Euphrates Origins Research: Scientists say the Euphrates began forming 3.6 to 1.6 million years ago when two older river systems merged after tectonic activity in Turkey’s Taurus Mountains, reshaping how we understand the river’s role in early agriculture and city life across Syria and Iraq. Iran–US Deal Talks: Pakistan’s PM says the U.S. and Iran have reached a “final, agreed upon text” for a peace deal, while both sides trade signals amid drone and ship-transit tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. EU Migration Tech & Policy: The EU’s new asylum and migration rules take effect, adding faster processing, stricter border controls, and expanded digital tools to track applications—raising questions about readiness and real-world impact. Syria Regional Connectivity: Syria and Turkey move toward deeper economic ties as an Anadolu summit in Gaziantep highlights trade, transport, border crossings, and industrial cooperation. Public Health (mRNA): A Syrian hamster study reports an mRNA vaccine can fully protect against Andes hantavirus, spotlighting vaccine development needs after a travel-linked outbreak. Security & Detention: A report alleges Turkey’s intelligence-run prison on the Hawar-Kilis border holds detainees in inhumane conditions and uses torture. Armed Conflict Trend: A PRIO study finds 65 state-based wars in 2025—the highest since WWII—driven by conflicts including Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan.