★ IRAN
Iran Threatens U.S., Rejects Talks Without Enrichment Rights Recognized
Iran’s IRGC mouthpiece Javan warned that triggering UN snapback sanctions would bring “high and painful costs” to the U.S. and Europe, including Tehran’s potential restriction of trade routes and deeper coordination with anti-Western allies. The editorial demanded full sanctions removal, recognition of enrichment rights, and compensation before any agreement. It mocked U.S. threats and dismissed President Trump’s regional ambitions. The warning came as Iran rejected Oman’s invitation for a fifth round of nuclear talks, with officials stating, “With zero enrichment, we don’t have a deal.” During a speech commemorating former President Raisi, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei reiterated Iran’s right to enrich uranium and said nuclear talks with Washington are unlikely to succeed. “I do not believe nuclear talks with the United States will lead to results. I don’t know,” he said. His comments triggered a market reaction, with the dollar rising from 82,000 to over 84,000 tomans in Iran’s free market. Separately, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi hosted senior Hamas officials Basem Naim and Osama Hamdan in Tehran.
British Espionage Charges Against Iranians Deepen UK–Iran Rift
The UK and Iran summoned each other’s diplomats after London charged three Iranian nationals with assisting a foreign intelligence service—reportedly Iran’s—under national security laws. Tehran denounced the charges as politically driven and demanded clarification. The incident escalates longstanding tensions, amid intensified British scrutiny of Iranian-linked activities and ongoing disputes over dual nationals.
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★ ISRAEL
Israel Declares Khan Younis Combat Zone, Orders Mass Evacuation
Israel ordered the evacuation of Khan Younis on Monday ahead of an “unprecedented assault,” launching tank-led operations under heavy airstrikes. Over 300,000 were forcibly displaced in a week, and Gaza’s Health Ministry reported 130 killed in 24 hours. Strikes hit shelters, hospitals, and refugee tents, killing 84 on Monday alone. Meanwhile, militant groups ambushed Israeli troops in Khan Younis and Beit Lahia, killing a sergeant and damaging vehicles. UNRWA said 92% of Gaza’s homes are damaged or destroyed, with the health system collapsing as 38 hospitals and 81 clinics go offline. Armed factions ambushed Israeli forces in Khan Younis and Beit Lahia, killing a sergeant. Netanyahu vowed full control over Gaza, allowing minimal aid. The UK, France, Canada, and Sweden warned Israel of possible sanctions, citing international law violations. UN rights chief Volker Türk described the campaign as a demographic purge. Meanwhile, Haaretz reported a mental health crisis in the IDF, with suicides among psychologically unfit conscripts and 26,000 troops traumatized.
Netanyahu Allows Minimal Gaza Aid to Avoid U.S. Backlash
Netanyahu resumed limited Gaza aid without cabinet approval, citing the need to avoid famine images reaching U.S. audiences. Five aid trucks entered for the first time since March, amid global outcry and protests in Khan Younis, where civilians urged Hamas to end the war. Netanyahu blamed earlier aid suspension on Hamas looting but reaffirmed plans for full Israeli control of Gaza. UN and WHO officials warned that the aid is insufficient, with two million at risk of starvation.
Israel and Azerbaijan Expand Strategic Defense Partnership in Tel Aviv
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz met Azerbaijani counterpart Zakir Hasanov in Tel Aviv to bolster defense ties, praising Azerbaijan’s support post–October 7 attacks and its mediation with Türkiye. Azerbaijan, a key Israeli arms buyer and oil supplier, also awarded Israel top Eurovision points. Both nations reaffirmed their alliance during regional tensions and shared interests near Iran’s border.
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★SYRIA
EU Lifts Economic Sanctions on Syria, Keeps Measures on Assad Regime
The European Union agreed Tuesday to lift all economic sanctions on Syria while retaining measures targeting the ousted Assad regime and human rights violations. The move, aimed at aiding reconstruction and job creation, follows earlier steps easing restrictions in the energy, transport, and banking sectors. EU diplomats backed swift action to support Syria’s recovery and stability.
ISIS Attack Kills One SDF Fighter, Injures Another in Eastern Syria
An ISIS assault in Syria’s Deir ez-Zor killed one U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces fighter and wounded another, the SDF announced Monday. Despite ISIS’s territorial defeat in 2019, the group continues to attack, especially in the east. The SDF, now aligned with Syria’s post-Assad opposition-led government, remains engaged in ongoing clashes with ISIS remnants.
Latakia Captagon Bust, Border Cocaine Seizure Signal Shift
Syrian authorities intensified their narcotics crackdown with two major seizures. In Latakia, security forces uncovered four million Captagon pills hidden inside 5,000 metal bars at the port—one of the largest drug busts since last year’s leadership change. The shipment was professionally concealed for export. Separately, near the Lebanese border, security units intercepted a cocaine shipment smuggled from Lebanon, seizing 2,000 grams of cocaine, a weapon, and cash. Two suspects were arrested and referred to judicial authorities. Officials say the operations target long-protected networks once shielded by regime-linked figures, including the Fourth Division.
Syria Confirms Ongoing Currency Printing With Russian Contractor
Syria’s central bank confirmed it is printing new banknotes through a pre-contracted Russian company under official agreements and approved standards. It denied any finalized decision to change or replace the national currency, stating the matter remains under technical and economic review. The statement follows reports suggesting Syria may shift currency production to the UAE and Germany.
Türkiye Resumes Visas and Flights from Aleppo Soon
Turkish Consul in Aleppo, Hakan Cinkiz, announced the imminent launch of a visa office and the reopening of air travel between Syria and Türkiye. The initial visas will target business, exhibitions, and festivals. He confirmed support for economic cooperation, prioritizing Turkish firms involved in reconstruction, and discussed reviving the 2011 free trade agreement.
Ford’s Julani Story Draws Rebuttal from Damascus
Former U.S. Ambassador Robert Ford claimed he met Syria’s new president, Abu Mohamad al Julani (Ahmad al Sharaa), in 2023 to support his shift from terrorism to governance. Ford recounted Julani’s past as an al-Qaeda commander and quoted him saying, “I am governing now,” while highlighting promises of elections, Jewish outreach, and civil engagement. But Syrian officials swiftly denied Ford’s narrative, stating he attended only public forums as part of a British academic delegation and held no private meetings with Julani. Damascus dismissed Ford’s version as inaccurate and unofficial, rejecting any suggestion of diplomatic contact. Despite Ford’s anecdote, Syria’s leadership maintains that no engagement occurred beyond routine public events.
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★ TÜRKIYE
Ocalan Signals Next Steps After PKK Dissolution Call
Jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan urged concrete steps following his February call for the group’s dissolution, stressing a “major transformation” in Turkish-Kurdish ties. After a fifth prison visit by pro-Kurdish politicians, a new political initiative began, including party talks. Ankara vowed to monitor PKK disarmament closely, while Kurdish demands include easing Ocalan’s isolation and broader democratic reforms.
India Launches Economic Boycott of Türkiye Over Kashmir Dispute
India imposed a boycott on Turkish goods and tourism in response to Ankara’s support for Pakistan on Kashmir, halting flights and banning Turkish firm Çelebi from operating in Mumbai Airport. Though Türkiye exported only $1.3 billion to India in 2024, versus $6.4 billion in imports, Turkish exporters claim India’s economy could suffer more if Ankara retaliates.
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★YEMEN
Houthis Declare Naval Blockade on Israel’s Haifa Port
Yemen’s Houthis announced a naval blockade on Israel’s Haifa Port, warning all shipping companies to avoid it after listing it as a target. The move follows their disruption of Eilat Port and repeated airstrikes on Ben Gurion Airport. The group said the escalation responds to Israel’s intensified assault on Gaza and its blockade, preventing aid from reaching Palestinians.
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★ LEBANON
US Offers $10 Million to Disrupt Hezbollah’s Latin America Finance Network
The US State Department announced a reward of up to $10 million for information disrupting Hezbollah’s financial network in Latin America, particularly in the tri-border area of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. Hezbollah is accused of engaging in money laundering, drug trafficking, and illicit trade, with revenue from front companies and donor networks reportedly contributing to its $1 billion annual funding.
Israel Kills Hezbollah Elite Fighter in Southern Lebanon Airstrike
The Israeli army confirmed the killing of Issa Qutaysh, a member of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force, in an airstrike on Houla, southern Lebanon. The strike coincided with further violations of the ceasefire, including wounding a Lebanese civilian in Kfarkela and an Israeli drone attack on a vehicle in Dhayra. Over 2,700 ceasefire breaches have been recorded since November 2024.
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★ GULF
Qatar mediates Russia’s recovery of a teen from Ukraine
Russia retrieved a 17-year-old girl from Ukraine with Qatari mediation, announced Children’s Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova. The reunion, under President Putin’s directive, was supported by Qatar, the Red Cross, and other agencies. Qatar also covered logistics and facilitated talks with Ukraine. Russia claims 123 children have been reunited with families across Russia, Ukraine, and beyond.
UAE, US Sign Defense Pact to Boost Strategic Military Partnership
UAE and US defense officials signed a letter of intent in Abu Dhabi to establish a major defense partnership, aiming to align military strategies and enhance joint readiness. The deal includes an innovation initiative between DIU and Tawazun Council and integrates the UAE into the US National Guard’s SPP via Texas. The pact deepens decades-long bilateral defense cooperation.
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★ EGYPT & NORTH AFRICA
Egyptian Education Pioneer Reports Multi-Million Dollar Gold Theft
Dr. Nawal El-Degwi, head of MSA University and education pioneer, reported a burglary at her home in 6th of October City involving $3 million, EGP 50 million, and 15 kilograms of gold. She suspects a known individual. Investigators review surveillance footage and gather witness testimonies as investigations intensify into the high-profile theft.
Sudan to Launch Government Talks After Naming New Prime Minister
Sudan’s Sovereign Council chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, appointed Kamal El-Din Idris as prime minister, ending a four-year vacancy. Idris is expected to take the oath on Wednesday and begin consultations to form a new cabinet. Two new council members were also named to ensure regional balance. Idris, a former WIPO director, is granted full executive powers.
Algeria Accuses France of Violating 2013 Diplomatic Visa Agreement
Algeria condemned France for allegedly suspending visa-free entry for Algerian diplomatic passport holders without formal notification, breaching a 2013 bilateral agreement. The Foreign Ministry denounced leaked reports as unofficial and pledged a reciprocal response. Tensions between the two countries have recently escalated over political, consular, and security issues.
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