★ IRAN
Iran Signals Strategic Breakout with 20,000 MW Nuclear Launch
Tasnim News Agency reported that Iran has launched a state-backed initiative to generate 20,000 megawatts of nuclear electricity, according to Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization. Described as “operational,” the project mobilizes contractor networks to scale Iran’s nuclear infrastructure twentyfold, placing Tehran on a trajectory to join the world’s top nuclear producers. Citing new electricity output records at Bushehr through March 2024, Eslami framed the expansion as a successful model of domestic capability. However, Tehran may now be integrating enriched uranium stockpiles into the civilian program to delay inspections and complicate future removal. This move reframes sensitive material as reactor fuel, shielding it under the guise of peaceful use. The expansion implies full-spectrum fuel cycle development, embedding dual-use capability across civilian and military sectors. In parallel, Iranian media highlighted intensified pharmaceutical and medical manufacturing, reinforcing Tehran’s resilience messaging and sanctions defiance through self-sufficiency in strategic industries.
Trump Weighs Interim Iran Deal to Avert Israeli Strike
The U.S. is considering an interim nuclear agreement with Iran to prevent an Israeli attack, despite unresolved disputes over uranium enrichment. Envoy Steve Witkoff has dropped opposition to a principles-based framework, alarming Israeli and congressional hardliners. Israel, citing dissatisfaction, may strike Iran even after a deal, with U.S. intel warning of possible action within seven hours. Trump has privately urged Netanyahu to stand down. Oman mediates talks, and a regional nuclear fuel project is under discussion. Netanyahu’s office denies the reports, calling them “fake news.” A sixth round of negotiations is expected but unscheduled.
Iran’s State Media Brands Lebanese PM a Sectarian Traitor
Tehran Times attacked Lebanese PM Nawaf Salam for declaring “the era of exporting the Iranian revolution is over,” mocking his Sunni background and accusing him of betraying Islam and aligning with Western powers. The outlet glorified Iran’s sectarian ideology, claimed Lebanon’s Shiites once converted Iran and justified IRGC expansion as righteous. It smeared Salam’s family over a 1934 land sale, ridiculed his Shakespearean event during Israeli strikes, and predicted his fall for challenging Hezbollah. The response exposed Iran’s sectarianism, militant export agenda, and weaponization of media against Arab leaders opposing Tehran’s revolutionary hegemony.
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★ TÜRKIYE
$30 Billion Ambition Fuels Ankara–Tehran Transit Strategy
Turkiye and Iran signed a bilateral customs cooperation agreement aimed at enhancing trade and transit ties. Turkish Deputy Minister of Customs and Trade Sezai Uçarmak met with his Iranian counterpart Foroud Asgari to address infrastructure upgrades, increased truck transit, and the activation of additional border crossings. Uçarmak emphasized the strategic importance of aligning trade volumes with the countries’ regional roles. The Bazargan-Gürbulak crossing was highlighted as a priority for modernization.
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★ GULF
Iran, Oman Sign 18 Deals, Push $30 Billion Trade
During President Masoud Pezeshkian’s two-day visit to Muscat, Iran and Oman signed 18 cooperation deals across legal, economic, technical, and cultural sectors, including agreements on extradition, mining, health, urban planning, and power grid interconnection. Pezeshkian and Sultan Haitham bin Tariq also discussed regional coordination and Iran’s isolation. Parallel meetings tackled financial transfers and trade facilitation, with Pezeshkian calling to raise bilateral trade to $30 billion and urging port and route integration. Omani and Iranian business leaders reviewed plans to expand industrial investments and establish permanent shipping links, a money exchange firm, and a digital platform connecting exporters. Nuclear mediation dominated the agenda, with Tehran praising Oman’s role in U.S.–Iran talks. Conflicting Iranian statements emerged over Muscat’s proposal on uranium enrichment, with one MP claiming Iran rejected a six-month enrichment freeze, while negotiators denied the proposal included such a condition.
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★EGYPT & NORTH AFRICA
Iran Seeks Diplomatic Reboot With Egypt, Bahrain to Escape Isolation
Iran is pushing to restore ties with Egypt and Bahrain to break regional isolation and strengthen its hand in global negotiations. Foreign Minister Araghchi confirmed ongoing talks, acknowledging lingering distrust, especially over the Palestinian issue. Bahrain remains cautious, citing Iran’s past support for unrest and militant groups, though secret Russian-hosted meetings and a recent call from President Pezeshkian signal renewed outreach. In Egypt, relations are warming faster; officials reported regular high-level contact and upcoming tourism exchanges. Tehran aims to replicate its Saudi normalization model to ease economic pressure, rebuild alliances, and counter its declining influence in Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria.
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★ ISRAEL
Israel Secretly Approves New Settlements as Annexation Threat Grows
Israel’s security cabinet secretly approved 22 new West Bank settlements, including the legalization of evacuated outposts Homesh and Sa-Nur. The move, spearheaded by Defense Minister Israel Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, aims to solidify Israeli presence along key routes and counter Palestinian Authority claims. In parallel, Israeli ministers warned European countries that recognizing a Palestinian state could trigger the annexation of parts of the West Bank and the formalization of unauthorized outposts. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer conveyed this warning to France and the U.K., emphasizing Israel’s readiness to respond to European moves.
Top Israeli Rabbi Warns of Retaliation Over Yeshiva Draft
Rabbi Dov Landau, a leading ultra-Orthodox figure, warned of “actions we don’t wish to take” if the Israeli government enforces military conscription of yeshiva students. His statement, published in Yated Ne’eman, hinted at a potential withdrawal of ultra-Orthodox parties from the ruling coalition, echoing broader Haredi resistance as Shavuot approaches.
Israeli Offensive Displaces 632,000, Kills 50,000 Children
Israeli forces killed one and wounded 48 at a U.S.-Israeli-backed aid hub in Rafah, triggering condemnation of Israel’s militarized Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. The aid model, bypassing traditional channels, collapsed into chaos as Netanyahu admitted “loss of control.” Amid the ongoing “Gideon’s Chariots” ground offensive, 632,000 have been displaced. UNICEF reports over 50,000 children killed or injured since October, including 1,309 killed since March 18. Two recent strikes alone claimed 18 children in Gaza City and nearly an entire family in Khan Younis. UNICEF called for immediate global action.
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★YEMEN
Israel Destroys Last Houthi Drone, Warns of Escalation
Israel launched new airstrikes on Sanaa Airport, destroying the Houthis’ last operational drone under Operation Golden Jewel. Defense Minister Yisrael Katz warned of continued attacks on Yemeni infrastructure and a potential full naval and air blockade. Hours earlier, Israeli defenses intercepted a Houthi missile, triggering air raid sirens. Meanwhile, the Houthis declared May the “most painful month” for Israel, claiming 22 operations targeting Ben Gurion Airport, Jaffa, Haifa, and key Israeli military sites.
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★ LEBANON
Israel Kills Hezbollah Commander, Strikes South Lebanon Again
Israel intensified its operations in southern Lebanon, killing a senior Hezbollah commander in Yater accused of violating the ceasefire and rebuilding military sites. The strike, confirmed by the IDF, targeted him on a motorcycle. Hours later, an Israeli drone launched two missiles at Al-Aabbassiyah; one failed to explode, and no casualties were reported.
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