★ IRAN
Israel Preparing Possible Attack on Iran’s Nuclear Program, US Officials Suggest
CNN reported that US intelligence indicates Israel is preparing to strike Iranian nuclear facilities, raising tensions as Trump pursues a diplomatic deal. While no decision is confirmed, Israeli military movements and intercepted communications suggest increased readiness. A strike could aim to derail a “bad deal” with Tehran, prompting heightened US surveillance and warnings of looming conflict if diplomacy fails.
Iran Faces Nuclear Stalemate Without Clear Backup Plan During US Pressure
Iran lacks a solid fallback if nuclear talks fail, relying on vague ties with China and Russia while refusing US demands to curb uranium enrichment. Supreme Leader Khamenei called the US stance “outrageous,” and Tehran remains unwilling to ship enriched uranium or discuss its missile program. With economic crises mounting and sanctions tightening under Trump’s renewed pressure, Iran risks deeper isolation and unrest, as Western allies threaten UN sanctions by August without a breakthrough.
Panama-Flagged Tanker Intercepted Near Iranian Port
UK-based Ambrey reported the interception of a Panama-flagged tanker carrying UAE-linked cargo about 51 nautical miles northwest of Iran’s Bandar Jask. A hijacking signal was received, with the vessel suspected to be part of Iran’s “shadow fleet.” The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control previously sanctioned a similar ship.
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★ ISRAEL
UK Freezes Israel Trade Talks, Sanctions Settlers Over Gaza War
Britain suspended trade negotiations with Israel and sanctioned settler leaders over Gaza war policies, citing “indefensible” actions. Foreign Secretary Lammy condemned Israel’s military offensive and aid blockade, warning of further steps. France and Canada joined calls for accountability. The EU agreed to review its cooperation agreement, signaling growing global backlash over Israel’s conduct and humanitarian obstacles in Gaza.
Netanyahu Recalls Negotiators as Hostage Deal Talks in Doha Stall
Prime Minister Netanyahu recalled Israel’s top negotiators from Doha, citing Hamas’s refusal of a US-backed proposal for a hostage-ceasefire deal. Talks, based on the Witkoff framework, aim to release hostages in exchange for a temporary truce. Mediators insist both sides must still compromise. The decision sparked backlash from hostage families and defense officials opposing partial release plans.
Two Israelis Arrested for Spying on Defense Minister in Iran-Linked Plot
Israeli authorities arrested Roy Mizrahi and Almog Atias, both 24, for allegedly conducting intelligence missions for Iran in Kfar Ahim, home of Defense Minister Israel Katz. Recruited via a Telegram group, they reportedly moved an explosive device and maintained encrypted contact with Iranian handlers. The arrests follow a series of Iranian-linked espionage cases inside Israel.
Operation “Gideon’s Chariots” Expands: Dozens Reported Killed and Field Commanders Eliminated in Gaza
Israeli forces killed Hamas aerial chief Moataz Deeb in a targeted airstrike on northern Gaza on May 17. Deeb coordinated drone and missile attacks against Israeli targets. The strike was part of over 100 IDF attacks under “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” which now includes expanded ground raids across Gaza to dismantle militant infrastructure. Concurrently, the Gaza Ministry of Health claimed that Israeli airstrikes killed 98 Palestinians, including 12 in Jabalia and several children in Deir al-Balah. Strikes also hit Khan Younis and Bani Suheila. Palestinian fighters countered with deadly ambushes, using explosives in rigged buildings, killing one Israeli soldier and injuring six. Staff Sgt. Danilo Mocanu, 20, died in one such blast in southern Gaza, while another soldier was lightly injured. He became the second Israeli soldier killed in the ongoing operation, following a prior friendly fire incident in the north. Clashes are escalating across both northern and southern fronts, with casualties mounting on both sides.
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★SYRIA
Syria Handed Eli Cohen Files To Israel To Gain Favor
The Syrian interim authorities approved the return of Israeli spy Eli Cohen’s archive to ease tensions with Israel and gain US favor, sources reported. Found after Assad’s ouster, the files were part of confidence-building efforts brokered via backchannels. Israel, calling it a major moral achievement, said Mossad secured them with a foreign partner in a covert operation.
Rights Group Criticizes Syria’s Transitional Justice Body As Incomplete
Human Rights Watch criticized Syria’s new transitional justice authority as excluding non-regime violations and lacking victim participation. Formed by presidential decree on May 17, 2025, the body led by Abdel Basset Abdel Latif aims to ensure accountability. But HRW warned that its limited scope and opaque structure risk turning justice into a political tool, not a path to inclusive reconciliation.
Two Russian Soldiers Killed in Armed Attack Near Hmeimim Base
Russian media reported two soldiers killed in clashes after unknown gunmen attacked Hmeimim Airbase near Jableh. Around 5 a.m., four or five militants tried storming a security post; four were killed, one escaped. The attackers, identified as Uzbek nationals, oppose Syria’s government. Russia launched a manhunt and used electronic jamming, though official confirmation remains absent.
SDF Launches Raids Across Raqqa, Dozens Detained During Public Discontent
The Syrian Democratic Forces launched raids in Raqqa and its countryside, arresting dozens, including journalist Ahmad Hamza Al-Sattam, over alleged regime ties and past Free Syrian Army affiliation. Villages like Mansoura and Qahtaniyah saw arrests, while gunfire at a conscription evader in Heisha injured three women. Rising tensions fuel public anger over arbitrary detentions and legal opacity.
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★ TÜRKIYE
PKK Proposes Öcalan as Peace Envoy, Faces Internal Dissent
The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), following its announcement of self-dissolution, named imprisoned founder Abdullah Öcalan as its official negotiator in potential peace talks with Türkiye. The group called for an end to Öcalan’s isolation and demanded legal assurances for negotiations. It rejected exile and emphasized Kurdish integration into Turkish society as vital for lasting peace, while condemning Türkiye’s ongoing military strikes. Meanwhile, Iran’s PKK-affiliated PJAK rejected Öcalan’s disarmament appeal, declaring autonomy in its decision to maintain arms under “legitimate self-defense.” Syria’s PKK wing remains silent on the proposed peace plan.
Türkiye Dismantles Seven-Member Chinese Spy Cell
Turkish authorities arrested a Chinese espionage cell of seven operatives in Istanbul and other provinces for spying on Uyghurs and officials. The group used unlicensed mobile signal stations smuggled in as parts, enabling data theft within 50 meters of targets. Mastermind Zhenhua Liu had prepared operations for years under the guise of business activity.
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★YEMEN
Houthis Shift to Chinese-Russian Tech, Escalate Tensions in Yemen
The Houthis have begun replacing Iranian communications with Chinese and Russian systems to reduce dependency on Tehran and counter infiltration risks. Leaked documents reveal $60,000 in Chinese surveillance equipment allocated to their covert security branch. This move follows U.S. airstrikes that damaged vital Houthi networks, sparking a wave of foreign intelligence targeting the group. Experts anticipate internal purges during growing fears of deep espionage. Meanwhile, after a two-week U.S. strike pause, Houthi forces intensified operations—bombarding government sites in Taiz and deploying fighters along frontlines. The dual aim appears to be preempting a U.S.-allied assault and boosting their position ahead of peace negotiations. Drone deployments and reinforcements now jeopardize the existing ceasefire and ongoing diplomacy.
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★ LEBANON
Israel Targets Hezbollah Commander While Lebanon Urges Calm for Elections
Israel’s military confirmed the killing of a senior Hezbollah commander in a precision airstrike on his vehicle in Mansouri, southern Lebanon. The operative, reportedly central to terror planning and weapons transfers, was targeted during ongoing Israeli operations following the February 18 ceasefire breakdown. In parallel, Lebanon’s Interior Minister Ahmad Hajar announced government efforts to halt Israeli strikes during municipal elections scheduled for May 24 in the south. Emphasizing sovereignty, Hajar pledged full deployment of security forces to ensure voting proceeds despite continued hostilities. The incident marks an escalation as diplomatic channels remain strained.
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★ GULF
UAE and Israel Agree to Deliver Urgent Humanitarian Aid to Gaza
UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa’ar agreed to begin emergency aid deliveries to Gaza, to assist 15,000 civilians initially. The aid includes bakery supplies and essential children’s items, with sustained provision planned. They also discussed regional efforts to resume the truce, secure a ceasefire, and release hostages.
Qatar Condemns Israel’s Conduct in Gaza, Warns of Diminishing Peace Prospects
Qatar’s Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, calling them “irresponsible” and a key barrier to peace. He blamed continued Israeli attacks for undermining mediation efforts led by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., despite hopes following the release of hostage Edan Alexander. Qatar emphasized that Israeli aggression is derailing chances for a ceasefire.
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★ EGYPT & NORTH AFRICA
Israel Cuts Gas Supply to Egypt, Cairo Seeks LNG from Qatar
Due to maintenance, Israel reduced gas exports to Egypt by 500 million cubic feet daily, with further summer cuts expected. Israel seeks a 25% price hike, pressuring Egypt’s energy costs. Cairo signed long-term LNG deals with Qatar to bridge a 3.5 billion cubic feet daily supply gap. Industrial gas cuts may reach 25% due to infrastructure and financing hurdles.
Sudanese Army Declares Full Control of Khartoum, Ousting RSF
The Sudanese army announced it has fully regained Khartoum, ousting all Rapid Support Forces (RSF) elements after seizing the presidential palace late last March. Clashes continued in Omdurman, including drone strikes and artillery exchanges. The military also reclaimed areas in southern Omdurman, as RSF territory shrinks nationwide. Over 20,000 deaths and 15 million displacements have resulted since the war began in April 2023.
UN-Led Advisory Committee Recommends Roadmap for Libya Elections
The UN mission in Libya unveiled recommendations from a 20-member Libyan advisory panel to resolve key disputes blocking long-delayed elections. The proposals include linking presidential and parliamentary elections, forming a new government beforehand, ensuring appeals mechanisms, and enhancing representation. Four election sequencing options were suggested, with broad consultations planned to finalize a national consensus.
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