INTERNACIONAL
Trump’s push for Israel-Syria peace gets major backing as activist brings message to Jerusalem
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FIRST ON FOX – In a rare appearance at Israel’s parliament this week, Syrian political activist Shadi Martini shared a message from Damascus – one he says came directly from Syria’s transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
«We have an opportunity like this only once in a hundred years,» Martini quoted al-Sharaa as saying in a recent meeting held in the presidential palace. «The window will not remain open forever.»
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Martini, the CEO of Multifaith Alliance and longtime advocate for humanitarian cooperation between Syrians and Israelis, said the conversation with al-Sharaa focused on potential normalization and regional security – but also revealed points of friction.
He also confirmed that President al-Sharaa knew his message might be conveyed in Israel. «It wasn’t off the record. It was honest and accurate – and the message was, ‘Act now.’»
WHY SYRIA PLAYS A KEY ROLE IN TRUMP’S PLANS FOR MIDDLE EAST PEACE
Shadi Martini during a parliamentary committee meeting at Israel’s Knesset.
«We talked a lot about Israel,» Martini said of the Damascus meeting, which occurred just after Eid al-Adha in June and days before renewed Israeli airstrikes inside Syria. «There was a lot of concern about Israeli incursions in Syrian territory. And the president made clear – how can we talk about a peace deal while that continues?»
Still, Martini emerged from the discussion hopeful. «I definitely felt there was an opportunity,» he said. «It’s not just about al-Sharaa personally wanting this – there’s growing recognition across Syria that if we want investment, if we want prosperity, if we want stability, something has to change.»
That same message was delivered this week to Israeli lawmakers at a first-of-its-kind regional security caucus committee meeting led by members of the Knesset. Martini, once the director of a hospital in Aleppo who escaped to the U.S. when the war in Syria broke out in 2012, addressed the body alongside a Saudi analyst and Israeli officials, signaling what he called a «historic» moment.
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa shakes hands with President Donald Trump in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on May 14. At right is Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (AP)
TRUMP SIGNS ORDER LIFTING SANCTIONS ON SYRIA
«Syria is watching Saudi Arabia closely,» he said, referencing Riyadh’s signals of openness to ties with Israel under certain conditions. «Both countries are looking at the economic opportunity – what President Donald Trump is offering for the region – and wondering if Israel will seize it. Because if not, that prosperity might bypass.»
Speculation about a potential U.S.-brokered agreement between Syria and Israel has been circulating in the media this week, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met twice with President Trump at the White House.
Anna Kelly, a White House spokesperson, told Fox News Digital, «President Trump welcomes any effort toward a greater peace in the Middle East and around the world.»
When asked Wednesday morning by FOX Business Global Markets Editor and anchor Maria Bartiromo on «Mornings with Maria» whether he is currently working on a non-aggression pact with Syria, Netanyahu responded carefully: «I think there are opportunities now,» he said. «You remember President Wilson used to say, ‘I believe in open covenants openly arrived at.’ I have a slight variation: I believe in open covenants secretly arrived at.
Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, the chief of the General Staff, conducted a situational assessment in the area of separation in Syria. (IDF)
TRUMP ASKS SYRIA TO JOIN ABRAHAM ACCORDS, NORMALIZE TIES WITH ISRAEL IN RETURN FOR SANCTIONS RELIEF
«So whatever we can do in diplomacy, I think we should do discreetly – and then surprise people. We worked for three years on the Abraham Accords, and then all of a sudden we surprised people with four peace treaties. And I think more are coming.»
Martini stressed that al-Sharra said some issues remain unresolved. «There’s Gaza, there’s the need for a ceasefire, and a pathway to a Palestinian state,» he said. «And from Syria’s side, there’s the issue of the Golan Heights. But the first and most important step is returning to the 1974 armistice line.»
Martini acknowledged that calls for peace with Israel remain controversial in Damascus. «There are extremists in the government,» he said. «But more Syrians now understand this is what Syria needs.»
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According to Martini, Israeli lawmakers responded positively. «I felt they were genuinely listening,» he said. «And I hope that having a message come directly from Syria will help clarify things.»
INTERNACIONAL
World leaders split over military action as US-Israel strike Iran in coordinated operation
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World leaders reacted swiftly Saturday after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, exposing a deep divide between governments backing the attack on Iran and those warning the attacks risk a wider regional war.
In a joint statement, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney and Foreign Minister Anita Anand voiced firm support saying, «Canada supports the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent its regime from further threatening international peace and security.» The statement described Iran as «the principal source of instability and terror throughout the Middle East» and stressed it «must never be allowed to obtain or develop nuclear weapons.»
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also endorsed the action, writing on X, «Australia stands with the brave people of Iran in their struggle against oppression.» He confirmed Australia supports «the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon,» while activating emergency consular measures and urging Australians to leave Iran if safe.
The United Kingdom said Iran «must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.» U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office said he was speaking with the leaders of France and Germany «as part of a series of calls with allies.»
A person holds an image of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as Iranian demonstrators protest against the U.S.-Israeli strikes, in Tehran, Iran, Feb. 28, 2026. (Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) )
French President Emmanuel Macron warned, «The outbreak of war between the United States, Israel and Iran carries grave consequences for international peace and security.» He added, «The ongoing escalation is dangerous for all. It must stop,» and called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described developments as «perilous,» saying Iran’s «ballistic missile and nuclear programmes… pose a serious threat to global security,» while emphasizing that «Protection of civilians and international humanitarian law is a priority.»
Spain openly rejected the strikes. Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said, «We reject the unilateral military action by the United States and Israel, which represents an escalation and contributes to a more uncertain and hostile international order.»
Meanwhile, Gulf states responded to reported Iranian missile activity.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry said, «The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemns and denounces in strongest terms the blatant Iranian aggression and the flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan.» It affirmed «its full solidarity with and unwavering support for the brotherly countries» and warned of «grave consequences resulting from the continued violation of states’ sovereignty and the principles of international law.»
The United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Defense said the country «was subjected to a blatant attack involving Iranian ballistic missiles,» adding that air defense systems «successfully intercepted a number of missiles.» Authorities said falling debris in a residential area caused «one civilian death of an asian nationality» and material damage.
The ministry called the attack «a dangerous escalation and a cowardly act that threatens the safety of civilians and undermines stability,» and stated the UAE «reserves its full right to respond.»
UN’S ATOMIC AGENCY’S IRAN POLICY GETS MIXED REVIEWS FROM EXPERTS AFTER US-ISRAEL ‘OBLITERATE’ NUCLEAR SITES
Smoke rises after reported Iranian missile attacks, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, in Manama, Bahrain, Feb. 28, 2026. (Reuters)
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar «strongly condemned the unwarranted attacks against Iran» and called for «urgent resumption of diplomacy.»
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held calls with counterparts across the region, a Turkish Foreign Ministry source told Reuters. The discussions focused on «possible steps to be taken to help bring an end to the attacks.»
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy directly linked the developments to Russia’s war against his country.
«Although Ukrainians never threatened Iran, the Iranian regime chose to become Putin’s accomplice and supplied him with ‘shahed’ drones,» Zelenskyy wrote, adding that Russia has used «more than 57,000 shahed-type attack drones against the Ukrainian people.»
«It is important that the United States is acting decisively,» he said. «Whenever there is American resolve, global criminals weaken.»
Russia sharply criticized the operation. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, said, «All negotiations with Iran are a cover operation.»
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An interception is visible in the sky over Haifa during the latest barrage. (Anthony Hershko/TPS-IL)
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam warned, «We will not accept anyone dragging the country into adventures that threaten its security and unity.»
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said the strike «is not in line with international law.»
Reuters contributed to this report.
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Dos detonaciones han estremecido la capital iraní este sábado por la mañana. “El Estado de Israel lanzó un ataque preventivo contra Irán. El ministro de Defensa, Israel Katz, declaró el estado de emergencia especial e inmediato en todo el país”, indicó la oficina del ministro en un comunicado.
Según periodistas de AFP presentes en el lugar, el sonido de las explosiones se percibió con claridad, mientras columnas de humo emergían tanto en el centro como en el este de Teherán. “La naturaleza de las explosiones sugiere que se trata de un ataque con misiles”, señaló la agencia de prensa Fars.
El Ministerio de Defensa de Israel informó este sábado que lanzó un “ataque preventivo” contra Irán, mientras sonaban sirenas de emergencia en Jerusalén y la población recibía alertas telefónicas sobre una amenaza “extremadamente grave” en todo el país. Estados Unidos también inició ataques “de gran envergadura” contra Irán, y Trump afirmó a la población que “la hora de su libertad está al alcance de la mano”.
Por otra parte, la agencia Isna informó que una de las columnas de humo se observaba cerca del emblemático barrio Pasteur, en cuya zona se localizan tanto la residencia el ayatollah Ali Khamenei, como la sede presidencial, lo que subraya la sensibilidad estratégica del área.
El presidente de Estados Unidos, Donald Trump, ofreció este sábado a los dirigentes militares del régimen iraní la opción de recibir “inmunidad” o enfrentarse una “muerte segura”.
Las autoridades israelíes anunciaban poco después la detección de “misiles lanzados desde Irán”, precedidos por sirenas que sonaban en distintas áreas del país. Enviaban debido a esto un mensaje a los teléfonos móviles de los ciudadanos urgiéndolos a buscar refugio. Poco después, ya se habían reportado las primeras explosiones sobre Jerusalén, según la AFP. En Teherán, un importante dispositivo de las fuerzas iraníes de seguridad bloquean varias calles alrededor del barrio en el que se encuentra la residencia del Ayatollah Jamenei.
También se han escuchado sirenas sobre Amman, capital de Jordania, cuya dirección de seguridad pública advierte: “El significado de las sirenas será el siguiente: tres sirenas intermitentes indican que hay una amenaza, y una sola sirena significa que la amenaza ha pasado. Cuando escuche las tres sirenas, debe refugiarse en el edificio más cercano hasta que la amenaza haya pasado”. La respuesta de Irán, por el momento, incluye ataques contra los Emiratos Árabes Unidos, Catar, Baréin, Kuwait y Arabia Saudita.
Los bombardeos fueron confirmados por el Ministerio de Defensa israelí y el presidente Donald Trump. El país hebreo declaró el estado de emergencia y el cierre de su espacio aéreo
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As one of Israel’s staunchest defenders from the left, Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., full-throatedly endorsed President Donald Trump’s attacks on Iran as lawmakers on both sides of the aisle reacted Saturday morning.
«President Trump has been willing to do what’s right and necessary to produce real peace in the region,» Fetterman wrote on X. «God bless the United States, our great military, and Israel.»
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., one of Congress’ biggest backers of bold military action, is hailing President Donald Trump as a «man of peace,» and «evil’s worst nightmare.»
«As I watch and monitor this historic operation, I’m in awe of President Trump’s determination to be a man of peace but at the end of the day, evil’s worst nightmare,» Graham wrote Saturday morning on X in a string of posts. «Well done, Mr. President.»
Trump’s U.S. military armada in the Middle East, working in concert with Israel, is targeting military targets and ballistic missile sites that pose an «imminent threat,» a U.S. official told Fox News Chief National Security Correspondent Jennifer Griffin.
The U.S. military is not targeting Iran’s leadership, but Israel is, the official added.
Strikes hit the compound home of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, in downtown Tehran on Saturday morning.
And Trump issued a video statement on social media, urging Iranian people to get out of the way for now, but «when we are finished, take over your government; It will be yours to take.»
«God bless @POTUS for planning and now executing Operation Epic Fury, making America more safe and eventually more prosperous,» Graham added. «I seek God’s protection for all under President Trump’s command, as well as our allies in Israel.
LINDSEY GRAHAM CALLS FOR US TO USE ‘ANY MEANS NECESSARY’ TO STOP THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE KILLING OF IRANIANS
«My mind is racing with the thought that the murderous ayatollah’s regime in Iran will soon be no more.
While reports of explosions happened hours earlier, Graham posted his first support for the actions after 3 a.m. ET, calling the «operation is necessary and long justified.»
«The biggest change in the Middle East in a thousand years is upon us,» Graham added in his second post on X. «The likelihood of normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel getting back on track is exceedingly high – a subject I brought up last week to the key players in the region who concurred if the ayatollah goes down, historic peace advances.»
As the attacks were under way and battle damage assessments were yet to come, Graham delivered his prayers to the troops undertaking the operation.
«As to the men and women participating in this operation for our country and Israel, may God bless you and keep you safe,» he wrote. «If you are injured or fall, I believe with all my heart that your sacrifice makes your country and the world a better and safer place. This moment is why you chose to serve.
«This operation has been well-planned. It will be violent, extensive and I believe, at the end of the day, successful. Again the demise of the ayatollah’s regime with American blood on its hands is necessary and more than justified.»
MORNING GLORY: WHAT WILL PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP DECIDE TO DO WITH IRAN?
The U.S. has authorized non-essential embassy personnel to leave Israel amid escalating tensions with Iran. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images; Iranian Leader Press Office/Anadolu via Getty Images)
And, one of Trump’s long-time Republican critics, Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., also posted on X, noting Trump has not sought congressional approval – although there was a briefing held with the Gang of Eight earlier this week.
«Acts of war unauthorized by Congress,» Massie wrote on X.
Senate Armed Forces Committee Chair Roger Wicker, R-Miss., praised the «decisive action» against «the world’s leading proliferator of terrorism.»
«This is a pivotal and necessary operation to protect Americans and American interests,» Wicker wrote in a statement. «The president has stated the operation’s goals clearly: thwart permanently the ayatollahs’ desire to create a nuclear weapon, degrade their ballistic missile force and their production capacity, and destroy their naval and terrorism capabilities.
«These are the hardest decisions that face any American commander-in-chief, and I appreciate that President Trump and his team conducted a comprehensive strategy using all tools of national power and a well-orchestrated military planning process.»
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The time to strike was now, according to Wicker.
«The Iranian regime has never been weaker,» he added. «Without the use of military force against them, Iran’s ayatollahs would simply continue to grow their ability to threaten Americans and our interests, working in concert with the Chinese Communist Party, the Russian dictator Putin, North Korea, and other terrorist allies.
«The ayatollahs have mortgaged the economic future of ordinary Iranians to engage in their obsessive and apocalyptic vision.
Most importantly, I commend the brave men and women of our armed forces, who continue to demonstrate a level of operational proficiency unrivaled the world over. That fact will be evident in the coming days. Thanks to them, Americans are safer – not just today, but for generations to come.»
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