★ IRAN
Iran’s 60% Enriched Uranium Buried in Struck Isfahan Site
Iran did not relocate its 400 kg stockpile of 60% enriched uranium before U.S.–Israeli strikes hit the Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow nuclear sites on June 22. Israeli officials confirmed that the material remains buried at Isfahan, the primary storage site, and was never moved. The Isfahan facility suffered severe damage, complicating any extraction efforts.
U.S. Imposes New Sanctions Targeting Iran’s Shadow Banking Network
The U.S. imposed fresh sanctions on 22 entities linked to Iran’s shadow banking network, accused of using foreign front companies to fund Tehran’s ballistic missile program and terrorism. These entities allegedly helped Iran evade oil sanctions by creating firms abroad. The move follows February sanctions on 22 individuals and 13 vessels tied to Iran’s oil sector.
Iran Allegedly Ships Hazardous Chemicals to Houthis for Warhead Use
Yemeni platform Defense Line reported that Iran sent shipments of radioactive isotopes and chemical precursors to the Houthis for developing warheads. The materials were stored in secure sites across Saada and other areas. Since 2022, Houthis have also acquired sensitive components for missiles and drones. Napalm bombs, once hidden by ex-President Saleh, were also seized and redeployed.
UK Identifies Iran as Top Assassination Threat Actor
The UK Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee released a report identifying Iran as a significant and escalating threat. It confirmed 15 attempted assassinations or kidnappings targeting UK-based dissidents and Jewish or Israeli-linked individuals since early 2022. The report criticized the British government’s reactive, nuclear-focused Iran policy and urged a broader strategic approach to counter Tehran’s full spectrum of threats, including espionage and cyber operations.
Domestic Backlash Over Hezbollah Funding As Iran Focuses on Reconstruction
Iran’s reconstruction plans after Israeli strikes sparked backlash as reformist voices criticized large funds sent to Hezbollah while Iranian victims received modest compensation. Officials defended Hezbollah’s strategic role, but public anger grew over inequality, especially as Tehran received higher aid than the provinces. The debate highlighted tensions between domestic priorities and Iran’s regional commitments.
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★ IRAQ
Iraq Stays Silent on Trump’s 30% Tariff Threat
Trump imposed 30% tariffs on Iraq, Algeria, and Libya alongside five other nations July 9. The Iraqi government remains silent 24 hours after the announcement despite a “strongly worded” letter signaling U.S. dissatisfaction with Baghdad’s trade policies. PM advisor Mazhar Salih called tariffs “illogical” since Iraq exports only 200,000 barrels/day oil to the U.S. worth $4.5 billion annually, while importing $1.5 billion in American goods. Oil prices fell on global slowdown fears. Sources warn additional sanctions targeting Iraqi economic sectors imminent unless Baghdad opens dialogue channels with Washington.
Baghdad Cuts Kurdistan Salaries, Tribal Violence Erupts
Baghdad severed salary payments to Kurdistan Region employees May 28 over oil revenue disputes, triggering dual crises by July 10. KRG offered 280,000 barrels/day exports; Baghdad demanded 400,000. The Federal Supreme Court accepted employee lawsuits demanding payment restoration, with hearings set July 14. Separately, tribal warfare erupted in Erbil’s Khabat district after an arrest warrant was issued for Sheikh Khurshid Harki over a land dispute. Harki tribesmen clashed with Asayish using rocket launchers and automatic weapons. Peshmerga intervention failed to contain violence as tribes from four provinces pledged solidarity. National Security Adviser al-Araji deployed to Erbil for crisis management. The Interior Ministry declared the situation contained July 10 after Barzani family mediation. Multiple casualties were reported including Zeravani member Falah Hassan and Harki tribesman Samir Harki.
Coordination Framework Targets PMF Legislative Push
Coordination Framework forces scheduled evening meeting July 10 to advance Popular Mobilization Forces law and Federal Court legislation. The meeting agenda includes Kurdistan oil export resumption via Ceyhan pipeline, election law amendments, and Sadrist movement participation decisions. The Federal Court crisis erupted after six senior judges resigned over leadership disputes and potential Khor Abdullah Treaty ruling pressure. Judge Munther Ibrahim Hussein assumed court presidency after Al-Amiri retirement. Framework targeting legislative window before recess to institutionalize Iran-backed militias through legal framework.
PKK Stages Public Weapons Handover Ceremony in Iraqi Kurdistan
PKK fighters conducted a symbolic weapons surrender July 10 in Kurdistan Region’s Qandil mountains. Senior Kurdish officials from KDP and PUK attended alongside 180 international observers from Turkey, Europe, and the United States. The event follows PKK leader Ocalan’s February call to dissolve the organization and end the 40-year insurgency against Turkey. Turkish President Erdogan endorsed the peace process.
Iraqis Spend $2.3 Million Daily on Tobacco
The Iraqi Health Ministry revealed citizens spend 3 billion dinars ($2.3 million) daily on tobacco products during the National Smoking Cessation Day announcement. Campaign targets female smokers amid global statistics showing 8 million annual tobacco deaths including 1.5 million women.
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★ YEMEN
Yemen Fires Zulfiqar Missile at Ben Gurion, Israel Intercepts
An Iranian-manufactured “Zolfaghar” ballistic missile launched by Yemen’s Houthi forces was intercepted over central Israel early Thursday, prompting air raid sirens in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. This marked the first missile alert in Tel Aviv since the Iran-Israel war. Israel’s military confirmed the missile was launched from Yemen and was successfully downed without causing casualties. Flights at Ben Gurion Airport were temporarily suspended. The Houthis claimed responsibility, stating the airport was the intended target and warning of further operations. The attack highlights the ongoing threat posed by Tehran-aligned proxies despite a recent ceasefire between Iran and Israel.
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★ LEBANON
Israel Kills Hezbollah Commander, Raids Arms Sites in South Lebanon
Israeli forces carried out rare ground raids in southern Lebanon, destroying Hezbollah arms depots, tunnels, and infrastructure near Jabal Blat and Labbouneh. The operations, supported by drone strikes, killed senior Hezbollah commander Hussein Ali Muzhir. The IDF confirmed it also struck a Hezbollah command center concealed within a civilian building, saying precautions were taken to avoid civilian casualties. The raids were launched in response to ongoing ceasefire violations and aimed at preventing Hezbollah’s return south of the Litani River. Israeli officials linked the operations to U.S.-led efforts to disarm Hezbollah and dismantle its military presence along the border.
UK Proposes Watchtower Deployment Along Lebanon-Israel Border
Britain officially offered to install surveillance towers along Lebanon’s southern border with Israel and hand them to the Lebanese Army to support UN Resolution 1701. Beirut didn’t reject the offer but demanded first a ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal from occupied points, and an end to violations. Meanwhile, Israel’s reported ground operations proved to be media maneuvers.
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★ ISRAEL
IDF Destroys 130 Terror Sites and a Tunnel in Khan Yunis Offensive
Over the past week, Israeli forces dismantled 130 terror sites and killed dozens of militants in Gaza’s Khan Yunis. Troops destroyed weapons caches, launch sites, and a 550-yard tunnel, aided by Yahalom engineers and airstrikes on 180 targets. Lt. Gen. Zamir vowed continued operations to defeat Hamas and secure hostage release under “Operation Gideon’s Chariots.”
US Ships D9 Bulldozers to Israel Following Trump’s Embargo Lift
Dozens of US-made D9 bulldozers arrived at Haifa Port on Wednesday after Trump lifted a Biden-era arms embargo. The shipment, part of a record Israeli resupply effort, supports Gaza operations and follows delays in delivering 134 bulldozers. Over 100,000 tons of military gear have reached Israel since the war began, including heavy bombs and armored vehicles.
Israeli Soldier Killed Resisting Abduction Attempt by Hamas Gunmen in Gaza
Master Sgt. (res.) Abraham Azulay, 25, was killed during a Hamas abduction attempt in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. Operating an excavator, he fought back before being shot; troops thwarted the seizure of his body. Azulay, recently married, was posthumously promoted. The incident came as Israeli forces intensified ground operations in Gaza following deadly ambushes.
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★ SYRIA
Syrian Kurdish Political Party Undermines U.S. Envoy’s Integration Efforts
Kurdistan Democratic Party-Syria condemned U.S. Syria envoy Thomas Barak’s July 9 statements urging Syrian Democratic Forces integration with the Damascus government. Barak told Rudaw that the Syrian government showed “incredible enthusiasm” for SDF integration under “one state, one nation, one army, one government” framework but criticized SDF as “slow in responding and negotiating,” advising “there is only one road, and that road leads to Damascus.” KDP-S, a political party with no operational control over SDF forces, accused Barak of “exceeding authority” and causing “injustice against key partners.” Statement defended SDF’s anti-ISIS role while rejecting external pressure for Damascus integration.
Damascus Rejects SDF Proposals, Warns Against Delays in March Agreement
The Syrian government rejected SDF demands to retain independent forces and local rule in the northeast, urging swift implementation of the March 10 unification deal. Damascus warned against stalling tactics and reaffirmed its stance on a unified state and army. U.S. envoy Tom Barrack backed Syria’s position, calling federalism unworkable and SDF response too slow.
Türkiye, Azerbaijan to Supply Syria With Gas and Electricity
Türkiye plans to supply gas and 1,000 megawatts of electricity annually, with Syria with 2 billion cubic meters the Azerbaijani company SOCAR likely joining the project. Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar confirmed pipeline and power line restorations are underway, aiming to deliver 500 megawatts by year-end and boost Syrian electricity production by 1,300 megawatts.
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★ EGYPT/AFRICA
Israel Pressures Egypt by Limiting Gas Supply to Raise Prices
Israel reduced gas deliveries to Egypt to 800 million cubic feet daily—below agreed targets—to demand a 25–40% price hike. This move disrupted Egypt’s industrial recovery and defied a February pricing deal. Egypt warned of further supply cuts from Israel’s Tamar field in August, as Cairo seeks long-term alternatives while domestic production falls and summer demand soars.
Houthi Attacks Deepen Suez Canal Crisis and Revenue Losses
Renewed Houthi attacks in the Red Sea killed at least four crew members and reignited a maritime crisis, further slashing Egypt’s Suez Canal revenues. With losses hitting $7 billion in 2023, global shipping firms continue diverting routes. Cairo offers incentives and modernizes canal services to regain traffic, as the U.S. condemns the attacks as unjustified terrorism.
Fifteen Suicide Attempts Reported Inside Egypt’s Notorious Badr 3 Prison
Rights groups warned of a mass suicide risk at Egypt’s Badr 3 prison after 15 attempts were recorded in two weeks. Described as a “death trap,” the facility holds many aging political detainees in isolated, airless cells. Inmates, including prominent Brotherhood figures, launched a hunger strike on June 20, demanding basic rights and protesting years of total isolation.
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★ TÜRKIYE
Türkiye Detains Over 500 Erdogan Rivals in Sweeping Corruption Crackdown
Türkiye has detained more than 500 opposition figures—most from the CHP—in a sweeping corruption probe branded by President Erdogan as dismantling an “octopus” network. At least 220 remain jailed, including 14 elected mayors. Critics call it a political purge, with no indictments yet filed and evidence described as vague or fabricated. Imamoglu remains Erdogan’s top rival.
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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.
