Erdogan Wins Turkey's Presidential Runoff Election

Plus: Iran plans to escalate attacks against US troops in Syria, Iran witnesses 76% surge in executions in May, Jordan celebrates royal wedding of Crown Prince Hussein, and much more.

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Erdogan Wins Turkey's Presidential Runoff Election

Recep Tayyip Erdogan won Turkey's presidency with 52.18% of the votes on Sunday, May 28, while his opponent Kemal Kilicdaroglu received 47.82% of the votes. 

In his victory speech, Erdogan emphasized the importance of unity and solidarity, calling the election Turkey's most significant in modern times. 

He pledged to bring back one million Syrian refugees and acknowledged inflation as an urgent issue but expressed confidence that it would decrease due to the policy rate reduction. 

Kilicdaroglu expressed sadness about the country's future after Erdogan's victory declaration. 

Several countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United States, the EU, Ukraine, and Russia, congratulated Erdogan on his re-election. 

However, Erdogan's third term presents challenges such as economic decisions, the refugee crisis, municipal elections, reconciliation with Syria, and Sweden's NATO membership.

Read more on The Nation and Middle East Eye.

Iran Plans to Escalate Attacks Against US Troops in Syria, Documents Reveal

Iran is arming militants in Syria to launch deadly attacks against U.S. troops, collaborating with Russia for a broader strategy to remove American presence in the region, according to intelligence officials and leaked documents. 

Classified reports obtained by The Washington Post revealed that Iran and its allies are developing and training forces to employ highly effective armor-piercing roadside bombs, specifically targeting U.S. military vehicles and personnel. 

This represents an escalation of Iran's ongoing strategy of utilizing proxy militias to carry out rocket and drone strikes on U.S. forces in Syria.

Read more on The Washinton Post.

IAEA Reports Seen by AP Say Iran Resolved Two Inquiries by Inspectors

Confidential reports reveal that Iran has addressed two concerns the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) raised regarding highly enriched uranium particles and a site where man-made uranium was discovered. 

The reports state that inspectors no longer have questions about uranium particles enriched to 83.7% at the Fordo facility, which had caused tensions due to the proximity to weapons-grade material. 

The investigation into traces of man-made uranium found near Marivan has also been closed. 

Previous analysts had linked Marivan to Iran's secret military nuclear program and alleged high-explosive tests. 

These reports emerge amid escalating tensions between Iran and the West over its nuclear program, as well as protests in Iran and concerns about arming Russia with drones targeting Ukraine. 

Iran's 2015 nuclear deal imposed limits on its uranium stockpile and enrichment, but the US withdrawal from the accord in 2018 led to subsequent escalations by Iran.

Read more on AP.

Lebanon Frees Kidnapped Saudi National and Arrests Nine People

Lebanon's army intelligence successfully freed a Saudi national, Mashari al-Mutairi, who was kidnapped in Beirut on Sunday, May 28. 

The operation took place along the Lebanese border with Syria, and the army also arrested nine people involved. 

The kidnapping had been reported by Saudi Arabian Airlines, with the perpetrators demanding a $400,000 ransom. 

However, Lebanese Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi stated that no ransom was paid.

Relations between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia deteriorated in 2021 but were partially restored in April 2022 when the Gulf states sent ambassadors back to Beirut.

Read more on The New Arab.

Israel Blamed for Blast that Killed Palestinian Fighters in Lebanon

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine – General Command (PFLP-GC) accused Israel of killing five of its members near the Syrian border in eastern Lebanon. 

An official from the group claimed that an Israeli strike targeted positions in the town of Qusaya, resulting in 10 people being wounded, two of whom are in critical condition. 

Israeli sources denied involvement, and no official statements were made by Israel, the Lebanese army, or Hezbollah. 

Reports vary on the cause of the blast, with some suggesting it was an explosion of an old rocket or mines during transportation. Another PFLP-GC official stated that the group will retaliate in due time and remain committed to intensifying their fight against Israel, despite the attack. 

The PFLP-GC has a presence in Lebanon and Syria and has previously conducted attacks against Israel.

Read more on Al-Jazeera.

Iran Witnesses 76% Surge in Executions in May, Report Finds

A recent report reveals alarming rates of executions in Iran this year in order to intimidate the Iranian population. 

In May, Iran Human Rights (IHR) reported at least 142 executions, averaging over four per day, the highest monthly figure since 2015. 

The total number of executions in 2023 has reached 307, showing a 76% increase compared to the same period last year. 

The surge in executions follows anti-regime protests that started in September after the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody. 

The protests were met with a violent crackdown, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of arrests. 

While some death sentences are linked to the protests, many others are for offenses such as drug-related crimes and blasphemy. 

Read more on Al-Monitor.

Jordan Celebrates Royal Wedding of Crown Prince Hussein

The 28-year-old Jordanian Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah married today, June 1, the 29-year-old Saudi-born Rajwa Alseif in a grand ceremony in Amman, Jordan. 

The wedding is being attended by notable royals and political figures from around the world, including Britain's Prince William, Princess Kate, US First Lady Jill Biden, and US climate envoy John Kerry. 

The event is seen as a symbol of stability for Jordan's royal family amidst a previous palace dispute and ongoing economic challenges. 

Read more on Deutsche Welle.

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About me

My name is Dario Sabaghi, and I am a freelance journalist interested in international news focusing on the MENA region.

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Cover photo: Ali Unal / AP - NBCNews