★ IRAN
U.S. Tightens Sanctions While Iran Warns Europe and Struggles Economically
The United States imposed new sanctions on three Iranian officials and an entity linked to Tehran’s Defense Innovation and Research Organization, citing Iran’s uranium enrichment reaching 60%, exceeding the 2015 nuclear deal’s limit. Following the failure to reach tangible results in the talks… Meanwhile, Iran warned Britain, France, and Germany against activating UN “snapback” sanctions before October 18, labeling such action dangerously escalatory. European states may proceed by August if no deal emerges. Domestically, Iran announced a revived currency reform plan, dropping four zeros from the rial to adopt the toman, in response to soaring inflation and a 95% currency collapse. Despite cautious diplomatic gestures, negotiations remain deadlocked as economic and geopolitical tensions intensify.
Partial Freeze on Uranium Enrichment Approved by Khamenei
Iranian sources told Sky News Arabia that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei authorized Iran’s negotiators to accept a partial freeze on uranium enrichment if needed. This follows the fourth round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks in Oman. While Iran’s foreign minister reaffirmed enrichment as a national right, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff hinted at flexibility for civilian-level enrichment, stressing it remains a U.S. red line. Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful.
Iranian Military Front Firm Used Shell Network To Sell Oil Despite Sanctions
Sepehr Energy Jahannama Pars, a Tehran-based firm linked to Iran’s armed forces, used shell companies and foreign intermediaries to secretly export sanctioned oil to Asia, according to documents obtained by Iran International. The network involved firms in Iran and Hong Kong and worked with the Netherlands-based Gemini Group, which acknowledged Iran’s government ties but continued negotiations. The scheme used ship-to-ship transfers in Singaporean waters to disguise oil origins. U.S.-sanctioned executives Majid Azami and Elyas Niroumand led operations despite their denials of military connections.
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★ ISRAEL
Israeli Soldier Freed Without Deal As Netanyahu Faces Renewed Pressure
Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023, was freed after 584 days in captivity. Israel declared a unilateral ceasefire for its Red Cross handover in Khan Yunis, with no ransom or deal involved. The U.S. credited Egypt and Qatar for mediating. Al Jazeera revealed Alexander refused to meet Netanyahu, as the release was coordinated with the U.S., not Israel. Hamas presented the release as a political move to open U.S. channels and restart talks, excluding disarmament. Netanyahu praised the IDF and U.S. diplomacy but faced criticism for failing to secure other captives. Families of remaining hostages urged a full agreement to end the war and bring everyone home. Netanyahu later announced a delegation would head to Doha to negotiate a broader deal, based on U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff’s proposal. Qatar and Egypt welcomed the move, while Israeli far-right ministers opposed any pause in military operations without Hamas’ full surrender.
Israel Resumes Gaza Bombardment, Targets Hospital, Raids West Bank
Israeli airstrikes on Gaza resumed Monday, killing at least 42 Palestinians, including women and children, following the release of Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander. Strikes targeted schools and shelters in Gaza City, Jabalia, and Khan Younis, raising the death toll to over 52,800 since October 2023. On Tuesday, Israel claimed it hit a Hamas command center inside Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, accusing Hamas of using medical sites for military operations without providing casualty details. Simultaneously, Israeli forces expanded West Bank raids, arresting Palestinians in several cities as settlers stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque under police protection. Over 962 Palestinians have been killed and more than 17,000 arrested in the West Bank since the Gaza conflict began. UN agencies continue to warn of famine as Israel blocks aid deliveries.
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★SYRIA
Türkiye, Syria, Jordan Call for Sanctions Lifting as Trump Considers Easing Measures
Türkiye, Syria, and Jordan’s foreign ministers met in Ankara, demanding an end to sanctions on Syria and Israeli military actions. They affirmed Syria’s territorial integrity and rejected foreign intervention. Türkiye criticized Kurdish control in northern Syria, urging national reconciliation. Syria pledged closer ties with Türkiye and Jordan, while Jordan reiterated support for Syria’s stability and joint efforts against Israeli aggression and terrorism. In parallel, U.S. President Donald Trump signaled possible sanctions relief, describing it as a “fresh start.” Syria welcomed the move as a step to ease national suffering. Washington had earlier issued limited six-month waivers, but Syria remains largely cut off from the global financial system, hindering its recovery after 14 years of war.
Al Julani to Skip Baghdad Summit During Security and Political Backlash
Al Julani will not attend the May 17 Arab League Summit in Baghdad due to threats on his life, with Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani leading the delegation. Iraqi factions criticized Damascus’s invitation, citing al-Sharaa’s militant past. Despite security measures, Syria’s absence reflects fragile regional reintegration efforts and tensions over Syria-Iraq relations post-Assad.
Qatari And FBI Teams Find Remains Of Thirty Islamic State Victims
Qatari search teams and the FBI found remains of thirty Islamic State victims in Dabiq, Syria, near Turkey’s border. DNA identification is ongoing. The FBI ordered the search, linked to murdered foreigners, including Foley, Sotloff, Mueller, and Kassig. Dozens of graves have surfaced since IS’s 2019 defeat, while Syria continues searching for over 130,000 missing persons from the civil war.
Israel Signals Willingness for Good Relations with Syria Despite Security Concerns
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar expressed Israel’s desire for “good relations” and stability with Syria’s new government after retrieving an Israeli soldier’s remains. While acknowledging ongoing security concerns, Sa’ar’s comments mark a shift from his earlier labeling of Damascus as a “terrorist government.” Israel warned Abu Mohamad al Julani, aka (Ahmad al Sharaa). against threats to Israeli security, maintaining military pressure in southern Syria since Assad’s fall.
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★YEMEN
Israel Intercepts Houthi Missile After Issuing Evacuation Warning For Yemen Ports
The Houthis fired a ballistic missile from Yemen toward Israel on Monday, falling short without triggering alarms. Israel confirmed interception and vowed continued strikes on Houthi and Iranian targets. This follows Israel’s rare evacuation warning for Yemen’s Ras Issa, Hodeidah, and Salif ports, accused of Iranian arms smuggling, as Israel prepares broader military action after recent U.S. airstrike withdrawals.
Reports Reveal Massive U.S. Losses In Anti-Houthi Campaign
U.S. reports reveal the anti-Houthi campaign cost up to $8 billion under Trump and Biden. Trump spent up to $3 billion in two months before halting strikes, calling them costly and a failure. Biden’s campaign since 2023 has cost $5 billion, including the loss of seven drones, three F-18 jets, and 1,000 bombs worth $775 million, severely depleting U.S. munitions stockpiles.
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★ TÜRKIYE
Türkiye Launches Political and Economic Transition After PKK’s Dissolution
Türkiye moved to capitalize on the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) dissolution, outlining a UN-supervised disarmament and political reform process. Arms handovers are set to begin in northern Iraq, with discussions on relocating PKK leaders abroad and reintegrating low-level members without criminal charges. The pro-Kurdish DEM Party demanded broader political rights and prison reforms for jailed leader Abdullah Öcalan, though Ankara rejected any change to his status. Türkiye hailed the PKK’s disbandment as a historic breakthrough, ending four decades of conflict that killed over 40,000 people. The announcement sparked regional and international praise, fueling market optimism. Turkish stocks rose over 3%, bonds climbed 0.8 cents, and the lira gained 1.3% against the euro. Officials called the developments a foundation for lasting political stability, national reconciliation, and new economic growth, particularly in Türkiye’s southeast.
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★LEBANON
Lebanon’s Hezbollah Warns Citizens, Deflects Reconstruction Responsibility To the State
Hezbollah’s Secretary-General Naim Qassem warned Lebanese citizens against cooperating with Israel, accusing them of risking national stability. He criticized Israel’s recent strikes despite the ceasefire agreement, urging Israel to fully withdraw from five southern positions. Qassem declared post-war reconstruction a government responsibility, demanding it be prioritized. In parallel, Hezbollah reportedly asked Iran to withdraw Revolutionary Guard officers from Lebanon to prevent Israeli assassinations that could disrupt U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations. Meanwhile, UNIFIL revealed the discovery of over 225 weapon caches south of the Litani River, handing them to the Lebanese army. Lebanon reaffirmed its demand for Israel’s full withdrawal and pledged to disarm all non-state actors to restore state authority over the south.
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★ THE GULF
U.S. Approves $1.45 Billion Helicopter and F-16 Support Sale to UAE
The U.S. State Department approved a potential $1.457 billion sale to the UAE, including CH-47F Chinook helicopters, F-16 support equipment, and related systems. Boeing Helicopter Aircraft and Honeywell Engine are listed as main contractors for the helicopters, while no contractors were specified for the F-16 support package, according to a Pentagon statement released Monday.
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★ EGYPT&NORTH AFRICA
Egypt Signs Long-Term Gas Supply Agreements With Qatar
Egypt signed long-term agreements with Qatar to secure natural gas supplies for domestic needs. Egyptian Oil Minister Karim Badawi held talks in Doha with Qatari Energy Minister Saad Al-Kaabi, agreeing to accelerate joint gas projects and expand QatarEnergy’s exploration in Egypt. Both sides pledged deeper energy cooperation, including within the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, which holds 70% of global gas reserves.
Libyan Government Forces Take Control After Militia Leader’s Killing
Libya’s unity government forces seized the Stability Support Force headquarters in Tripoli after killing its commander, Abdul Ghani al-Kikli, during armed clashes at the 444 Brigade base. His death ignited heavy fighting across the capital, prompting the UN to warn against further violence. The Interior Ministry announced control over Abu Salim, urging residents to remain indoors as hospitals declared emergency status. Schools and universities suspended classes as government forces expanded operations toward remaining militia positions in Tripoli and Gharyan. The Defense Ministry described the campaign as successful, promising continued security measures.
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