★SYRIA
President Trump Meets With a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, lifts Syria sanctions.
On May 14, 2025, President Trump lifted long-standing U.S. sanctions on Syria after meeting Abu Mohamad al Julani, aka (Ahmad al Sharia).In Riyadh. Hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Turkish officials’ participation, the meeting saw Trump urging al Julani to join the Abraham Accords, expel foreign militants, and manage ISIS detainees. In return, al Julani proposed trade incentives, energy deals, and a potential “Trump Tower” in Damascus but refused to meet U.S. counterterrorism demands. Despite al Julani’s ongoing terrorist designation and his empowerment of jihadist factions, Trump confirmed sanctions relief aimed at boosting Syria’s economy and stabilizing the region. Saudi Arabia and Turkey backed the move, arguing sanctions blocked reconstruction. However, al Julani’s recent authoritarian decrees and military appointments of sanctioned warlords have raised serious concerns. Experts warn that lifting sanctions without strict oversight risks legitimizing extremist networks and undermining U.S. security interests unless real reforms are enforced.
Leaked Document Claims Alawites Request US Protection, Propose Bases in Syria
A leaked document reportedly shows Alawite leaders requesting US protection, proposing American bases near Russia’s Tartus base and in Syria’s Alawite mountains and Qusayr. The plan offers the US strategic control over coastal energy resources and inland minerals. Analysts warn this could spark US-Russia tension, positioning America to influence both eastern and western Syria.
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★ IRAN
Iran Offers Nuclear Concessions as Oil Markets React to Deal Prospects
Iran declared readiness to abandon its highly enriched uranium stockpile for sanctions relief, signaling a potential breakthrough in stalled nuclear negotiations. Senior official Ali Shamkhani confirmed Tehran’s offer to limit enrichment to civilian levels under international monitoring. However, over 200 US Republican lawmakers urged President Trump to reject any deal allowing enrichment activities. Despite political pressure, Trump expressed optimism about future agreements at the Gulf summit. Global oil prices fell for the second consecutive day as traders anticipated increased Iranian supply. West Texas Intermediate neared $62, while Brent settled near $66, heightening concerns of market oversupply ahead of the upcoming OPEC meeting.
US Sanctions Target Iran’s Efforts to Localize Ballistic Missile Production
The US Treasury imposed sanctions on six individuals and twelve entities in Iran and China for supporting Iran’s efforts to locally produce ballistic missile components. Treasury Secretary Scott Besent warned that Iran’s pursuit of advanced missile capabilities poses a threat to US and regional security, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to disrupt these proliferation activities.
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★ ISRAEL
Spain Calls Israel ‘Genocide State’, Israel Summons Ambassador for Reprimand
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called Israel a “genocide state” in parliament, prompting Israel to summon Spain’s ambassador for a reprimand. Amsterdam’s mayor echoed similar accusations, sparking outrage from Israel’s envoy to the Netherlands. Israel condemned both statements as false and inflammatory, warning that they ignore Hamas atrocities and fuel antisemitism.
US-Backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation to Start Aid Distribution This Month
The US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation announced it will begin distributing nearly 300 million meals in Gaza this month, after talks with Israel. The organization requested safe distribution points, including in northern Gaza, where no aid has entered since March. Israel approved expanded access, but aid groups warned of mass famine if humanitarian deliveries remain restricted.
Israel Targets Top Hamas Leaders, Expands Operations Across Gaza Strip
Israel confirmed it carried out a major tunnel strike in Khan Younis, targeting senior Hamas leaders, including military spokesman Abu Obaida and Rafah Brigade commander Muhammad Shabana. The IDF dropped 40 bunker-buster bombs in a joint operation with Shin Bet under Khan Younis’ European Hospital. While confirmation of casualties remains pending, Israel escalated strikes on Hamas positions in Khan Younis, Gaza City’s Al-Rimal neighborhood, and around Al-Shifa Hospital, ordering civilian evacuations. Airstrikes killed 23 in Khan Younis and dozens elsewhere, as Gaza’s death toll exceeded 52,900 since October 2023. Meanwhile, Hamas and Islamic Jihad released footage of attacks on Israeli forces and rocket fire toward Israeli cities. Hamas accused Prime Minister Netanyahu of sabotaging ceasefire efforts through intensified military campaigns. Israel’s security cabinet approved broader ground operations aimed at dismantling Hamas and recovering hostages. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with international pressure mounting for immediate de-escalation.
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★YEMEN
US-Houthi Deal Halts Attacks on Israeli-Linked Ships in Red Sea
Yemen’s Information Minister revealed a secret US-Houthi deal stopping attacks on Israeli-bound ships in the Red Sea. US officials confirmed the Houthis sought a ceasefire after seven weeks of US strikes. Experts predict the Oman-brokered truce may gradually restore shipping through Bab al-Mandab, though full maritime recovery depends on ensuring long-term security for major shipping companies.
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★ TÜRKIYE
Putin, Trump Skip Ukraine Peace Talks in Türkiye, Envoys to Attend
Both Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed they will not attend Thursday’s Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul. Putin is sending adviser Vladimir Medinsky to lead the Russian delegation, while the U.S. will be represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and envoys Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy plans to attend in person.
Türkiye Boosts Defense Capabilities with US Missile and UK Fighter Jet Deals
Türkiye secured two major defense agreements this week. The United States approved a $304 million sale of AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II and AIM-120C-8 air-to-air missiles to Türkiye, with RTX Corp. as the principal contractor. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency officially notified Congress, confirming the deal’s role in enhancing Türkiye’s air defense. In parallel, Türkiye signed a major defense deal with the United Kingdom to receive 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets, starting with 20 T4 models in 2027 and 20 T5 models in 2028. The package also includes two used T1 jets, 12 C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft, and a donation of 28 retired T1 jets. All aircraft will be equipped with advanced Captor-E AESA radar systems, boosting Türkiye’s air combat strength significantly.
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★ THE GULF
Gulf-US Summit in Riyadh Calls for Gaza Ceasefire and Regional Stability
Gulf and US leaders, led by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and President Trump, met in Riyadh, urging an immediate Gaza ceasefire, hostage release, and humanitarian aid. Trump reiterated plans to expand the Abraham Accords, lift Syria sanctions, and confront Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The summit emphasized Gulf-US cooperation for Middle East peace, stability, and economic partnerships.
Trump Secures $1.2 Trillion Economic and Defense Agreements with Qatar
President Trump signed record $1.2 trillion deals with Qatar, including drone and Boeing aircraft sales worth $3 billion and $38 billion in future investments, notably supporting Al-Udeid Air Base. The agreements mark a historic economic partnership as Trump continues his Middle East tour, with stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, excluding Israel for now.
UAE Unveils Multinational Air Defense Network Including M-SAM-II, THAAD, and Pantsir-S1
The UAE revealed its acquisition of South Korea’s M-SAM-II air defense system alongside American THAAD and Patriot PAC-3 systems and Russia’s Pantsir-S1. This multi-sourced network strengthens the UAE’s regional deterrence capabilities. The announcement coincides with reports that Saudi Arabia and Iraq also acquired M-SAM-II, signaling growing regional reliance on Korean missile defense technology beyond traditional Western systems.
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★ EGYPT&NORTH AFRICA
Global and Egyptian Push to Stabilize Libya’s Fragile Ceasefire
Libya’s defense ministry announced a ceasefire in Tripoli to halt deadly clashes and protect civilians after days of unrest. The UN and France condemned the violence, warning of severe consequences without dialogue. During the chaos, dozens escaped from a Tripoli prison, raising security concerns. Egypt responded by forming a crisis cell to monitor the situation, while the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, and the EU urged all sides to uphold the ceasefire and ensure accountability for civilian harm. Libya’s authorities confirmed deploying neutral forces to enforce the truce and prevent renewed violence.
Sudanese Army Captures Final Rapid Support Forces Stronghold in Omdurman
Sudanese army forces seized the Salha district in southwest Omdurman, the city’s last Rapid Support Forces (RSF) stronghold. RSF units reportedly fled westward. Despite the army’s advances in Khartoum, the RSF vowed to continue resistance, intensifying drone attacks. Sudan’s conflict, ongoing since April 2023, has caused tens of thousands of deaths and displaced over 13 million people.
France Expels Algerian Diplomats in Retaliation for Algiers’ Move
France summoned Algeria’s chargé d’affaires to protest Algeria’s expulsion of French diplomats and announced reciprocal expulsions. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed the response would be immediate and firm. Relations remain frozen during ongoing tensions over diplomatic appointments. consular issues, and Algeria’s withdrawal of its ambassador following France’s support for Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara.
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