Syrian president warns against Israeli attacks in landmark UN address - Newstrends
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Syrian president warns against Israeli attacks in landmark UN address

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President Ahmad Al-Sharaa

Syrian president warns against Israeli attacks in landmark UN address

LONDON: Israel’s attacks against Syria threaten to unleash “new crises” in the region, President Ahmad Al-Sharaa told the UN General Assembly on Wednesday.

Al-Sharaa, who led opposition forces in a lightning offensive to overthrow Bashar Assad late last year, became the first Syrian leader to address the UNGA in nearly 60 years.

He outlined the progress made since he came to power, and the many challenges still facing his country after more than a decade of civil war. Chief among those has been Israel’s airstrikes and military operations in Syria.

“Israeli strikes and attacks against my country continue, and Israeli policies contradict the international supporting position for Syria,” the former commander said, adding that Israel’s attacks threaten “new crises and struggles in our region.”

But despite the aggression, Syria is committed to dialogue, he said, adding: “We call on the international community to stand beside us in the face of these attacks.”

Al-Sharaa said Syria is also committed to the 1974 agreement to separate Syrian and Israeli forces through a UN-patrolled buffer zone in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

As opposition fighters led by Al-Sharaa took control of Damascus in December, Israel took advantage of the tumult and seized the buffer zone, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declaring that the disengagement pact was “over.”

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Since then, Israel has carried out hundreds of airstrikes and ground operations inside Syria, including in the center of the capital.

Tensions also flared over sectarian violence in June in Syria’s Suwayda province. Israel said it carried out airstrikes to protect the Druze minority in the region.

The US has been pushing for calm between the two countries, and this week Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack said they are getting closer to a new de-escalation agreement.

The deal aims to stop Israel’s attacks on Syria, which in return would agree not to move any heavy equipment near the border.

Speaking at an event in New York on Tuesday, Al-Sharaa said he is hopeful that the deal will materialize, but said it is Syria that is “scared of Israel, not the other way around.”

The US has been among major international powers that have offered cautious support to Al-Sharaa’s administration, lifting some sanctions on Syria in the hope of offering an economic lifeline to drag the country out of years of chaos and bloodshed.

He used his UNGA speech to call for the complete lifting of all international sanctions “so that they no longer shackle the Syrian people.”

He also reeled off a list of achievements since he took power, guided by an approach based on diplomacy, security and economic development.

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Al-Sharaa said he has put in place a political roadmap that is proceeding toward elections next month for a new parliament, and his government has overhauled civil and military institutions.

He added that he has acted against outbreaks of sectarian violence, set up fact-finding commissions and allowed access to investigative UN teams.

“I guarantee to bring to justice everyone accountable and responsible for bloodshed,” he said. “Syria has transformed from an exporter of crisis to an opportunity for peace for Syria and the region.”

Al-Sharaa’s appearance at the UN marks a remarkable political ascent from leader of an Islamist rebel group to international statesman within 10 months.

Since arriving in New York on Sunday, he has packed in high-level meetings and events, including talks with US Secretary of State Mark Rubio and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Perhaps the event that most summed up his elevation from militant to political leader was an interview on stage on Tuesday with Gen. David Petraeus, who commanded US forces during the 2003 Iraq invasion.

Petraeus’s troops detained Al-Sharaa in Iraq between 2006 and 2011 while he was fighting the American occupation there.

“His trajectory from insurgent leader to head of state has been one of the most dramatic political transformations in recent Middle Eastern history,” Petraeus told the audience, adding that he is a fan of Al-Sharaa.

Syrian president warns against Israeli attacks in landmark UN address

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Trump Says US Warships Being Reloaded With Weapons to Strike Iran If Pakistan Talks Fail

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US President Donald Trump
United States President Donald Trump

Trump Says US Warships Being Reloaded With Weapons to Strike Iran If Pakistan Talks Fail

United States President Donald Trump has said American warships are being rearmed with advanced weaponry and prepared for possible strikes against Iran if ongoing peace negotiations in Pakistan fail to produce an agreement.

In an interview with the New York Post, Trump said the United States is in what he described as a “reset” phase, insisting that military readiness is being strengthened while diplomatic talks continue.

“We have a reset going. We’re loading up the ships with the best ammunition, the best weapons ever made — even better than what we did previously and we blew them apart,” Trump was quoted as saying.

“And if we don’t have a deal, we will be using them, and we will be using them very effectively.”

His remarks come as Vice President JD Vance leads a high-level U.S. delegation to Islamabad, Pakistan, for crucial Iran peace talks in Pakistan aimed at preventing a renewed escalation in the Middle East.

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Vance, who is known for his scepticism toward long-term military interventions, is expected to engage Iranian officials in discussions focused on stabilising a fragile ceasefire and preventing further military confrontation.

Before departing, Vance issued a warning to Tehran, telling Iranian authorities not to “play” the United States, signalling Washington’s firm stance ahead of the negotiations.

According to diplomatic sources, the talks will address key issues including nuclear compliance, maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, and sanctions-related disputes that have fueled tensions between both countries.

President Trump also posted a cryptic message on his Truth Social platform, referring to what he called the “WORLD’S MOST POWERFUL RESET!!!”, further fueling speculation about Washington’s combined military and diplomatic strategy.

The Pakistan-hosted talks bring together senior U.S. officials, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner, alongside Iranian representatives led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

Iran’s participation underscores ongoing efforts by both sides to prevent a full-scale collapse of the ceasefire, which has already been strained by mutual accusations of violations.

Analysts say the outcome of the Islamabad negotiations could determine whether the crisis moves toward a lasting settlement or escalates into renewed military confrontation with wider regional consequences.

Trump Says US Warships Being Reloaded With Weapons to Strike Iran If Pakistan Talks Fail

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Trump Orders JD Vance to Lead Iran War Exit Strategy Ahead of Pakistan Talks

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US Vice President JD Vance
US Vice President JD Vance

Trump Orders JD Vance to Lead Iran War Exit Strategy Ahead of Pakistan Talks

United States President Donald Trump has reportedly instructed Vice President JD Vance to urgently explore diplomatic pathways to end the ongoing U.S.–Iran war crisis, as preparations intensify for high-level peace talks scheduled to hold in Pakistan.

The directive comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East and growing concerns that a fragile ceasefire arrangement could collapse, potentially triggering a wider escalation in the region.

Vice President JD Vance, known for his long-standing scepticism toward prolonged U.S. military interventions abroad, is expected to depart on April 10 for Islamabad, where he will lead the American delegation in the upcoming Iran peace talks in Pakistan.

He will be accompanied by Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner, both of whom have previously been involved in indirect diplomatic engagements with Iranian officials on nuclear issues and regional security concerns.

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The talks are expected to focus on de-escalation measures, nuclear-related assurances, and broader security arrangements aimed at reducing tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Iran has also confirmed its participation in the negotiations, sending a high-level delegation led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

The Iranian team is expected to present its position on sanctions relief, regional security, and maritime concerns, particularly issues relating to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route.

Reports indicate that the temporary ceasefire between both sides is increasingly under strain, with accusations of violations and renewed mistrust threatening to derail diplomatic progress.

President Trump has publicly accused Iran of failing to honour commitments linked to maritime security, writing on Truth Social: “That is not the agreement we have!”

The statement has added fresh tension to already fragile negotiations and raised concerns about possible disruptions to global energy markets if hostilities resume.

Pakistan has emerged as a key diplomatic venue for the talks, hosting both direct and indirect engagements between U.S. and Iranian officials in an effort to prevent further escalation of the conflict.

Diplomatic observers say the outcome of the Islamabad meeting could determine whether the crisis moves toward a lasting ceasefire or deeper confrontation involving regional and global powers.

The growing urgency of the negotiations reflects mounting international pressure on Washington and Tehran to reach a political settlement and avoid further destabilisation of the Middle East.

Trump Orders JD Vance to Lead Iran War Exit Strategy Ahead of Pakistan Talks

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Hajj 2026: US Warns Citizens Over Travel Risks to Saudi Arabia

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Hajj 2026: US Warns Citizens Over Travel Risks to Saudi Arabia

The United States Embassy in Saudi Arabia has advised American citizens to reconsider participating in the Hajj pilgrimage this year, citing ongoing regional security concerns and intermittent travel disruptions across parts of the Middle East.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the embassy referenced the Saudi Arabia travel advisory, warning that the current security environment remains unstable and could affect movement and access to holy sites during the pilgrimage season.

“Per the Saudi Arabia Travel Advisory, and due to the ongoing security situation and intermittent travel disruptions, we advise reconsidering participation in Hajj this year,” the embassy said.

It also announced new entry regulations for Mecca ahead of the pilgrimage period, stating that from April 18, only individuals with valid permits will be allowed access. These include a Hajj permit, a Mecca-issued residency ID, or a valid work permit linked to Mecca. The embassy further warned that individuals on other visa categories should leave Mecca before the enforcement date to avoid penalties.

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The Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake it at least once in their lifetime. Each year, millions of pilgrims travel to Saudi Arabia for the rites performed in and around Mecca.

The advisory comes amid heightened tensions across the Middle East, with ongoing conflicts and security incidents affecting several countries in the region. The U.S. has previously warned that instability could disrupt air travel routes, border crossings, and emergency response capacity in affected areas.

Regional tensions have escalated in recent months following intensified military exchanges involving Israel and Iran, along with related spillover effects across neighbouring countries. These developments have raised concerns over aviation safety, infrastructure security, and crowd management during major international gatherings such as Hajj.

The embassy also urged American citizens already in the Kingdom or planning to travel to remain vigilant and closely monitor official travel updates issued by both U.S. and Saudi authorities.

While no evacuation order has been issued, officials stressed that travellers should carefully reconsider non-essential trips depending on their personal risk assessment.

Hajj 2026: US Warns Citizens Over Travel Risks to Saudi Arabia

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