Local tribal fighters in Deir ez-Zor ambushed a convoy of SDF/PKK terror group.

NEW: The U.S. nearly struck Iran as protests surged and a crackdown intensified, but Donald Trump pulled back after allies urged restraint and Iran made a last-minute concession.

A text message from Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi to envoy Steve Witkoff said executions of about 800 protesters were canceled, easing tensions.

Strikes are paused, but remain an option.

Source: WaPo

Jordan Bardella, leader of France’s far-right party National Rally:

As for the claims made over the Danish territory of Greenland, they constitute a direct challenge to the sovereignty of a European state.

But once again, commercial and strategic interests prevail for the United States of America, and we must take note of that.

Jordan Bardella, leader of France’s far-right party National Rally:

The external overthrow of a government by force only aggravates global imbalances and fuels geopolitical instability.

By the President Trump’s own admission, this intervention in Venezuela opens the way to the economic interests of American oil companies.

Trump is thus reviving the Monroe Doctrine, whatever the cost.

EU’s Kaja Kallas:

China and Russia must be having a field day. They are the ones who benefit from divisions among Allies.

If Greenland’s security is at risk, we can address this inside NATO.

Tariffs risk making Europe and the United States poorer and undermine our shared prosperity.

We also cannot let our dispute distract us from the our core task of helping to end Russia’s war against Ukraine.

NOW: Syrian Army seized Raqqa’s southern entrance (Al-Maqs), officially entering Raqqa.

NEW: The Trump administration is asking countries to pay at least $1 billion for a permanent seat on Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace.”

Trump would chair the board, control membership, approve decisions, and oversee funds.

Countries contributing $1 billion in the first year would be exempt from term limits.

Source: Bloomberg

BREAKING: Syrian Army says it has taken control of the strategic city of Tabqa after expelling SDF/PKK militants.

JD Vance backed U.S. strikes on Iran, arguing Trump had to enforce his red line—a surprising shift for a politician known for opposing Middle East wars.

Source: WaPo

Syria’s government presented a 12-point plan to the SDF, including handing over borders and crossings, transferring oil and gas resources, and accepting limited government posts, along with other conditions.

Damascus also presented SDF with a new plan requiring its fighters to integrate individually into the Syrian army and hand over Arab-majority areas east of the Euphrates.

Source: Ibrahim Hamidi

Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán:

There were two world wars, and we were drawn into both despite wanting to stay out.

The lesson of history is clear: István Tisza failed, Miklós Horthy failed. The real question is whether we can succeed.

I believe we can, by shaping our foreign policy so that Hungary stays out of war.

Israel urged Trump not to strike Iran, warning it was not fully prepared to absorb Iranian retaliation without strong U.S. military backing.

Israeli defenses were already strained after heavy interceptor use during a recent conflict with Iran, and the absence of a nearby U.S. aircraft carrier heightened vulnerability.

Netanyahu personally called Trump to press for restraint. U.S. officials said Israel relies heavily on American naval and missile-defense support, which was not yet in place, helping tip Trump’s decision to hold off on strikes.

Source: WaPo

Saudi Arabia joined Arab allies in urging Trump to avoid military strikes on Iran, warning that retaliation could destabilize the region and damage the global economy.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman personally called Trump to press for restraint. Saudi officials feared Iran’s response would be broader and less calibrated than past exchanges, potentially threatening Gulf security, energy markets, and U.S. interests.

Saudi diplomatic lobbying, alongside concerns from Qatar, Oman, and Egypt, helped push Trump toward standing down.

Source: WaPo

Syrian government offered Mazloum Abdi the post of Hasakah governor.

Source: Al Araby TV

The moment Syrian Army forces entered the strategic city of Tabqa in the countryside of Raqqa.

Inmates at three Guatemalan prisons rioted on Saturday, taking at least 46 hostages, mostly guards.

Security forces, including the army, have secured the prison perimeters and are working to restore order.

No deaths or injuries have been reported.

Source: Reuters

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has invited SDF’s Mazloum Abdi to attend the meeting with U.S. envoy Tom Barrack in Damascus today.

NOW: Syrian forces have taken control of several key oil and gas fields in Deir ez-Zor, including:

— Al-Omar field
— Tanak
— Koniko
— Al-Jafra
— Al-Azba
— Tayyana–Jido–Malih–Azraq fields.

Security operations are ongoing.

BIG: SDF/PKK terror group members have withdrawn from ALL oil fields in the Deir ez-Zor countryside.

Syrian forces now in control of the sites.