Middle East

The source added that the Paris-led discussions on establishing a mechanism to disarm Hezbollah failed to set a date and host city, or produce any concrete results. 

Speaking with academics, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian voiced deep frustration, saying, “I don’t know what to do, please don’t curse me.” He blamed Iran’s problems on corruption and what he described as the “crazy” conduct of state institutions, rather than on the US or Israel. Referring to Operation Rising Lion, Pezeshkian acknowledged Israel’s military edge, saying, “Israel had better missiles, more accurate missiles and more of them.”

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has raised with his Russian counterpart the possibility of returning the S-400 air defense systems to Moscow. The United States is holding ongoing talks with Turkey over its desire to rejoin the F-35 fighter jet program, from which it was expelled in 2019 following its purchase of the Russian systems.

Former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad is reportedly studying Russian and retraining in ophthalmology as he settles into exile in Moscow, with sources suggesting that members of Russia’s elite could one day become his patients.

Network chief Peyman Jebelli told students the false claims about downed stealth fighters devastated credibility during Israel strikes.

Quds Force commander told Syrian regime in 2019 that Luna al-Shibl was working for intelligence services, newly revealed documents show. Assad ignored the warning and promoted her instead.

A close contact asserted Assad "spends much of his time playing online video games."

The report notes documentation of payment collection from Palestinian postal branches. It was further noted that terrorists who were released in the deal received salaries throughout their time in prison, and some even received additional grants from the Authority after their release.

Iran withdrew all Revolutionary Guards from Syria on December 5, just days before Assad's regime collapsed. "From today, we are no longer responsible for you," Iranian commanders told Syrian officers. Thousands evacuated through Russian bases and border crossings.

Hussain Abdul-Hussain, who grew up in Baalbek, told Israel Hayom of the cautious hope created by direct talks with Israel and the collapse of public support for Hezbollah. "Many Lebanese want peace", he says, but regional dynamics complicate progress.