Ancient site with a spring; modern relevance in regional energy and trade
Iraq has begun importing gasoline via a Syrian route to bypass the Strait of Hormuz closure. The operation, under a transit contract with Qatar’s UCC Holding, uses the Banias port and land convoys, with Iraqi authorities planning to scale up to 200 tankers per day. The move follows ongoing talks to restore energy links between Baghdad and Damascus.
Arab News and Al Jazeera report a thaw in Turkish, Iraqi and Syrian relations. Erdogan plans a Syria visit; Iraq-Syria dialogue focuses on security, energy and trade. Damascus and Baghdad are reviving energy links and coordinating on regional stability.
Syria’s General Intelligence Service says it has foiled a plot by a Hezbollah-linked cell to attack the Homs refinery, with two members arrested and explosives seized. Hezbollah denies involvement and says it has no presence in Syria. The incident follows a string of attacks on Syria’s energy infrastructure and comes as Damascus tightens security around strategic facilities.