★U.S.A
Iran Nuclear Program Destroyed, Trump Announces Direct Talks
President Trump announced direct U.S.-Iran negotiations next week following precision strikes that destroyed Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Trump stated Iran had “no chance to get anything out” of talks and is now “decades behind” in nuclear ambitions. U.S. officials confirmed the destruction of the Isfahan conversion facility, essential for uranium enrichment and weaponization. Both Natanz reactors were destroyed, while Fordow sustained twelve bunker-buster strikes that collapsed underground facilities. Iran cannot enrich uranium or build weapons for years despite any existing stockpiles. The Iranian Foreign Ministry confirmed severe nuclear facility damage.
“Let Them Buy Oil”: Trump Shocks Markets, Crude Prices Plunge
In a recent press conference at the NATO summit in The Hague, President Donald Trump indicated a potential shift in U.S. policy by suggesting he would not obstruct China from buying Iranian oil. When questioned about the implications of allowing China to purchase Iranian oil, Trump responded: “They’re going to need money to put that country back into shape. We want to see that happen.” “I used to say with Iraq, ‘Keep the oil.’ I could say it here too.” Oil markets dropped significantly following Trump’s announcement, with WTI crude falling to session lows around $65, marking a 6% decrease. Similarly, Brent crude oil prices fell to around $66.39 per barrel, a decline of 5.9%.
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★IRAN
Iran Votes to Restrict Nuclear Monitoring
Iran’s parliament voted Wednesday to sharply reduce international access to its nuclear program, moving to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency. The decision follows extensive U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. IAEA Director Rafael Grossi responded by declaring his top priority is to restore inspector access to verify uranium stockpiles and assess structural damage. Iran’s move signals a tightening posture just as the international community seeks clarity on the extent of enrichment activity following the strikes.
Quds Force Leader Reappears After Assassination Rumors
After 12 days of silence and swirling assassination rumors, Iranian Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani appeared Tuesday in Tehran’s Revolution Square during ceasefire celebrations, confirming he is alive. His low-profile appearance—wearing civilian clothes and a baseball cap—ended speculation that he was killed in an Israeli strike during the war.
Iran Executes Three, Arrests 700 Over Alleged Israel Ties During War
Iran executed three alleged Mossad agents accused of smuggling assassination tools and arrested 700 people for wartime collaboration with Israel. These latest executions follow similar sentences earlier in the week. The crackdown comes as Tehran celebrates a ceasefire with Israel, reinforcing state control and signaling a hardline stance against perceived espionage and dissent.
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★ ISRAEL
Israeli Armored Vehicle Bombed, Seven Soldiers Reported Killed
Seven IDF soldiers from the 605th Combat Engineering Battalion died Wednesday when a terrorist attached an explosive to their APC during an operation in Khan Yunis. The blast engulfed the vehicle in flames, and rescue efforts failed due to the intense fire. A D9 bulldozer later retrieved the APC. Two others were wounded in a nearby attack.
Israel Faces Ammunition Shortage As Multi-Front Conflict Pressure Mounts
Following wars with Iran, Gaza, and Hezbollah, Israel now suffers key weapons shortages, especially ammunition, per U.S. officials. Most Israeli arms come from the U.S., which warned of its missile stock depletion. Tensions rose as President Trump criticized Israel and Iran for violating the new ceasefire. U.S. support continues despite concerns over escalating military demands.
U.S. Grants $30 Million to Controversial Gaza Aid Group
The U.S. approved a $30 million grant to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation despite internal concerns over aid operations near deadly Israeli strikes. Backed diplomatically, this is Washington’s first known financial support, bypassing standard audits. The foundation may receive monthly renewals, as per a White House-prioritized directive, with $7 million already disbursed.
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★ LEBANON
Israel Reveals Iranian Money Transfer Network to Hezbollah
Israeli airstrikes killed Haitham Bakri, head of Lebanon’s “Al-Sadiq” exchange, accused of channeling Iranian funds to Hezbollah. The network, backed by Iran’s Quds Force, allegedly financed weapons, salaries, and terror operations. Israel also confirmed killing Behnam Shahriari, Unit 190 commander, who oversaw multi-million dollar transfers via exchange offices in Turkey, Iraq, and the UAE.
World Bank Reconstruction Projects: Syria and Lebanon Funding
The World Bank approved $146 million for Syria‘s electricity infrastructure and $250 million for Lebanon‘s post-conflict reconstruction. Syria’s grant will rehabilitate power lines connecting to Jordan and Turkey, addressing the current 2-4 hours daily electricity supply. Lebanon’s funding targets $7.2 billion in damages across ten sectors, requiring $11 billion total for recovery.
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★ EGYPT/AFRICA
Egyptian Official Dies in Suspected Sixth Floor Fall
Engineer Mahmoud Al-Asmai, head of the Solid Waste Management Department in Egypt’s Minya Governorate, died Wednesday after falling from the sixth floor of the government complex. Authorities launched an investigation to determine if criminal factors were involved. Public Prosecution ordered forensic examination. His colleagues expressed shock over the incident.
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★ Disclaimer:
The Early Phoenix is a digest of various news sources compiled by the Early Phoenix team and edited by Rania Kisar. The items are curated, concise summaries of news items hyperlinked within each story. The items and summaries presented do not necessarily represent the views of the American Center for Levant Studies.
