Hundreds are expected to be released in the coming days as part of a prisoner exchange deal between the Druze and Bedouin communities. Israel is in contact with the Druze side, while American intermediaries are engaging with the Bedouins.
In recent months, senior Egyptian and Chinese officials have held meetings focused on the supply of advanced weaponry. Cairo believes it is crucial to break its dependence on the US due to restrictions on military exports.
Turkey is expected to purchase the European Eurofighter jet, a goal it has pursued since 2023 but was delayed. The deal includes up to 40 aircraft worth more than $5 billion. Analysts estimate that a possible contract with Turkey could accelerate talks with other countries, such as Qatar and Austria.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed in an interview with Fox News that the country’s nuclear facilities sustained “severe” damage following joint Israeli and US strikes. However, he said he had no information about the status of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
Citizens across Iran were urged to stop using household tap water due to repeated disruptions in supply. Iran’s national meteorological service announced that the country is experiencing its hottest week of the year, with temperatures exceeding 50°C (122°F) in some areas.
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid Al-Saud never regained consciousness after devastating London car accident as teenager.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Muhammad al-Julani, responded after the ceasefire to the violent events in southern Syria and to Israel’s involvement. He accused Israel of sowing chaos and vowed to prosecute those who harmed the Druze. In a direct message to the Druze community, he emphasized: “Protecting your rights and freedoms is our top priority.”
Massoud Pezeshkian, who said he narrowly escaped Israeli assassination just weeks ago, had to to travel by taxi to Tabriz during his visit there on Thursday after a technical malfunction in his convoy caused by fuel contaminated with water.
According to a diplomatic source, Israel agreed to allow Syrian regime interior forces to enter the area to maintain order.
A source in Syria’s Interior Ministry told the country’s official news agency that a ceasefire agreement had been reached in Sweida. Meanwhile, an American official revealed that the Trump administration had asked Israel to halt its attacks.