Middle East

A senior Qatari official sent a letter of clarification to the Belgian government demanding changes to a directive affecting natural gas exports to European countries. Doha emphasized it may consider "alternative markets" for its natural gas.

The arrangement stipulates that all local tribal forces and government forces must withdraw from Druze villages, while Druze units will perform verification sweeps in these communities to confirm compliance.

Officials from Turkey’s defense ministry revealed on Wednesday that Syria has officially approached President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s government, seeking collaboration to enhance its security framework.

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.