As Iran looks East, Pezeshkian courts Pakistan to ease economic woes

Syria has established a transitional justice commission aimed at holding officials from Bashar al-Assad's regime accountable for human rights violations, emphasizing the need to institutionalize protections of human rights and restore the rule of law, according to commission head Abdul Latif. The initiative seeks to address past abuses and promote justice in the war-torn nation. Want More Context? 🔎

U.S. President Donald Trump will host Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders for peace talks at the White House on Friday, potentially announcing a framework for a peace agreement. The two nations have been in conflict since the late 1980s over Nagorno-Karabakh, with recent tensions escalating after Azerbaijan retook control of the region in 2023, leading to a mass exodus of ethnic Armenians. Want More Context? 🔎

Russia has formally protested to Israel over an alleged attack on a Russian diplomatic vehicle near the settlement of Givat Assaf, with the Russian foreign ministry claiming that the vehicle was targeted by settlers while Israeli military personnel were present and did not intervene. The Russian embassy in Tel Aviv has submitted an official complaint to Israeli authorities regarding the incident. Want More Context? 🔎

U.S. President Donald Trump refrained from expressing his stance on a potential Israeli military takeover of Gaza, stating the focus should be on improving food access for Palestinians. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly in favor of a complete military takeover, as he met with senior security officials to discuss the situation. Want More Context? 🔎

The United Nations expressed deep alarm over reports of Israel's potential expansion of military operations in Gaza, warning of catastrophic consequences and further risks to hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is reportedly considering a complete military takeover, while calls for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid access intensify, highlighted by a brother's emotional plea for the release of hostages. Want More Context? 🔎

The president of J Street, Jeremy Ben-Ami, has publicly acknowledged that Israel has violated the international genocide convention in Gaza, citing actions such as denying basic necessities and the destruction of infrastructure. He expressed a personal struggle with this realization, asserting that Israeli leaders will ultimately face accountability for their actions amid ongoing military offensives that have resulted in over 61,000 Palestinian deaths since October 2023. Want More Context? 🔎