Barry Rosen “lived in darkness” for 444 days after being taken by Iranian revolutionaries on Nov. 4, 1979, each day a new low of feeling “hopeless and helpless .” “Nothing is more important than for them to be home and see their loved ones again,” an emotional Rosen, 80, told The Post, after a cease-fire deal was announced this week.

Israel-Hamas war has profoundly altered the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape. Iran and Russia, once dominant forces, have suffered severe setbacks, while Israel, Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar have all expanded their regional influence.