Russia is actively mediating to mend diplomatic and economic relations between Iran and Syria, following the December 2024 fall of Bashar al-Assad. The new Syrian government, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, has expressed caution, while Iran seeks to protect its significant investments in the post-Assad era.
Russian President Vladimir Putin held his first direct talks with Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Moscow on October 15, 2025, marking a significant shift in relations following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024. Discussions focused on safeguarding Russia's military presence, economic cooperation, and Syria's reconstruction efforts.
A new consignment of Qatari aid, including vehicles and advanced equipment for search and rescue, has arrived in Damascus, Syria. The assistance, provided by Qatar's Ministry of Interior and Lekhwiya in coordination with QFFD and UNDP, aims to bolster Syria's emergency and disaster response capabilities, supporting the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management and the Syrian Civil Defence.
Norway and Syria have announced an agreement to enhance their collaboration on mine clearance, focusing on technical coordination and expertise exchange. This initiative addresses Syria's severe explosive ordnance contamination, which poses significant risks to civilians and hinders reconstruction.
Five individuals, including two fighters from the Transitional Government and three civilians, were killed in Aleppo on Monday, September 29, 2025. The deaths occurred in separate incidents involving armed clashes and brawls in the al-Maysar and Qadi Askar neighborhoods, highlighting escalating insecurity in the Syrian city.
Israeli airstrikes on Monday, September 29, killed two people and injured one in Lebanon. Strikes targeted an excavator in Sohmor, Bekaa Valley, and a water tanker in Nabatieh al-Fawqa, southern Lebanon. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported the casualties, while Israel claimed the deceased were Hezbollah operatives, despite a standing ceasefire.
Chad has issued an urgent appeal for international assistance, revealing it hosts over 2 million Sudanese refugees, with 1.5 million arriving since April 2023. The escalating influx, driven by the ongoing conflict in Sudan, has severely strained Chad's resources, prompting calls for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian support.
South Sudan's First Vice President Riek Machar is on trial for murder, treason, and crimes against humanity, sparking fears for the country's fragile peace and unity government. The proceedings, which began September 22, 2025, in Juba, stem from alleged militia attacks in March and have been met with legal challenges and concerns over political motivations.
The Nagoya High Court ruled that the Japanese government is not obligated to recognize a Syrian man as a refugee, overturning a lower court's decision. The ruling, delivered on Thursday, September 25, 2025, cited the collapse of the Assad regime in 2024 as a key factor, suggesting a change in the security situation in Syria. The man, who arrived in Japan in 2019, had sought asylum after facing persecution for anti-government activities.
Lean Business Services, a Saudi firm owned by the Public Investment Fund, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Syrian Ministry of Health to develop digital healthcare services. The agreement focuses on technical support, staff training, data management, and establishing national health standards to modernize Syria's health infrastructure.
Ukraine and Syria have formally restored diplomatic relations after a meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly. The move follows the overthrow of the Bashar al-Assad regime in December 2024 and marks a new chapter for both nations.
Iran observes Sacred Defense Week annually, starting September 22, to commemorate the 1980 Iraqi invasion that initiated the eight-year Iran-Iraq War. The week features military parades and ceremonies honoring national resistance and sacrifices.
As the new academic year commences, Syrian students confront severe economic hardship and extensive damage to educational infrastructure. Millions remain out of school, while those attending face overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages, and a lack of basic supplies, exacerbated by a profound funding gap.
Israel conducted airstrikes targeting Hezbollah's elite Radwan Force in southern Lebanon on September 18, 2025, hitting five towns. The IDF cited attempts by Hezbollah to rebuild its activities. Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the attacks, questioning Israel's commitment to the ceasefire.
U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen led a bipartisan delegation in a meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani in Washington, D.C. on September 18, 2025. The discussions focused on stability and economic prosperity in Syria, with a particular emphasis on the impact of U.S. sanctions. This marks the first official visit by a Syrian foreign minister to the U.S. in over 25 years.
Syrian interim authorities' forces have initiated the deployment of troops in Sweida province to enforce a ceasefire aimed at stopping recent sectarian violence. However, despite these efforts, clashes erupted again between Druze armed groups and Bedouin tribal fighters, indicating ongoing instability in the region.
A powerful 7.9-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, causing tremors in the country's largest city, Yangon, and parts of China's Yunnan province. While the earthquake may trigger a local tsunami around the epicenter, the Ministry of Natural Resources has assured that the tsunami will not pose a threat to China's coastal areas.
A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar near its second-largest city, killing over 1,000 people and causing widespread devastation, while also impacting neighboring Thailand with fatalities and damage. The earthquake has exacerbated the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, already struggling with a bloody civil war.
The picturesque Italian city of Turin was marred by tragedy as a tourist bus plunged into the Po River, taking the life of the driver. Meanwhile, the ongoing conflict in Gaza has left a trail of devastation, with Israel's actions obliterating 70% of buildings and 88% of infrastructure, surpassing even the level of destruction witnessed in post-World War II Germany.
A 7.9-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, causing strong tremors in the capital Naypyitaw and Myanmar's largest city of Yangon. The quake was also felt across Thailand, prompting residents to evacuate high-rise buildings and causing a high-rise building under construction in Bangkok to collapse.
