Middle East Conflict News
LAST UPDATE: July 23, 2025
Saudi Arabia says it will organise Saudi-Syrian investment forum in Damascus
Saudi Arabia’s Investment Ministry announced plans for a Saudi-Syrian investment forum in Damascus, aimed at fostering cooperation and signing deals aligned with sustainable development. No exact date yet.
Insight
The initiative marks a diplomatic and economic thaw between Riyadh and Damascus, signalling Saudi Arabia’s intention to back Syria’s reconstruction and re-entry into regional economic networks.
Turkey says it will intervene against any attempt to divide Syria
On July 22, 2025, Turkish FM Hakan Fidan warned any attempt to fragment Syria—through autonomy for militants or partition—would prompt direct intervention by Ankara. Turkey labels YPG a terrorist group and stressed it prefers diplomacy but will act militarily if needed.
Insight
Turkey’s stance underscores its deep concerns over Kurdish autonomy and regional spillover. It complicates diplomatic efforts and risks escalating military involvement if Syria’s fragmentation accelerates.
US to mediate Israel-Syria meeting on Thursday, Axios reports
A U.S.-mediated meeting between Israel and Syria is scheduled for Thursday, led by U.S. envoy Tom Barrack. The session aims to defuse tensions in southern Syria and foster security coordination following recent volatile clashes.
Insight
The trilateral dialogue reflects Washington’s ability to convene regional actors and could serve as a modest confidence‑building step toward broader security stability in Syria.
South Syria violence deepens fears among minorities
A surge of sectarian violence in southern Syria’s Sweida province—clashes among Druze militias, Bedouin tribes, and government forces—has killed over 1,200 people in one week, displacing minorities and deepening fears about lack of protection by state authorities (News24).
Insight
The violence exposes the fragile communal fabric and government’s inability to maintain security, which may prompt minority groups to seek protective autonomy or external backing, further undermining Syria’s stability.
Iran warns citizens of growing recruitment attempts by enemies, state media say
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned citizens of increased foreign intelligence recruitment—especially by Mossad—following assassinations of military and nuclear figures during a recent 12‑day conflict (タイムズ・オブ・イスラエル).
Insight
The alert reflects Tehran’s heightened internal security concerns and signals a likely intensification of surveillance and counterintelligence efforts amid regional instability.
EU’s von der Leyen says images of civilians killed in Gaza are ‘unbearable’
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described images of civilian deaths in Gaza as “unbearable,” urging for immediate and safe humanitarian access and full adherence to international law (Arab News).
Insight
Von der Leyen’s statement marks growing EU political pressure to escalate humanitarian aid and could lead to stronger diplomatic engagement or sanctions targeted at minimizing civilian suffering.
Germany’s Merz faces pressure to toughen stance on Israel
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is facing mounting calls from coalition partners and the public to adopt a firmer stance on Israel, including halting arms exports and aligning with statements condemning Palestinian civilian casualties (Reuters).
Insight
This internal pressure reflects Germany’s moral dilemma, balancing historical commitments to Israel with growing public concern over humanitarian impacts in Gaza, likely influencing future foreign policy.
US envoy urges Syria’s Sharaa to revise policy or risk fragmentation
U.S. envoy Thomas Barrack warned interim Syrian President Ahmed al‑Sharaa that failure to integrate minorities and reduce Islamist influence could fracture Syria (Reuters, The Washington Post).
Insight
The warning emphasizes how inclusive governance structures are essential to prevent Syria’s sectarian splintering and highlights U.S. strategic intent to preserve national unity.
