Arab & World

Geneva is set to host the third round of negotiations between Iran and the United States on Thursday, according to official confirmations from an Omani official. These talks come amid threatening U.S. statements, while Tehran has affirmed its right to respond and defend itself. The Omani Foreign Minister expressed optimism about the possibility of achieving positive progress. The negotiations scheduled for

Secret operations are underway in the Belgian capital, Brussels, to assemble drones to support Ukrainian forces. This initiative is led by the “Wings for Europe” association, with the participation of volunteers from diverse backgrounds, where drone components are purchased through private donations before being sent to the front lines. The initiative and volunteers showcase the diversity of participants, as the team includes individuals with varied skills and experiences, all united by a common goal of aiding Ukraine in its conflict.

Iran and the United States are preparing to hold a third round of direct negotiations in Geneva on Thursday, amid threatening U.S. statements and firm Iranian responses asserting the right to self-defense. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi confirmed the meeting date, expressing optimism about goodwill. This marks the resumption of bilateral dialogue.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams declared a state of emergency in the city and ordered a complete shutdown of the public transportation network in preparation for a severe snowstorm hitting the northeastern US coast. This decision came amid forecasts of heavy snowfall and damaging winds that could cause widespread power outages.

The governments of Hungary and Slovakia announced their opposition to the twentieth European sanctions package against Russia, conditioning their stance on Ukraine resuming oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline. Kyiv accused both countries of exerting political pressure at a critical time. Hungary’s rejectionist position was underscored by statements from Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

The Ukrainian capital Kyiv witnessed a series of powerful explosions on Sunday due to a large-scale attack launched by Russian forces using drones and missiles, just two days before the fourth anniversary of the war’s outbreak, as a new attack shakes Kyiv.

After hours of killing the leader of the Jalisco New Generation drug gang in Mexico, Nemesio Oseguera, known as El Mencho, in a military raid yesterday, Sunday, gunmen suspected of being his supporters closed highways in several states and set fire to cars and shops. After the death of the leader, the question of succession and the fate of the organization arises.

Here’s a concise English translation of the Arabic text:

> U.S. forces began evacuating the Kesrak military base in northeastern Syria on Monday, initiating a full withdrawal from Syrian territory expected within the next four weeks. These developments coincide with Syrian government forces expanding into areas previously controlled by the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

**Key points preserved:**
1. **Action:** U.S. evacuation of Kesrak base started Monday.
2. **Purpose:** First step towards full withdrawal from Syria.
3. **Timeline:** Full withdrawal expected within four weeks.
4. **Concurrent Event:** Syrian government forces expanding into areas formerly held by the SDF.
5. **Location:** Northeastern Syria.
6. **SDF Affiliation:** Identified as U.S.-backed.