sanctions restrict dollar access, Iraqi debts reach $8 billion, and Baghdad seeks energy alternatives from Türki̇ye and Turkmenistan. Despite $130 billion in exports over two decades, Iran’s dominance is weakening due to falling oil revenues, currency collapse, and rising Iraqi pushback, threatening one of Tehran’s last strategic and financial strongholds.
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★LEBANON
Israeli Airstrikes Destroy Hezbollah’s Southern Lebanon Command Infrastructure
Israeli fighter jets conducted over twelve airstrikes on Lebanon’s Beaufort Ridge, destroying Hezbollah’s fire and defense command infrastructure. The Israeli military confirmed the site’s elimination, citing violations of the ceasefire agreement. Simultaneously, Israeli drones dropped counterfeit yellow dollars and warning leaflets over Naqoura, urging residents to reject Hezbollah’s compensation payments, calling them “forbidden and worthless.” Naqoura’s mayor dismissed the effort as meaningless. The operations reflect Israel’s dual military and psychological campaign to weaken Hezbollah’s operational and financial influence in southern Lebanon.
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★ THE GULF
Saudi Crown Prince And Palestinian VP Discuss Supporting Palestinian Cause
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Palestinian Vice President Hussein Al-Sheikh in Jeddah to discuss supporting Palestine and advancing joint efforts for Palestinian interests. Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan also met Al-Sheikh, focusing on international coordination to strengthen Palestinian rights and promote cooperation on developments in Palestine.
Trump Drops Israel Normalization Demand From Saudi Nuclear Deal Talks
Reuters reported Thursday that Donald Trump no longer requires Saudi Arabia to normalize ties with Israel in exchange for civilian nuclear talks. Trump also plans a multibillion-dollar arms deal with Riyadh. Israel had previously imposed nuclear restrictions, coordinated with Biden officials. It remains unclear if Trump consulted Israel before offering these incentives ahead of his regional visit.
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★ EGYPT&NORTH AFRICA
Egypt Pays 60% Of IMF Debt As Fifth Review Begins
Egypt has repaid $12 billion of its $20 billion IMF debt, according to MP Fakhry El-Fiky. The IMF began its fifth review of Egypt’s $8 billion loan program this week. Egypt previously repaid $10 billion from a 2016-2019 program and started repaying a 2020 $8 billion COVID-19 loan. Current repayments will start in 2027 over ten years.
UN Security Council Demands Immediate Ceasefire in South Sudan, Extends Peace Mission
The UN Security Council called for an immediate ceasefire in South Sudan, expressing alarm over renewed violence and reported barrel bomb use. It extended the UN peacekeeping mission’s mandate to April 2026, keeping 17,000 troops and 2,101 police deployed. The Council criticized delayed elections and urged global efforts to prevent the country’s slide back into civil war.
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