★ THE GULF
Trump Secures Mega Deals And AI Partnership In UAE Visit
President Trump concluded his Gulf tour in the UAE on May 16, 2025, finalizing $200 billion in Boeing contracts and easing U.S. tech export restrictions. His visit featured strategic talks with UAE leaders on AI development and economic cooperation. UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed announced a $1.4 trillion investment in U.S. technology, energy, and industry over the next decade. Both leaders launched a 1-gigawatt AI data center and a 5-gigawatt AI hub in Abu Dhabi, the largest outside the U.S., operated by G42 and U.S. firms. The project aims to boost global cloud services and AI capabilities, strengthening bilateral ties for regional stability and economic growth.
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★ TÜRKIYE
Russian Representation Threatens To Derail Istanbul Meeting on Ukraine War
Tensions overshadowed the first Russia-Ukraine talks in three years, held in Istanbul on May 15, 2025. Ukraine criticized Russia’s lower-ranking delegation, led by Putin’s adviser Medinsky, as a sign of bad faith. Putin confirmed he would not attend, setting three conditions: no European role, no military retreat, and no weapons for Ukraine, dampening prospects for meaningful progress.
Türkiye Vows To Continue Operations Until Full PKK Disarmament is Secured
Türkiye’s Defense Ministry pledged on May 15, 2025, to continue clearing PKK positions despite the group’s announced dissolution. Operations include clearing mines, explosives, and shelters. Ankara plans a coordinated weapons handover mechanism with regional partners. Officials warned of potential provocations by dissidents rejecting disbandment, stressing long-term monitoring to ensure Türkiye remains “terror-free.”
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★ IRAN
Iran Rejects Threats and Demands Guarantees Before Any Nuclear Deal
The United States presented Iran with its first written nuclear proposal during talks in Oman, with President Trump claiming a deal could be near. Tehran, however, denied receiving the document, criticizing Washington’s contradictory signals. Iran demands verified sanctions relief before limiting uranium activities, but refuses to abandon enrichment. Iranian officials also expressed openness to US investments if sanctions are lifted. Israel raised alarms, warning that the proposed deal fails to meet its security demands. Despite gaps on enrichment and sanctions, both sides continue negotiations with Oman mediating, leaving the outcome uncertain but diplomatically active.
France Sues Iran at ICJ Over Detention of French Citizens
France will file a lawsuit against Iran at the International Court of Justice over the detention of French nationals Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, accused of espionage and held in Tehran’s Evin Prison since May 2022. Paris accuses Iran of violating consular protection laws and subjecting detainees to inhumane treatment. Iran denies the accusations.
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★SYRIA
US, Syria, and Türkiye Discuss Post-Sanctions Roadmap in Antalya
American, Syrian, and Turkish officials held critical talks in Antalya on May 15, 2025, to map out Syria’s post-sanctions future following President Trump’s decision to lift economic measures at Saudi Arabia and Turkiye’s request. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the talks a “historic opportunity” but warned the process would be lengthy. Discussions focused on normalizing U.S.-Syria relations, with Turkish mediation playing a key role. Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani described the talks as a strategic breakthrough, announcing the formation of technical teams and follow-up meetings. Both Washington and Damascus emphasized a gradual, peace-focused implementation aimed at restoring stability and advancing Syria’s reconstruction.
Syria, Türkiye Foil Smuggling of Nine Million Captagon Pills
Syria announced seizing over nine million Captagon pills intended for Türkiye, following a month-long joint operation with Turkish authorities that ended with arrests in Aleppo. Despite Assad’s fall, Syria remains a major Captagon hub, with neighboring countries like Iraq and Jordan frequently intercepting large shipments originating from Syrian territory.
DP World Signs $800 Million Deal to Develop Tartous Port in Syria
DP World signed an $800 million agreement with Syria’s Ports Authority to develop and manage a multipurpose terminal at Tartous Port, following the U.S. decision to lift sanctions. The deal includes creating industrial zones and logistics hubs across Syria, supporting economic recovery and boosting regional trade, as foreign investment opportunities reopen after years of isolation.
SDF Deploys Reinforcements to Deir Ezzor Bases After Coalition Exit
Following the withdrawal of international coalition forces, Syria’s Democratic Forces (SDF) sent heavy military reinforcements to the Omar and Conico bases in Deir Ezzor. The Pentagon previously announced plans to reduce U.S. troops in Syria to under 1,000, consolidating them under Operation Inherent Resolve’s command after the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
Israel Expands Military Presence And Burns Farmlands In Southern Quneitra
Israel burned farmlands near Tal Ahmar in Quneitra on May 15, 2025, to block livestock access, sparking fears of land confiscation for military bases. Syrian Civil Defense extinguished the fires with no casualties reported. Israel, planning a long-term presence, has already built nine military sites, restricting locals’ movement and farming. Tel Aviv also proposed one-day work permits for Druze workers from Syria.
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★ ISRAEL
Hamas Confirms Direct US Talks And Signals Readiness To Relinquish Gaza Control
Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim confirmed direct talks with US officials over conditions to end the Gaza war, including prisoner swaps, Israeli withdrawal, unrestricted aid, and reconstruction without forced displacement. Hamas expressed readiness to hand over Gaza’s administration if demands are met. The US is pressuring Israel for hostage releases as indirect negotiations continue.
Israeli Strikes Continue in Gaza as UN, WHO Warn of Famine
Israeli airstrikes killed over 127 Palestinians in Gaza on May 15, including children, women, journalists, and entire families. Gaza’s European Hospital ceased operations as the health system buckled under bombardment and supply shortages. The UN and WHO warned of imminent famine, with aid blocked at border crossings. President Trump, visiting the region, called for a better future for Palestinians, while Gaza’s population faces starvation and displacement. In response, Hamas declared three days of global protest, accusing Israel of genocide and urging international sanctions. UN agencies stressed readiness to deliver aid if access is restored immediately.
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★YEMEN
A Houthi Missile Disrupts Israel And Sparks Displacement Wave In Sanaa
A missile fired by Yemen’s Houthi forces on May 15, 2025, triggered mass alarms across central Israel, forcing over a million civilians into shelters and temporarily suspending flights at Ben Gurion Airport. Israel’s Arrow 3 system successfully intercepted the missile, with debris landing near Alon Shvut. The Houthis vowed to intensify their campaign to pressure Israel over Gaza, specifically threatening Israel’s airspace. Meanwhile, dozens of families in Yemen fled neighborhoods near Sanaa Airport, fearing Israeli retaliation. Growing panic follows recent Israeli strikes on Sanaa and Hodeidah, as civilians accuse the Houthis of militarizing populated areas, increasing civilian exposure to future attacks.
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★ IRAQ
Arab Foreign Ministers Meet In Baghdad To Prepare For 34th Summit
Arab foreign ministers met in Baghdad on May 15, 2025, to prepare for Saturday’s 34th Arab Summit. Iraq’s Foreign Minister reaffirmed support for Syria’s stability and Palestinian statehood. The session, chaired by Iraq after Bahrain’s handover, focused on Gaza, Syria, and regional crises, with closed-door talks continuing under the summit’s theme, “Dialogue, Solidarity, and Development.”
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★ LEBANON
U.S. Sanctions Senior Hezbollah Leaders and Financiers in Lebanon and Iran
The U.S. Treasury sanctioned two Hezbollah leaders and two financiers in Lebanon and Iran for funding the group’s operations, including transfers from Iran to Gaza after Hamas’s October 7 attacks. The Treasury stressed Hezbollah’s global funding network, highlighting its ties to Tehran and the role of the sanctioned figures in managing key financial channels.
Israeli Drone Strike Kills One In South Lebanon During Identity Dispute
An Israeli drone strike on May 15, 2025, killed one person on the Arnoun-Yahmor road in South Lebanon. While Israel claimed it targeted a Hezbollah fighter, Lebanon’s Health Ministry identified the victim as a civilian. The strike followed multiple Israeli attacks on southern towns, despite an extended ceasefire agreement mandating Israeli withdrawal from border areas.
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