Author: Steven Sahiounie

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri confirmed that America wants to extend the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel. Lebanese and Israeli representatives will hold talks in Washington on Thursday, with Ambassador Simon Karam heading the Lebanese delegation. The meeting will focus on extending the truce and setting a framework for direct negotiations. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said the goal of the talks is to stop the military conflict, end Israel’s occupation in the South, and to deploy the Lebanese army along internationally recognized borders. Hezbollah party MP Hassan Fadlallah, called for a sustained ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal,…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Efforts to secure a peace agreement between the United States and Iran remain fraught with difficulty, as both sides continue to hold firm on core demands. Deep political, military, and economic disagreements—combined with domestic and regional pressures—have stalled progress, despite ongoing mediation and backchannel diplomacy. At present, the prospects for a near-term agreement appear limited. Washington and Tehran remain far apart on fundamental issues, while the broader geopolitical environment continues to deteriorate, with significant consequences for global stability and economic markets. A Fragile Diplomatic Process Recent negotiations, mediated by Pakistan, highlight both the persistence…

By: Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator  In a sharp escalation of rhetoric, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has accused Israel of attempting to position Turkey as a “new enemy” following Iran, amid increasingly tense exchanges between officials from both countries. Fidan emphasized that ending Israel’s occupation of Lebanese territory and ensuring the protection of civilians are urgent priorities that cannot be delayed. He warned that continued Israeli expansion and the imposition of its geopolitical agenda would make lasting peace, stability, and security in the Middle East unattainable. He also stressed the importance of preventing the Israeli government, led by…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator The Syrian Social Nationalist Party (SSNP) in Lebanon is a secular political party and founded in Lebanon in 1932 by Antun Saadeh. It attracts members from all religions and sects. It advocates for a secular government encompassing all Lebanese people. It has taken a resistance stance and defends Lebanon against all invaders, such as Israel. Lebanon is currently under occupation and ongoing airstrikes by the Israeli military. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel will remain occupying Lebanon even after Hezbollah has been disarmed. Hezbollah was founded as an armed resistance group in…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator A fragile diplomatic breakthrough has emerged in the Middle East following weeks of escalating conflict, as Pakistan steps in as a key mediator between the United States and Iran. The initiative, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, proposes an immediate ceasefire across multiple fronts, followed by a 15–20-day negotiation period aimed at reaching a broader and more sustainable agreement. According to statements from U.S. President Donald Trump, communication with Pakistan’s leadership—including its military establishment—played a critical role in facilitating the pause in hostilities. Trump described the development as a “complete and comprehensive victory” for…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Lebanese President Joseph Aoun renewed on Sunday his call for negotiations with Israel, warning against the risk of southern Lebanon becoming “another Gaza,” as Israeli airstrikes and ground operations continue to intensify across the region. In a televised address, Aoun stated, “It is true that Israel may seek to turn southern Lebanon into Gaza, but it is our duty not to drag it into that outcome.” Responding to critics of his diplomatic approach, he added, “Some ask what diplomacy achieves. I ask: what have we gained from war?” He highlighted the mounting human toll,…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator The Gulf countries are suffering in the current war on Iran. The security situation has become so dire that leaks have surfaced of Gulf officials pondering military action against Iran. How can a region full of military bases, personnel and hardware, manned by the military might of America be so vulnerable to attacks? From October 2024, and through 2025, the U.S. began actively redeploying air defense systems, specifically the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) and Patriot batteries, from Gulf nations to Israel following the escalation between Israel and Iran. In October 2024, President…

By: Steven Sahiounie journalist and political commentator Rising geopolitical tensions across the Middle East are pushing critical maritime chokepoints—particularly the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait—toward a potential crisis that could trigger one of the most severe global energy shocks since the 1970s. Recent statements attributed to a senior leader of Yemen’s Houthi movement underscore the seriousness of the situation. Speaking to Reuters, the official stated, “We are at full military readiness with all options available. The timing of any action is left to leadership. We are closely monitoring developments and know when action is required.” Strategic Chokepoints…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator According to unnamed sources reported by the Times of Israel, senior officials from multiple Gulf capitals have said a significant shift is underway in regional strategy. Some key states, according the Israeli media, are in favor of continuing the Israeli-U.S. war on Iran in order to substantially degrade Iran’s military capabilities According to four high-ranking officials speaking on condition of anonymity, countries such as United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain are increasingly aligned on the need to ensure that Iran emerges from the war significantly weakened and unable to pose a continued…

By: Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Egypt has issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s ground incursion into southern Lebanon, describing it as a “flagrant violation of Lebanese sovereignty” and a serious breach of international law and the United Nations Charter. In an official statement, Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed full solidarity with Lebanon, stressing its firm rejection of any infringement on its sovereignty or territorial integrity. Cairo called for the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces and urged full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, emphasizing the importance of enabling Lebanese institutions, particularly the army, to maintain…