Thomas Barrack Jr. is in the news for his arrest on federal charges related to foreign influence, just as he’s known as a billionaire real estate investor and Trump supporter.
As of late February 2026, France has blocked US Ambassador Charles Kushner from accessing government ministers after he failed to attend a summons to explain controversial US comments on far-left violence linked to the death of far-right activist Quentin Deranque in Lyon. Kushner later spoke by phone with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, pledging not to interfere in France's domestic affairs.
Iraq has restarted limited oil exports of 250,000 bpd through Turkey’s Ceyhan port after disruptions caused by Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The country’s oil sector faces challenges due to security and political tensions, with efforts underway to restore alternative export routes.
On April 7, 2026, three armed attackers engaged in a gunfight with Turkish police outside the Israeli consulate in Istanbul's Levent district. One attacker was killed, two wounded and captured. Two police officers sustained minor injuries. No Israeli diplomats were present, as diplomatic ties have been frozen since late 2023 following the Gaza conflict. The attackers reportedly had links to a religious extremist group, possibly ISIS.
A gunfight outside Istanbul's main financial district resulted in one attacker killed and two wounded. Several suspects were detained, and authorities linked the attack to groups exploiting religion. The attack occurred during heightened tensions following Israel's withdrawal of diplomats from Turkey amid security concerns.
Syria has begun public trials of former regime officials accused of war crimes, starting with Atif Najib, former head of political security in Daraa. Amjad Youssef, linked to a 2013 massacre in Tadamon, was arrested in Hama after a security operation. Trials will also target Wassim al-Assad and pilots involved in bombing campaigns. These actions follow the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024 and aim to deliver transitional justice.
Iraq’s new Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has sworn in, with 14 ministers approved and a partial cabinet awaiting key postings such as interior and defence. The government faces pressures from Iran-backed militias, ongoing corruption reform, and balancing ties with Washington and Tehran.
U.S. prosecutors have unsealed a criminal complaint charging Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al‑Saadi with organising or supporting nearly 18–20 attacks across Europe, Canada and the United States linked to Iran‑backed Kataib Hezbollah and the IRGC. He has been transferred into U.S. custody, appeared in Manhattan federal court and is being detained pending trial.