Tehran Flights Drop, Syria-Hezbollah Talks, Gaza Funeral and Nepal Avalanche

From shifting diplomatic dynamics in the Middle East and developments in Gaza and Syria to a deadly avalanche in Nepal and severe flooding in Greece, here are the major international developments making headlines in the PPC Daily Global Brief.

1. Tehran International Flights Fall 42% Following US Ban

Flights to and from Tehran’s main international airport have fallen by nearly half — 42 percent — since the United States imposed a ban on Iranian airlines, according to flight-tracking data available up to Wednesday. Despite the significant decline, some popular international routes continue to operate.

2. Syrian Government, Hezbollah Hold First Known Face-to-Face Talks

Representatives of the Syrian government and Lebanese group Hezbollah have held face-to-face talks in Türkiye in an effort to ease tensions between the longtime foes, Reuters reported, citing six sources briefed on the meeting.

The talks mark the first known direct meeting between representatives of the two sides.

3. Gaza Holds Mass Funeral for More Than 100 Palestinians

Mourners gathered in Gaza for a mass funeral for more than 100 Palestinians whose remains were recovered from the rubble of a residential building struck by Israel in 2023.

The remains were recovered as efforts continue to retrieve victims from buildings destroyed during the conflict.

4. Zimbabwe Helicopter Crash Kills All on Board

Debris remained scattered at the crash site east of Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, a day after a helicopter went down, killing everyone on board.

Prominent Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo was among those killed in the crash.

5. Trump Says Iran Wants a Deal, but US Wants ‘The Real Deal’

US President Donald Trump has said Iran wants to reach an agreement with Washington but that he wants to make “the real deal.”

Speaking to TIME magazine, Trump said he had rejected a recent ceasefire proposal involving Iran because “the things that I wouldn’t have approved a year ago I wouldn’t have today.”

His comments come amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran and continuing uncertainty over the prospects for a negotiated settlement.

6. Iraq Sets June 30 Deadline to Bring Weapons Under State Control

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has set June 30 next year as the deadline for completing efforts to bring weapons under state control.

“Today marks a serious start to addressing the issue of weapons outside state control,” al-Zaidi said.

He also announced that Iraq would begin acquiring a comprehensive air defence system and start drafting legislation concerning the Iranian-backed Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), also known as Hashd al-Shaabi.

7. 6.9 Million Syrian Children Need Urgent Humanitarian Assistance: UNICEF

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said Wednesday that 6.9 million Syrian children are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.

The UN agency is working with the Syrian government and local partners to rebuild child-support systems and restore essential services across the country.

8. One Dead as Heavy Rain and Flooding Hit Greece’s Crete

A man has died on the Greek island of Crete amid flooding caused by heavy rainfall and strong winds that also kept several ferries in port, officials and local reports said Thursday.

Media reported that the body of a 79-year-old shepherd, who had been missing since Wednesday, was found in a ravine. A couple swept away by floodwaters in Heraklion were rescued by firefighters, according to Greek state news agency ANA.

9. At Least 15 Nepali Workers Killed in Avalanche

At least 15 Nepali workers were killed after an avalanche buried a mountain camp they were preparing in central Nepal for foreign climbers, a rescue official said Thursday.

The incident was described as the deadliest of Nepal’s autumn climbing season, which ends this month.

10. Houthis Target Madinah Power Distribution Station

The official spokesperson for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen said the Houthis targeted the Taiba power distribution station in Madinah on Tuesday morning.

The attack comes amid heightened tensions following recent Houthi attacks targeting the Kingdom.

From renewed diplomatic contacts and military tensions in the Middle East to humanitarian emergencies and natural disasters across several countries, Thursday’s developments underline a rapidly shifting global landscape. PPC Digitalcontinues to track the major stories shaping international affairs.