★ ISRAEL
Israel Strikes Syria After Rockets Fired, Blames Sharaa Directly
Two rockets from Syria landed in uninhabited areas of the Golan Heights, prompting Israeli airstrikes on military sites in Daraa, Quneitra, and Sa’sa. Defense Minister Katz blamed President Sharaa, vowing a full response. The attack was the first since Assad’s fall; Israel has since occupied the buffer zone and launched frequent strikes to block Syrian weapons acquisition. Despite U.S. backing for Sharaa’s government and its calls for calm, Israel maintains military pressure and rejects Syrian assurances of non-hostility.
U.S. Syria Envoy Visits Israel, Discusses Syria–Turkiye–Israel Relations
U.S. envoy Thomas Barrack arrived in Israel with Morgan Ortagus to discuss Syria, Israeli-Turkish dynamics, and border security. His visit follows Israeli airstrikes in southern Syria and recent talks in Damascus, where Barack called Syria–Israel relations a “solvable problem” under Washington’s regional peace push.
Israel Intercepts Houthi Missile Targeting Ben Gurion Airport Operations
Israel intercepted a Houthi hypersonic missile targeting Ben Gurion Airport, halting operations temporarily. Drones hit Tel Aviv, Ashdod, and Eilat. Retaliation followed.
Haredi Parties Threaten Government Collapse Over Draft Law Delay
United Torah Judaism delayed quitting Netanyahu’s coalition but warned of action if no progress is made. Agudat Israel may back Knesset dissolution; Degel Hatorah prefers compromise. The IDF’s move to draft ultra-Orthodox men and a court ruling rejecting exemptions fueled the crisis.
Israeli Cyber Firms Operate Quietly in Saudi Arabia via Proxies
Israeli cybersecurity companies maintain low-profile operations in Saudi Arabia through foreign subsidiaries and Gulf distributors, focusing on infrastructure protection. Activity slowed post-October 7, but existing ties persist. Trade potential remains high despite the political freeze.
Israeli Arms Exports Reach Record $14.8B in 2024 Despite Sanctions
Israel’s arms exports hit a record $14.8 billion in 2024, doubling 2019 levels and marking the fourth straight year of growth despite mounting Western pressure over Gaza. Air defense systems drove 48% of sales, fueled by wartime performance against Hamas and Hezbollah. Europe led purchases at 54%, citing Ukraine war needs, while Abraham Accords countries rose to 12%. Spain canceled a $310M deal, but overall demand surged. Deals over $100M made up 57% of total exports.
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★TÜRKIYE
Fidan: SDF Resolution Near, Syria Reconstruction Gaining Regional Momentum
Turkish FM Fidan said resolving the SDF issue is near, citing behind-the-scenes coordination with Damascus and Washington. He confirmed Syria’s reconstruction is progressing after sanctions relief, regional investment, and energy tenders.
Türkiye’s Inflation Falls Sharply to 35.4%, Rate Cuts Eyed
Türkiye’s inflation dropped to 35.4% in May, the lowest since 2021, boosting expectations of a rate cut. Tight monetary policy drove the decline. Markets rallied. The central bank may ease rates at its June 19 meeting.
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★IRAN
Khamenei Rejects U.S. Deal, Vows to Expand Uranium Enrichment
Khamenei rejected Trump’s nuclear proposal, declaring uranium enrichment non-negotiable and accusing the U.S. of seeking Iran’s total nuclear dismantlement. He vowed to continue enrichment despite ongoing U.S.-Oman-mediated talks and called Trump “rude and arrogant”. Trump insisted on zero enrichment, while Iran refused to halt its program. The IAEA confirmed Iran now holds enough enriched uranium for ten bombs, with U.S. officials warning it could weaponize in under two weeks.
Iran Building Five Missile Bases, Expanding Threat, Israel Warns
Israeli defense officials revealed Iran is constructing five missile bases for its Ground Forces, describing it as a major escalation in Tehran’s missile deployment capacity. According to Israeli intelligence, the bases are part of a coordinated IRGC effort to reposition launch systems across central and eastern Iran to ensure second-strike survivability and regional reach. Officials say this expansion builds on Iran’s recent unveiling of the “Qassem Basyar” ballistic missile—solid-fueled, GPS-resistant, with a 1,200 km range—making it capable of targeting U.S. bases and Israeli assets from deeper within Iranian territory. The new bases, still under classified construction phases, reportedly integrate mobile launchers, hardened shelters, and upgraded command systems.
Iran’s Oil Exports to China Fall 20% Amid Sanctions
Iran’s crude exports to China dropped to 1.1 million barrels per day (bpd) in May—a 20% year-over-year decline—due to tightening U.S. sanctions, elevated freight costs, and weak demand from Chinese refiners. Sanctioned tankers are increasingly barred from Shandong ports, disrupting trade and forcing more dark fleet activity via Malaysia. Cheaper Russian crude further undercut Iran’s market share, while Iran’s floating reserves surged to 35 million barrels.
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★ THE GULF
Qatar Posts $145M Deficit, Will Issue Debt to Compensate
Qatar recorded a $145 million budget deficit in Q1 2025 after revenues fell 7.5% year-on-year to $13.5 billion, while spending dropped only 2.8% to $13.7 billion. The Finance Ministry will issue debt to bridge the gap.
Sisi Meets UAE President to Discuss Regional Security Restoration
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi arrived in Abu Dhabi to discuss regional stability and bilateral cooperation with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed.
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★ SYRIA
Five Alawite Men Found Executed in Damascus After Detention
Five Alawite youths were found executed after disappearing in Damascus; a sixth was hospitalized, and a seventh remains missing. All were detained by regime security forces en route home from work, raising serious questions about sectarian-motivated killings and extrajudicial executions.
Aleppo Chamber Warns Poor Imports Threaten Garment Industry Jobs
Aleppo industrialists warned that cheap, low-quality imported clothing is flooding local markets, undermining the garment sector—65% of Aleppo’s textile base—and risking factory closures and mass layoffs.
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★LEBANON
Iranian FM Meets Hezbollah Chief, Backs Deeper Lebanon–Tehran Ties
Iranian FM Abbas Araqchi met Hezbollah’s Naim Qassem to reinforce bilateral cooperation and pledged Iran’s economic and political support for Lebanon. Araqchi also met President Aoun and FM Rjei, who urged Iran’s help in restoring Lebanese state control and curbing unauthorized arms.
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