★ IRAN
Tehran Vows To Continue Uranium Enrichment Despite U.S. Pressure
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei dismissed President Trump’s peace claims, accusing Washington of fueling Israeli aggression on Gaza. Reaffirming his position, Khamenei labeled Israel a “cancerous tumor” that must be eradicated. As Trump pushes for a nuclear deal, the US declared a total ban on Iranian uranium enrichment as its red line. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected this demand, vowing to continue enrichment with or without an agreement, citing Iran’s rights under the NPT. Both sides confirmed that nuclear talks will resume in Europe next week after four earlier Oman-brokered rounds, though deep divisions remain over enrichment and sanctions.
Iran Threatens Hormuz Closure, Expands Military Ties With Azerbaijan
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz if Iranian oil exports are blocked, warning that halting Gulf energy flows would cripple both regional and global economies. He accused unnamed powers of stirring regional conflicts to seize control of Iran’s oil and arm its rivals. Meanwhile, Iran and Azerbaijan launched the “Aras-2025” joint special forces exercises involving Iran’s Revolutionary Guard in Karabakh, running until May 21. The drills follow Pezeshkian’s visit to Baku, signaling strengthened ties despite recent tensions over Azerbaijan’s relationship with Israel and the 2023 Tehran embassy attack.
Iran, Oman, and Qatar Hold Closed Talks in Tehran on US-Iran Nuclear Negotiations
Iran, Oman, and Qatar held a closed meeting in Tehran to discuss US-Iran nuclear talks under Omani mediation. The ministers welcomed Qatar’s initiative to boost dialogue. Four rounds have occurred so far, three in Muscat. The meeting also covered Gaza developments and bilateral cooperation between Qatar and Iran, particularly in economic and trade relations.
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★SYRIA
Syrian Leadership Launches Transitional Justice and Military Unification Initiatives
Ahmad al Sharaa issued two decrees to form two independent committees for transitional justice and missing persons to investigate regime crimes since 2011, including chemical attacks and enforced disappearances. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Merhaf Abu Qasra announced the integration of all armed units under the Defense Ministry’s control. He set a 10-day deadline for the remaining groups to comply, warning of legal consequences. Abu Qasra hailed this as a milestone in rebuilding Syria’s military institutions.
Syrian Government Launches First Official Campaign Against ISIS Militants
The Syrian government launched its first official anti-ISIS military operation in Aleppo’s Jismati district after ISIS militants killed a security officer. Heavy clashes erupted when security forces raided the group’s hideout, prompting the deployment of armored vehicles and heavy weaponry. This marks the government’s first declared confrontation with ISIS since Western powers urged Damascus to join the international anti-terrorism effort. Meanwhile, in northeastern Syria, the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) continue to manage 26 prisons holding 12,000 foreign ISIS fighters from over 50 countries. Camps like al-Hol and Roj still detain 15,000 Syrians and 8,000 foreign women, despite international calls for Damascus to assume responsibility. Diplomatic efforts to dismantle these camps and repatriate detainees face ongoing global resistance.
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★ ISRAEL
Netanyahu Approves Gaza Aid Under US Pressure, Skipping Cabinet Vote
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved restricted humanitarian aid to Gaza under direct U.S. pressure, bypassing a formal cabinet vote despite internal opposition. The Israeli military justified the move as essential to ongoing operations, proposing temporary army oversight until an American company assumes control of humanitarian efforts on May 24. Right-wing Israeli ministers strongly criticized the decision, accusing Netanyahu of rewarding Hamas while Israeli hostages remain in captivity. Meanwhile, Hamas officially denied claims of accepting a deal to release nine hostages in exchange for a 60-day truce. Senior officials reiterated their refusal of partial agreements, insisting on a comprehensive prisoner swap tied to a complete, internationally supervised ceasefire. Fighting in Gaza persists with no signs of diplomatic progress.
Israeli Government Backs Bill Labeling Qatar as ‘Terror-Supporting State’ During Doha Hostage Talks
Israel’s Ministerial Committee for Legislation advanced a bill to label Qatar a “terror-supporting state” over its backing of Hamas and Hezbollah. The move comes during hostage talks in Doha and the ongoing “Qatargate” investigation implicating Netanyahu aides. The bill proposes diplomatic and economic restrictions but allows exceptions for critical negotiations, such as the current Gaza mediation.
Mossad Recovers 2,500-Item Archive of Executed Spy Eli Cohen From Syria
Israel’s Mossad retrieved 2,500 documents, photos, and personal items belonging to legendary spy Eli Cohen, executed in Damascus in 1965. The operation, conducted with Syria’s official archive, recovered keys, passports, and his final will. Netanyahu hailed the mission as historic, reaffirming Israel’s commitment to returning all missing and fallen citizens.
Israel Approves $1 Billion High-Tech Border Barrier With Jordan
Israel’s security cabinet approved plans to build a high-tech barrier along the Jordanian border, starting in June. Expected to cost over $1 billion and take three years to complete, the project includes establishing “mission centers” in the Jordan Valley to strengthen Israel’s security presence and prevent infiltration or smuggling from the east.
Israeli Strikes Reportedly Kill Hamas Leader Mohammed Sinwar And Brother Zakaria Sinwar
Israeli and Saudi sources confirmed the killing of senior Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar and his brother Zakaria Sinwar in separate Israeli airstrikes in Gaza. Mohammed Sinwar, targeted near Khan Yunis’s European Hospital, reportedly died with 11 aides in a tunnel strike. Zakaria Sinwar, a university professor, was killed alongside three of his children after being critically wounded in a separate raid on Nuseirat camp. Israeli security officials expressed growing confidence in the operation’s success, linking it to intensified attacks on Rafah’s tunnel networks as Hamas faces leadership succession talks. Separately, an Israeli undercover unit disguised as women killed Al-Nasser Brigades commander Ahmad Sarhan in Khan Yunis and abducted his wife and children during “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” with no Israeli casualties reported.
Israel Launches Full Ground Assault on Gaza as Death Toll Rises Sharply
Israel’s military launched the ground phase of Operation Gideon’s Chariots in Gaza. The ground incursion follows Israeli airstrikes that killed Hamas’s Rafah brigade commander and reportedly Mohammed Sinwar. Gaza sources claimed that in the last 24 hours 148 Palestinians were killed, including civilians in Khan Younis and Gaza City. Gaza’s civil defense claimed that rescue efforts could collapse within 72 hours due to fuel shortages. Gaza health officials claimed that in the past three days, Israeli strikes have killed 500 Palestinians and that reported Palestinian casualties in Gaza amount to over 53,000 dead and 121,000 wounded since October 7.
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★ TÜRKIYE
Pro-Kurdish Imrali Delegation Visits Ocalan After PKK Dissolution Announcement
A pro-Kurdish delegation visited jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan for the first time after the PKK announced its dissolution and disarmament. The visit, part of Türkiye’s anti-terror initiative, comes during ongoing talks between Türkiye, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region on disarmament logistics. Ankara and Erbil confirmed cooperation, while questions remain over the future of PKK fighters and leadership.
Türkiye Discovers $30 Billion Black Sea Gas Reserve, Plans Expansion
Türkiye announced a $30 billion, 75 bcm gas discovery in the Black Sea, enough to meet residential demand for 3.5 years. Current production reaches 9.5 million cubic meters daily, with plans to double by 2026. A floating production platform will boost capacity to 20 million cubic meters daily, advancing Türkiye’s goal of full energy independence.
In Istanbul Talks, Russia And Ukraine Agree on Prisoner Swap, But Ceasefire Remains Elusive
In Istanbul on May 17, 2025, Russia and Ukraine held their first direct talks in over three years, agreeing to discuss a 1,000-prisoner exchange and submit written ceasefire proposals, but failing to achieve a breakthrough in ending the war, Kyiv demanded an unconditional ceasefire, while Moscow insisted on territorial concessions. Both sides agreed to continue talks, with a possible Zelensky-Putin meeting discussed.
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★YEMEN
Israel Downs Houthi Missile Targeting Airport, Strikes Yemen in Retaliation
Israel’s military intercepted a ballistic missile fired by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis toward Ben Gurion Airport, briefly disrupting air traffic and triggering mass evacuations across central Israel. This marked the 35th missile targeting Israel since March 18. Hours later, the Israeli Air Force launched more than ten precision airstrikes on Yemen’s Hodeidah and Salif ports, issuing public warnings ahead of the attacks. Defense Minister Yisrael Katz threatened to assassinate Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi, comparing the plan to Israel’s past operations against Hamas and Hezbollah commanders. Prime Minister Netanyahu pledged continued escalation if rocket fire persists. In Yemen, local observers reported an unusual Houthi media blackout after the Israeli strikes, with the group confirming one fatality and threatening civilians against sharing images of the destruction, accusing them of aiding Israeli propaganda efforts.
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★ IRAQ
Arab Leaders Demand Gaza Ceasefire and Reject Trump’s Gaza Plan
Leaders at the Baghdad Arab League summit demanded Saturday intensified pressure on Israel to end the Gaza war, rejecting US President Donald Trump’s plan to expel Gaza’s residents and convert the Strip into a coastal resort. Iraq pledged $20 million for reconstruction, while Egypt, Qatar, and the US pushed for a ceasefire. Egypt’s President Sisi condemned Israel’s actions as systematic crimes. UN chief Guterres called for a permanent ceasefire and rejected forced displacement. Syria’s Ahmad al Sharaa skipped the summit after Iraqi objections, sending Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani instead.
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★ LEBANON
Aoun Urges Hezbollah to Disarm as Elections Test Its Popularity
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called on Hezbollah to fully submit to state authority, stressing that only the Lebanese army should carry arms. He confirmed U.S.-mediated indirect border negotiations with Israel, rejecting any direct talks. Aoun also warned Palestinian factions against destabilizing Lebanese security and announced cooperation with Egypt to strengthen the army’s counter-terror capabilities. Meanwhile, Hezbollah faces a critical popularity test in eastern Lebanon’s Bekaa region, competing with opposition lists in Baalbek-Hermel. In Zahle, Christian parties battled for council control, while family-based contests shaped races in Sunni and Druze areas during the Future Movement’s absence and PSP’s neutrality.
IDF Kills Hezbollah Commander in Southern Lebanon Drone Strike
The IDF announced it had killed on Saturday Hezbollah’s Beaufort Castle area commander in a drone strike near Mazraat Jemjim, 30 km from Israel’s border. The commander was reportedly rebuilding Hezbollah’s capabilities, violating the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire terms. This marks Israel’s latest strike on Hezbollah targets during ongoing tensions despite a November 2023 truce aimed at halting cross-border hostilities.
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★ LIBYA
US Denies Reports it is Considering Resettling One Million Gazans in Libya
NBC News reports the US is considering relocating up to one million Palestinians from Gaza to Libya, offering Tripoli frozen funds as an incentive. Talks reportedly included Israel and Libya, though US officials publicly deny the plan. Logistical challenges and regional opposition raise doubts, as Trump promotes Gaza redevelopment into a “freedom zone” under US leadership.
Libya’s Defense Ministry Declares Victory Over Ghnewa Militia in Tripoli
Libya’s 444th Brigade announced it dismantled Abdel Ghani al-Kikli’s militia empire in Tripoli’s Abu Salim district after a one-hour military operation. Commander Mahmoud Hamza accused Ghnewa of corruption, violence, and foreign collusion. Hamza called for unified efforts to restore state authority, following Ghnewa’s assassination last week, which triggered renewed armed clashes in the capital.
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