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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa have pledged to strengthen security cooperation between their countries. The agreement was made during Zelenskyy's visit to Damascus, where he discussed ways to enhance security and development opportunities for both nations. The cooperation aims to provide more security and opportunities for development for their societies, Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram after the meeting. He highlighted that there is a great interest in exchanging military and security experience between the two countries. Ukraine, which has developed significant expertise in countering drone attacks during its ongoing conflict with Russia, has been offering its military capabilities to countries in the Middle East region. Zelenskyy has recently signed long-term military cooperation deals with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and has sent teams to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia to share Ukraine's expertise. Syria, which currently lacks effective air defenses against Iranian drones and missiles, stands to benefit from Ukraine's experience. Iran and its allied groups have been attacking US and Israeli targets, as well as targets in Gulf countries, using a range of missiles and drones. In addition to security cooperation, Zelenskyy and al-Sharaa discussed joint opportunities to strengthen food security across the region. Zelenskyy emphasized that Kyiv is a reliable grain supplier. The meeting between the two presidents was also attended by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who met with Zelenskyy, al-Sharaa, and Ukrainian Ambassador Andrii Sybiha. This trilateral meeting underscores the growing diplomatic engagement in the region. Zelenskyy's visit to Syria follows his recent trip to Turkiye, where he agreed on new steps in security cooperation with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and discussed joint gas infrastructure projects.

Eight OPEC+ participants have consented to raise daily oil‑production quotas by 206,000 barrels for May, a modest adjustment given that several key producers are constrained by the US‑Israeli conflict with Iran that has sealed the Strait of Hormuz.The strategic waterway has been blocked since late February, halting shipments from the core OPEC+ exporters Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Iraq, thereby tightening global supply.During a virtual session, the eight members—Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria and Oman—endorsed the May quota increase and reiterated their commitment to monitor market dynamics closely.The joint statement highlighted ongoing vigilance over market conditions and expressed concern that attacks on energy infrastructure make restoration costly and time‑intensive, further limiting supply availability.Although the increase accounts for less than 2% of the volume lost due to the Hormuz closure, OPEC+ sources told Reuters the decision signals a willingness to expand output once the strait reopens.Crude prices have surged to around $120 per barrel, a four‑year high, driving up transport‑fuel costs worldwide.JPMorgan warned that if the blockage persists into mid‑May, oil could breach $150 a barrel, an unprecedented level.The May adjustment mirrors the April decision made on March 1, yet the conflict is estimated to have removed between 12 and 15 million barrels per day—approximately 15% of global supply.Iran has allowed certain regional vessels to navigate the strait; Iraqi crude was observed transiting, and Oman is conducting talks with Tehran to facilitate smoother passage.U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to expand attacks on Iranian civilian infrastructure, including bridges and power plants, if the Strait of Hormuz does not reopen by Monday.

Iranian drone attacks on Sunday inflicted serious damage on two of Kuwait's power and water desalination plants and sparked a fire at the Shuwaikh Oil Sector Complex, though no injuries were reported.Fatima Abbas Johar Hayat, spokesperson for Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, described the incident as “criminal aggression” that caused “serious material damage” and forced the shutdown of two electricity‑generating units.Al Jazeera’s Malika Traina highlighted the strategic importance of the facilities, noting that around 90 % of Kuwait’s drinking water is produced by these desalination plants, making the disruption a critical blow to the nation’s water security.The strikes come as Gulf states bear the brunt of Tehran’s retaliation to recent US and Israeli attacks on Iran. Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates have become the epicentre of these assaults, according to Al Jazeera’s Victoria Gatenby in Doha.Gatenby warned that if President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu follow through on threats to intensify pressure on Iran, Tehran may target similar civilian and energy infrastructure across the Gulf.Bahrain also suffered drone attacks, with its Gulf Petrochemical Industries Co reporting damage to several operational units and Bapco Energies confirming a hit on an oil storage tank. Both incidents caused fires that were quickly extinguished, and no casualties were reported.In Abu Dhabi, authorities responded to multiple fires at the Borouge petrochemical plant, attributing them to falling debris from an interception. Operations were suspended pending a damage assessment, but no injuries have been confirmed.Saudi Arabia announced the interception of missiles early Sunday, underscoring the heightened military alert across the region.Gatenby noted that while Iran claims it is only targeting US military assets, the pattern over the past five weeks shows a broader focus on civilian and critical energy infrastructure. Gulf nations have exercised “incredible restraint,” yet their leaders caution that patience is not unlimited and that Saudi Arabia is invoking its right to self‑defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter.The escalating series of attacks highlights the fragile security environment in the Gulf and raises concerns about the resilience of essential services such as power and water supply amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The missing crew member of a US F‑15E jet, described by President Trump as a colonel, was located and rescued after a heavy firefight that involved hundreds of special‑forces operators, according to a US official speaking to Al Jazeera.Trump has set a 48‑hour deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint through which 20% of global oil and gas transits. Iran’s central military command dismissed the ultimatum as “helpless, nervous, unbalanced and stupid.”Iran reports that US‑Israeli strikes have killed five people and wounded 170 at the Mahshahr Petrochemical Zone, while more than 30 universities have been targeted since the war began on 28 February.The rescued airman was the second of the two‑person crew; Iran has not yet issued a comment, though officials had previously urged citizens to help locate the missing officer in hopes of gaining leverage against Washington.During the rescue operation, Iranian media said strikes killed five civilians in the southwest. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it shot down a US aircraft searching for the officer near Isfahan and destroyed an MQ‑9 Reaper drone, labeling the US effort a “desperate attempt to cover up a huge defeat.”Additional US‑Israeli attacks in Ardabil province near the Azerbaijani border killed three people, and the IRGC warned that the United States’ “target bank is inaccurate,” dismissing Trump’s threats to strike bridges as “laughable.”Russia has evacuated another 200 staff from the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant after a deadly perimeter attack, while Iran’s foreign minister warned that such raids could expose the region to radioactive contamination.Tehran’s prosecutor’s office ordered the seizure and freezing of assets belonging to more than 100 high‑profile individuals accused of supporting the enemy abroad.In the Gulf, Iranian drones damaged two Kuwaiti power and desalination plants, shutting down two electricity‑generating units but causing no injuries. Bahrain’s civil‑defence teams extinguished a fire at an unspecified facility, also without casualties. Abu Dhabi halted operations at Borouge’s petrochemical plant after debris‑induced fires, and the UAE’s air defences responded to missile and drone attacks aimed at its aluminium industry. Former IAEA director‑general Mohamed ElBaradei urged Gulf nations to act before the situation “turns the region into a ball of fire.”President Trump confirmed the rescue on Truth Social, calling it “one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History.” Meanwhile, former Army chief of staff General Randy George submitted a farewell letter after his removal, and satellite‑imaging firm Planet Labs announced an indefinite blackout of Iranian and regional imagery at the request of the Trump administration. Two individuals claiming to be relatives of the late Iranian general Qassem Soleimani were detained in the US, though Iranian media later disputed the familial link.Israel reported intercepting a missile launched from Yemen—the fifth such attack since the war’s start—and the Houthis, together with Iranian forces and Hezbollah, claimed a joint long‑range strike on Lod airport. Explosions were heard over Jerusalem, and missile attacks on Tel Aviv and central Israel wounded five civilians.In Lebanon and Syria, Israeli forces bombed the town of Kfar Hatta in Sidon, struck the southern city of Tyre after issuing evacuation warnings, and caused casualties in Maarakeh, where at least five people were reported killed.Energy markets are under pressure: OPEC is set to meet to decide May output policy after a modest April boost of 206,000 barrels per day. The war has driven crude prices above $100 per barrel, up from $65 before hostilities. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited Saudi Arabia and Qatar and is expected to travel to the UAE as oil supplies remain disrupted. Japan’s Mitsui OSK Lines reported that its LPG tanker Green Sanvi resumed Gulf crossing after being stranded. Iran announced it would allow Iraqi vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz despite maintaining a broader blockade, a move aimed at easing Iraq’s severe economic distress.

LIV Golf is shifting its focus from recruiting individual stars to securing whole tournaments, with the Saudi‑funded circuit now eyeing the possibility of hosting traditional national open championships. This strategic pivot could reshape the ongoing power tussle in elite golf. The proposal threatens the DP World Tour—formerly the European Tour—which already boasts a dense calendar of national opens across Europe and emerging markets like China, India and Australia. Adding more of these marquee events to LIV’s roster would intensify competition for the most coveted tournament slots. Although the recent exodus of top players from established tours to LIV appears to have stalled or even reversed, the battle for prime tournament markets is far from settled. Securing historic national opens would give LIV a foothold in events that carry deep cultural and commercial weight. To date, LIV has built a largely international schedule, staging events in Australia, South Africa, Mexico City, Hong Kong and Singapore for the 2026 season. While these locations broaden the circuit’s global reach, none possess the longstanding prestige of a national open. By contrast, the DP World Tour has successfully leveraged national opens to expand its brand beyond Europe, tapping audiences in Asia and the Pacific. This experience underscores the strategic value of such tournaments for sponsors and broadcasters. Meanwhile, the DP World Tour is engaged in high‑level negotiations with the PGA Tour to extend a strategic alliance that currently runs until the end of 2027. The PGA is reportedly pushing for a reduced annual financial underpin for DP World prize funds, and the emerging threat from LIV is a key bargaining chip in those talks. Recent player movements have added nuance to the rivalry: the PGA Tour welcomed back Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed after their departures to LIV, yet the Saudi Public Investment Fund shows no sign of scaling back its ambitious golf project. On the player front, Jon Rahm, who remains with LIV, is slated to address the media at Augusta National ahead of the Masters. Having lost an appeal over fines imposed for playing on LIV, Rahm is currently barred from the Ryder Cup and has refused to settle the penalties, leaving him in strained relations with the DP World Tour. His comments are expected to dominate the pre‑Masters press conference.

Even before the season began, the fixture list hinted that March would become a turning point for Newcastle United. A run to the Champions League quarter‑finals and a victory in the Tyne‑Wear derby could have silenced many critics, while a third Carabao Cup final would have forced the derby’s postponement. In the Champions League round‑of‑16, Newcastle appeared stronger at home against Barcelona, only to be undone by a late penalty. The away leg saw them threaten early on, but a second‑half collapse resulted in a 7‑2 defeat, widening the perceived gap between the sides. The derby itself illustrated the team’s frailties. Newcastle led at halftime and struck the post, yet they finished with the fifth‑worst second‑half record in the Premier League. Sunderland equalised through Brian Brobbey, fed by a simple Granit Xhaka pass, exploiting the space that Newcastle’s midfield surrendered late in the game. These setbacks have sparked serious speculation about manager Eddie Howe’s future. Chief executive David Hopkinson offered no clear endorsement, stating only that “we’ll talk about the future when it’s time,” a comment that many interpreted as a warning. Howe arrived in November 2021, a month after the Saudi‑led acquisition of the club, and quickly guided Newcastle into the modern era: two Champions League qualifications, a historic Carabao Cup triumph – the first domestic trophy in 70 years – and a generally steady league performance. Until last season, there was little talk of his dismissal. However, the current crisis is less about tactics than about recruitment. With no sporting director, Howe’s nephew Andy Howe and scout Steve Nickson oversaw most signings last summer, a structure that has drawn criticism. The sale of Alexander Isak to Liverpool was widely regarded as mishandled. The club allowed the protracted saga to dominate the window, missing an opportunity to maximise the fee and reinvest in squad depth, or to negotiate a swap that could have brought Hugo Ekitiké to Newcastle. Summer acquisitions have added little stability. While Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento are rumored to be on their way out, Yoane Wissa suffered an early injury and new signing Nick Woltemade arrived without a clear role. Of the incoming players, only Malick Thiaw has made a noticeable impact. Consequently, the squad lacks the depth required for simultaneous Champions League commitments, a Carabao Cup semi‑final run, and a fifth‑round FA Cup tie. The fatigue evident in many second‑half performances is therefore unsurprising. Underlying these on‑field issues are broader structural problems. Dan Ashworth’s departure for Manchester United left a void that successor Paul Mitchell could not fill; his exit after clashes with ownership – and reportedly with Howe over player conditioning – created a leadership vacuum. Ross Wilson, appointed sporting director in October with Howe’s blessing, now faces the daunting task of rebuilding a fragmented recruitment process. Financial pressures add another layer of complexity. The recent sale of the stadium to a club subsidiary, coupled with a looming UEFA fine for 2025, has strained resources. While the Champions League revenue and the Isak transfer may alleviate some of the strain, the shift to an “unanchored” squad‑cost ratio favours owners with deep pockets, leaving the club’s commitment from the Public Investment Fund uncertain amid broader Saudi retrenchment. Notably, discussions of a new stadium have been absent for almost a year. Hopkinson’s description of Newcastle as a “trading club” appears realistic, yet his remarks also hint at an upcoming exodus of players such as Tonali, Gordon and Livramento. Even if the broader economic climate softens, the likely absence of Champions League football next season could further limit Newcastle’s ability to attract top talent. Ultimately, the core issue is governance. While Howe’s tactical acumen may improve without the demands of European competition, the club’s ambition to become a modern, well‑structured organisation may require a change in leadership. His departure could be the catalyst needed for a comprehensive cultural and structural overhaul.

Kieran Trippier, a key player for Newcastle United, has announced that he will be leaving the club when his contract expires this summer. This news comes as the Saudi-owned club prepares for a potential summer overhaul, with Eddie Howe's managerial position also uncertain.Trippier joined Newcastle from Atletico Madrid in January 2022 for £12m and has since made over 150 appearances for the team, scoring four goals. He played a crucial role in the team's Carabao Cup victory last May and helped Newcastle qualify for the Champions League twice.At 35, Trippier is no longer a guaranteed starter, but he remains a vital influence off the field. Emotional in his announcement, Trippier expressed his gratitude for the journey he's been on with Newcastle, stating, 'It’s emotional and I’m really going to miss it. It’s been an amazing journey.'Eddie Howe, Trippier's manager, praised his character and commitment, saying, 'While we’ll be saying goodbye to Kieran shortly, we also know we have a lot left to play for this season, and I know a player of Kieran’s character will be giving absolutely everything to end his time here on a high.'

Ukraine has made significant gains on the battlefield, halving the Russian rate of advance in the past three months and reclaiming 470sq km of occupied territory this year. The country's military has also dealt a major blow to Russia's oil export capacity, striking key terminals and refineries, including Ust-Luga and Primorsk, which account for about 60% of Russia's oil export capacity.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has secured agreements with several Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, to export Ukrainian drone know-how in return for joint drone production support. This has enabled Ukraine to increase its drone production and effectively counter Russian advances.The Ukrainian military has also targeted Russian munitions production, striking the Promsintez explosives plant in the Samara region, which produces 30,000 tonnes of military explosives annually. According to estimates, Russia has lost 45% of its missile production capacity due to Ukrainian strikes.In response to Ukrainian attacks, Russia has begun to extend its drone strikes throughout the day, imitating Iran's tactics against the US and Israel. However, Ukraine has successfully shot down over 90% of the drones launched by Russia.

Kuwait has been hit by Iranian missile and drone strikes, targeting a crucial power and desalination plant, as well as the Mina al-Ahmadi oil refinery. The attacks, which occurred on Friday, have raised concerns about the stability of the region and the potential for further escalation. The power and desalination plant was struck before midday local time, with the extent of the damage still unknown. The plant is critical for Kuwait's water supply, as the country is highly dependent on desalinated water. An Indian national was killed in a similar attack on March 30, and Iran denied claims it launched the attacks, blaming Israel instead. The Mina al-Ahmadi oil refinery, one of the largest in the Middle East, was targeted in early morning drone strikes, resulting in fires in several operational units. No employees were injured, but emergency and firefighting teams were dispatched to the scene, and environmental authorities monitored the area for air quality. The attacks are part of a broader escalation of tensions in the Gulf region, with Iran launching retaliatory strikes against US and Israeli targets. The United Arab Emirates' defence ministry reported that it had intercepted 19 ballistic missiles and 26 drones on Thursday alone, while Saudi Arabia destroyed a drone in its airspace overnight. Iran's army spokesperson warned of impending attacks on regional power plants, while US President Donald Trump warned of intensifying strikes on Iran's infrastructure. The situation remains volatile, with concerns about the potential for further attacks and the impact on regional stability.