★SYRIA
Trump Lifts All U.S. Sanctions on Syria, Paving Way for Economic and Diplomatic Reset
President Donald Trump announced from Riyadh the full removal of U.S. sanctions on Syria following talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, describing the decision as a historic step toward stabilizing Syria under its new leadership. He confirmed that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet this week with Syria’s foreign minister in Turkey to launch formal normalization talks. The Syrian pound rose by more than 10% against the dollar following the announcement. Experts predict Syria’s economic recovery will accelerate through increased foreign investment, boosted reconstruction efforts, and restored access to essential goods. Damascus welcomed the decision and expressed readiness for direct dialogue with Washington, while Syrian cities witnessed public celebrations with Syrian and Saudi flags raised in tribute to bin Salman’s role. Leaders of the Gulf states, Jordan, Lebanon, and the UN envoy praised the move. Official Saudi media published images showing a trilateral meeting in Riyadh between President Trump, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and al-Jolani ahead of the U.S.-Gulf summit. Trump later confirmed that this meeting marks the beginning of the normalization process with Syria, emphasizing that lifting sanctions aims to give Damascus a fresh start under its new leadership.
PKK Dissolution Shifts Syrian Kurds Toward New Political Path
The PKK’s decision to disband and end armed conflict with Türkiye boosts hopes for peace and eases pressure on Syrian Kurds. SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi welcomed the move, seeing it as opening political opportunities. Despite Turkish concerns over YPG ties, Kurdish leaders stress their independence. The step could revive the March SDF-Damascus integration deal, fostering national unity and regional stability.
Syria Adjusts Summer Crop Plan During Severe Water Crisis
Syria’s Agriculture Ministry reduced planned summer crop areas due to drought, low rainfall, and declining water levels, altering the national agricultural map. Monthly reports on export-import quotas are underway. The ministry coordinates with water and economy authorities to curb illegal well use, aiming to balance production with water realities.
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★ IRAN
Europe and Iran to Meet in Istanbul During Sanctions Threat
Iran will meet Britain, France, and Germany in Istanbul on Friday to revive the 2015 nuclear deal before a fifth Iran-U.S. dialogue round in Oman. Europeans threaten to trigger UN sanctions by August if no breakthrough occurs. Talks resume after earlier delays, with both sides seeking to define terms while avoiding further diplomatic escalation.
Washington Tightens Grip on Iran’s Oil and Warns of Harsher Sanctions if Olive Branch Is Rejected
The United States announced new sanctions on an Iranian oil network accused of smuggling billions of dollars in crude to China, funding missiles, drones, nuclear programs, and proxy attacks. The network, tied to Iran’s Armed Forces through Sepehr Energy, is seen as a direct threat to U.S. and allied interests. In parallel, President Trump, speaking in Riyadh, warned Iran of maximum pressure if it rejects diplomatic efforts to resume nuclear talks. Recent negotiations in Oman failed to produce an agreement, with both sides clashing over nuclear limits. U.S. officials reaffirmed their commitment to cut Iran’s oil exports to zero and maintain pressure until Tehran halts terrorism and weapons proliferation.
Iran Opens Nuclear Concessions, Proposes Regional Enrichment Partnership
Iran has declared its readiness to temporarily limit uranium enrichment to help advance stalled nuclear negotiations. The proposal, announced by Iran’s deputy foreign minister, contrasts Tehran’s firm defense of its enrichment rights with U.S. demands for strict limits and Israel’s push for a total ban. In a parallel move, Iran proposed establishing a joint uranium enrichment project with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and U.S. investors. The initiative would permit controlled low-level enrichment in Iran with civilian-use uranium shipments to Gulf states. Tehran argues this model ensures transparency and prevents military misuse. Both developments could unlock progress toward a U.S.-backed regional non-proliferation agreement while reducing the risk of escalation.
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★ ISRAEL
U.S. Proposes Gaza Hostage Deal as Israel Prepares for Full Military Escalation
U.S. mediator Steve Witkoff proposed a 40-day Gaza ceasefire in exchange for releasing half of Israel’s living hostages, expanding aid, and starting war-ending talks. An Israeli team is heading to Doha for negotiations. Netanyahu, however, vowed to continue the military campaign until Hamas is defeated, revealing plans to relocate Gaza’s population abroad. Hamas confirmed U.S. mediation secured the latest hostage release, denied Israeli military pressure claims, and expressed readiness for broader negotiations on prisoner swaps and Gaza’s reconstruction.
Israeli Coalition Faces Collapse Over Ultra-Orthodox Draft Enforcement
Israel’s government faces a coalition crisis after military police began arresting ultra-Orthodox draft evaders for the first time. Religious parties, key to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s coalition, threatened to withdraw if enforcement continues. This follows the government’s failure to pass new exemption laws. Despite their threats, ultra-Orthodox lawmakers backed emergency reservist mobilization in the Knesset. Meanwhile, opposition leaders intensified calls for equal military service, as nationwide raids targeting 36 deserters continue. Netanyahu now faces growing pressure between enforcing court rulings on draft equality and preserving his fragile coalition.
Israel Escalates Gaza Offensive as Death Toll Rises and Rocket Fire Continues
Israel launched a major airstrike targeting Hamas’s Gaza military chief, Muhammad Sinwar, in Khan Younis, killing 16, though Sinwar’s fate remains unconfirmed. In retaliation, Islamic Jihad fired rockets at Israeli cities, with interceptions reported in Ashkelon and Sderot. Overnight Israeli raids killed at least 51 Palestinians, including 36 in Jabalia, as the UN warned of genocide and demanded international intervention. A separate Israeli drone strike killed an entire Palestinian family in Khan Younis, while strikes hit homes and hospitals, crippling Gaza’s health sector. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed plans to push Gaza’s population out of the territory, despite rising global condemnation and ongoing hostage talks in Doha.
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★YEMEN
Israel Foils Missile Attack and Threatens Strikes on Houthis
Over one million Israelis sought shelter after a Houthi ballistic missile launched from Yemen triggered rocket alerts across Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Israel’s Arrow defense system successfully intercepted the missile, preventing casualties. This marks the third missile launch in 24 hours, all coinciding with President Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia. Israel responded by warning Yemenis to avoid Houthi-controlled ports ahead of possible strikes. Despite U.S. operational pauses, Israel pledged intensified attacks on Houthi and Iranian targets. Ben Gurion Airport operations were temporarily suspended, adding to the region’s growing instability.
US Downgrades Bomber Deployment as Houthi and Iran Tensions Ease
The US is replacing its B-2 stealth bombers with B-52s at Diego Garcia after a costly bombing campaign against the Houthis ended with a ceasefire. The B-2s, nearly a third of the US fleet, were deployed in March during rising tensions with Iran. Though the Houthis halted attacks on US ships, they continue to target Israel, raising concerns over the ceasefire’s durability. Meanwhile, US-Iran nuclear talks continue, but Israel remains critical, warning against a return to the flawed 2015 framework while demanding broader curbs on Iran’s military capabilities.
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★ TÜRKIYE
PKK’s Disbandment Triggers Tensions Over Türkiye’s Political Future
The Kurdistan Workers’ Party announced its dissolution and disarmament following Abdullah Öcalan’s call, sparking sharp political conflict in Türkiye. President Erdoğan’s government reacted cautiously, while the opposition accused him of exploiting the move to strengthen his political hold. Nationalists denounced the announcement as treason, rejecting claims linking the 1923 Lausanne Treaty to Kurdish oppression. Öcalan described the decision as historic but conditioned peace on legal guarantees, political rights, and constitutional reforms. Iran welcomed the step as key to regional stability, urging Türkiye to complete the peace process to secure security in Türkiye, Iraq, and Syria.
US-Türkiye F-35 Deal Raises Israeli Fears Over Regional Military Edge
Israel has warned the Trump administration against selling F-35 jets to Türkiye, fearing it would weaken its military advantage. Israeli officials voiced frustration over Washington’s leniency toward Erdogan’s anti-Israel rhetoric and Türkiye’s growing aggression. Despite past US blocks over Türkiye’s S-400 deal with Russia, reports suggest the sale may proceed, deepening Israeli concerns during escalating regional tensions.
Türkiye’s Current Account Deficit Exceeds $4 Billion in March
Türkiye’s central bank reported a $4.087 billion current account deficit in March, driven by a $4.84 billion trade gap. However, excluding energy and gold, the account posted a $1.47 billion surplus. Annually, the deficit narrowed to $12.6 billion, supported by a $61.8 billion services surplus, mainly from tourism and transport revenues totaling $3.5 billion, easing overall economic pressure.
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★IRAQ
Sudani’s Government Continues Violating US Sanctions on Iran
Iraqi Electricity Minister Ziyad Ali Fadel met Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad in Tehran to boost energy cooperation, despite ongoing US sanctions. Both sides emphasized strengthening strategic ties and expanding joint projects in electricity, energy, and gas. The meeting highlighted their shared political and sectarian interests, reinforcing Baghdad’s defiance of Washington’s restrictions on dealings with Tehran.
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★ THE GULF
Trump and Bin Salman Seal Unprecedented $1 Trillion U.S.-Saudi Deal Package
President Donald Trump secured a $600 billion Saudi investment package in defense, technology, and energy during his Middle East tour starting in Riyadh. Key discussions addressed Gaza war mediation, Palestinian statehood, and regional normalization. Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman later announced plans for an additional $1 trillion in future deals, citing $500 billion in bilateral trade since 2013. Major agreements include $5 billion for AI development, $10 billion for AI infrastructure, and $20 billion in data center investments. Additional deals cover $80 billion in joint tech ventures, $14.2 billion in GE energy exports, Boeing aircraft sales, healthcare projects, and Aramco partnerships with U.S. energy firms. Trump praised Saudi Vision 2030 and hinted at Saudi Arabia’s potential accession to the Abraham Accords, while Qatar gifted a Boeing 747 to the Pentagon. As Trump prepares to meet with Gulf leaders and visit Qatar and the UAE.
Saudi Arabia and China Sign 57 Agreements Worth $3.73 Billion
Saudi Arabia and China signed 57 agreements worth $3.73 billion during the Saudi-Chinese forum in Beijing. The deals cover the agriculture, water, and environment sectors and support Saudi Vision 2030. Key projects include marine algae farming, smart food security cities, and biofuel production. Both sides agreed to boost Saudi exports of dates and vegetables, strengthening their $19.3 billion trade partnership.
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★ LEBANON
Israeli Drone Strike in Southern Lebanon Kills Hezbollah Commander Hussein Milhem
An Israeli drone targeted a vehicle near Qaaqaiyat al-Jisr in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, killing one person identified by media reports as senior Hezbollah commander Hussein Milhem. The strike, part of Israel’s ongoing operations violating Lebanon’s ceasefire, comes during a wider regional escalation. Separately, a malfunctioning Israeli drone exploded in a house in Shebaa, causing material damage only.
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★ EGYPT&NORTH AFRICA
Egypt Announces Three New Oil and Gas Discoveries
Egypt’s Petroleum Ministry announced three new oil and gas discoveries in the Western Desert and the Gulf of Suez. One Western Desert well is expected to produce 30 million cubic feet of gas daily. State companies Khalda, Petrobel, and GUPCO achieved the finds, boosting Egypt’s energy sector and supporting production expansion efforts.
Deadly Clashes Erupt in Tripoli as Prisoners Escape During Chaos
Heavy fighting erupted in Tripoli between forces of Libya’s unity government and the Deterrence Apparatus, forcing flight diversions and prompting a Red Crescent emergency alert. UN officials called for an immediate ceasefire during rising civilian danger. Dozens of high-risk prisoners escaped Al-Judeida prison, while Libya’s Presidential Council urged unity to protect the capital from further instability.
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