In recent statements highlighting the scale of economic challenges and future opportunities in the region, Syrian Deputy Minister of Local Administration, Zafer al-Omar, revealed huge figures related to the reconstruction file in Syria, indicating that the estimated cost could reach record levels ranging between 300 and 500 billion US dollars.

Timetable and variance of estimates

In an exclusive statement to Akhbar 24, Al-Omar explained that the complex process of rebuilding the real estate sector and the damaged cities could take between three and five years. He emphasized that these timeframes depend on the pace of work and funding, stressing that Syria will emerge stronger than before thanks to the efforts being made and the plans in place.

The Syrian official pointed out that the discrepancy in the estimates of the total cost (between $300 and $500 billion) is due to the enormous scale of the destruction and the different technical assessments of the affected areas, noting a crucial point that the pace of reconstruction of cities and urban centers is usually faster and smoother compared to rural areas, which may require greater logistical efforts.

Infrastructure: The backbone of reconstruction

In detailing the figures, Al-Omar indicated that the cost of rehabilitating the infrastructure alone could reach approximately $100 billion. This includes road networks, electricity, water, and telecommunications—sectors that suffered the most damage during the years of crisis. He emphasized that these figures, despite their enormity, represent fertile ground and an attractive opportunity for Arab and foreign investors, as Syria currently offers vast and unprecedented opportunities in various construction and building sectors.

Context of the crisis and priorities for the next phase

These statements come at a time when Syria is looking to turn the page on a war that has lasted for more than a decade and caused widespread destruction of its infrastructure and economy. Reconstruction is the biggest challenge facing the country in the post-war phase, requiring a massive concerted effort from both local and international actors.

Al-Omar pointed out that the Syrian government has established a clear set of priorities for upcoming projects, giving top priority to essential service sectors that directly impact citizens' lives. This will be followed by a focus on areas that suffered extensive damage from military operations and shelling, specifically in the governorates of Rural Damascus, Aleppo (the country's economic capital), Idlib, Hama, and Homs. Revitalizing these areas means more than just rebuilding infrastructure; it means restarting the economy and enabling residents to return to their homes, which is the cornerstone of restoring the country's social and economic stability.

International press reports, based on governmental and diplomatic sources, have revealed a dangerous development in the course of the Sudanese conflict, which is the existence of a secret training camp in Ethiopian territory dedicated to training Rapid Support Forces fighters, with funding and logistical support from the United Arab Emirates.

Details of the camp and military expansion

According to Reuters, citing Ethiopian security sources and satellite imagery, the camp is located in the remote Benishangul-Gumuz region of western Ethiopia, near the Sudanese border. The site has seen increased activity and significant expansion since October 2025, with the construction of hundreds of tents and new logistical facilities observed.

Estimates suggest the camp's capacity could reach approximately 10,000 fighters. Reports indicate that around 4,300 Rapid Support Forces fighters had already received intensive military training at this site by early January 2026. The trainees' nationalities are diverse, including a majority of Ethiopians, as well as citizens of South Sudan and Sudan, and some members of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement.

The UAE's role and the mutual accusations

Sources indicate that the UAE not only funded the camp's construction but also provided military trainers and comprehensive logistical and training support, a fact documented in an Ethiopian security memo and a diplomatic cable. This information reinforces previous accusations by the Sudanese army and UN experts that the UAE supplied the Rapid Support Forces with weapons and equipment—accusations categorically denied by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which maintains that it is not a party to the conflict.

Strategic importance and developments on the ground

The camp's activity coincides with suspicious development work at the nearby Assosa airport, including the construction of aircraft hangars and a ground control center, raising concerns about its potential use for operating drones. This development suggests a strategic shift in the course of the war, as these recruits are expected to join the fighting in Blue Nile State, which has become a focal point in the struggle for control of Sudan.

Background of the conflict and its regional repercussions

This revelation is the first direct and tangible evidence of Addis Ababa's involvement in the Sudanese civil war, which erupted in mid-April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. Observers fear this intervention could internationalize the crisis and transform it into a wider regional conflict, threatening the stability of the entire Horn of Africa.

It is worth noting that the war in Sudan has caused one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, leading to widespread famine and ethnically motivated atrocities, forcing millions to flee to neighboring countries such as Egypt, Chad, Libya and South Sudan, amid ongoing international warnings of a worsening security and humanitarian situation.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry confirmed on Tuesday that the round of indirect nuclear talks held last week with the United States in Oman had achieved its initial objectives of exploring intentions, noting that Tehran was able to gauge Washington’s “seriousness” in dealing with outstanding issues.

Details of the Muscat diplomatic meeting

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei stated that the meetings, facilitated by Omani mediators, were brief but substantive. Baghaei explained that Tehran's primary objective was to gauge the other side's resolve and determine how to proceed along this complex path. He added that initial results indicated sufficient understanding and agreement to allow the diplomatic process to continue, offering a glimmer of hope for de-escalation.

Oman's role and historical background

These talks come in the context of Oman's historic role as a trusted mediator between Tehran and the West. Muscat has long served as a "back door" for diplomacy between the two countries, hosting numerous secret and public rounds of talks that paved the way for the 2015 nuclear agreement. This mediation is particularly important now, given the breakdown of direct channels and the growing need for a third party capable of conveying messages accurately and reliably to avoid any misunderstandings that could lead to military conflict.

Military tensions and regional moves

These talks came at a highly sensitive time, as the report pointed to a tense security context marked by US President Donald Trump's deployment of naval reinforcements to the region—a move that raised serious concerns about the potential for renewed military action. Current diplomacy aims to contain these concerns and prevent the region from sliding into open conflict that could harm the interests of all parties, including energy security and international navigation.

Larijani's moves and Netanyahu's visit

Amidst intensified diplomatic efforts, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson noted that Ali Larijani's visit to Muscat today was pre-scheduled and aimed at following up on regional consultations. He added that Larijani would later travel to Qatar. These visits underscore Tehran's desire to coordinate positions with its Gulf neighbors.

On another front, regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's anticipated visit to Washington tomorrow (Wednesday), Baqai delivered a strongly worded message to the US administration, urging it to act independently, free from external pressures. He emphasized the necessity of not yielding to Israeli dictates that disregard the region's interests and stability, and sometimes even conflict with the strategic interests of the United States itself.