★ IRAN
Iran Insists on Red Lines and Sanctions Guarantees in U.S. Talks
Iran’s Foreign Ministry stated that Tehran’s red lines will dictate its response to the U.S. nuclear proposal, emphasizing that Washington’s position on lifting sanctions remains unchanged. Spokesman Esmail Baghaei warned that any proposal undermining Iran’s rights will be rejected. Iran also demanded U.S. guarantees on sanctions relief as nuclear talks resumed. The IAEA reported Iran’s uranium enrichment at 60%, close to weapons-grade, while Tehran pledged to continue enrichment with or without an agreement. The U.S. reaffirmed its opposition to any Iranian enrichment, heightening tensions ahead of the IAEA Board of Governors meeting.
============
★ ISRAEL
Hamas Agrees to Indirect Talks During Gaza Ceasefire Dispute
Hamas announced readiness for indirect negotiations on points of contention in the Gaza ceasefire proposal after mediators pressured it to soften its stance. The US-backed plan, accepted by Israel, involves a 60-day truce, hostage releases, and IDF partial withdrawal. Hamas seeks a deal ensuring relief and a permanent ceasefire, but changes to the proposal have drawn US criticism.
Escalation as Settlers Provoke Al-Aqsa Confrontation
Hundreds of Israeli settlers stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque under police protection during the Shavuot holiday, with some attempting to smuggle blood-stained meat inside for ritual sacrifice. Alert mosque guards thwarted the plan and closed the Dome of the Rock’s door. Settlers conducted provocative tours inside the mosque while police barred Muslim worshippers. Shavuot, linked to Torah revelation and harvest, was marked with religious rituals and restricted access for Palestinians.
31 IDF Denies Reports of Killings Near Rafah Aid Hub
Hamas claimed at least 31 Palestinians were killed near a Gaza aid distribution site by Israeli fire on Sunday, but the IDF denied firing at or near the site, acknowledging only warning shots a kilometer away hours earlier. Hamas accused Israel of disrupting aid, while the IDF released drone footage showing armed men attacking Gazans elsewhere.
============
★SYRIA
ISIS Appoints New Aleppo Governor, Kills 3 in Syria
ISIS has appointed Abu Dujana al-Jubouri, a former commander in al-Nusra Front, as Aleppo’s new ISIS governor, signaling a tactical pivot toward leveraging historical ties with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. The announcement comes as part of ISIS’s restructuring efforts. Meanwhile, an ISIS ambush on a Kurdish security patrol on the Raqqa-Hasakah road left three members dead. Mines were discovered at the scene, reflecting ISIS’s continued use of guerrilla tactics. Despite the group’s territorial losses and decline in attacks since Assad’s ouster, ISIS remains a persistent security threat in eastern Syria, raising fears of further destabilization in the region.
Syria Welcomes First IMF Technical Mission in 18 Years
Syria’s finance minister hosted the first IMF technical mission to visit since 2007, led by Ron van Roden. The mission aims to assess Syria’s financial and economic conditions during growing international efforts to rehabilitate the war-torn economy. The IMF’s team will advise on fiscal, tax, and banking reforms, while Middle East director Jihad Azour plans a follow-up visit in late June.
===========
★ TÜRKIYE
Second Round of Russia-Ukraine Talks in Türkiye Today
Russia and Ukraine will resume direct talks in Istanbul, with Kyiv seeking an unconditional ceasefire, return of prisoners and abducted children, territorial integrity, and Western guarantees. Moscow demands a halt to NATO’s eastern expansion, partial lifting of sanctions, Ukraine’s neutrality, release of frozen Russian assets, and protection of Russian speakers. Previous talks on May 16 agreed on a 1,000-prisoner exchange, but no breakthroughs.
Erdogan’s Party Eyes Parliament Path for Third Presidential Term
Türkiye’s ruling AK Party is considering a parliamentary decision to enable President Erdogan’s third-term candidacy, bypassing constitutional amendments. Erdogan’s calls for a new constitution and denials of early elections are countered by opposition leader Ozgur Ozel’s push for snap polls. Parliament may seek a 360-member majority to renew elections, relying on support from pro-Kurdish and nationalist factions, during legal reforms and Kurdish rights demands.
Türkiye Captures Senior Turkish ISIS Leader in Joint Operation with Pakistan
Turkish and Pakistani intelligence arrested senior ISIS leader Özgür Altun (Abu Yasser al-Turki) on the Afghan-Pakistani border. Altun, linked to ISIS media and logistics, planned attacks in Türkiye and Europe. He is a top Turkish figure in ISIS’s Khorasan branch, responsible for recruiting and operational planning. The operation foiled planned attacks, confiscated digital materials, and highlighted enhanced Türkiye-Pakistan intelligence cooperation.
============
★ LEBANON
Israeli Strikes in Southern Lebanon Kill Hezbollah Fighter, Injure Another
Israeli strikes killed a Hezbollah member and injured another in separate attacks south of Lebanon on Sunday. One strike targeted a motorcycle in Arnoun, killing a Hezbollah member linked to anti-armor missile units. Another strike in Beit Lif injured a person. Despite a ceasefire since November 27, 2024, Israeli attacks continue, with Lebanon urging international intervention.
============
★ EGYPT & NORTH AFRICA
Egypt’s New Arms Deals with China Spark U.S. and Israeli Concerns
Egypt’s potential arms deals with China, including the J-35 stealth fighter and Type 039A submarines, are raising alarms in Washington and Tel Aviv. These advanced weapons signal Cairo’s intent to diversify its military suppliers during regional tensions and Western export restrictions. The deals may coincide with the Chinese president’s visit to Cairo next month, underscoring China’s expanding Middle East influence.
Sudan’s PM Kamal Idris Dissolves Government Ahead of Forming New Cabinet
Sudan’s new Prime Minister Kamal Idris dissolved the current government on Sunday, a day after taking the oath of office. Idris tasked senior officials to manage ministries temporarily. In his inaugural address, he prioritized national security and eliminating the rebellion, hinting at international support for the insurgents. Idris pledged justice, dialogue, and inclusive governance during Sudan’s ongoing conflict.
============
