★ IRAN
Iranian Officials Deny Assassination in Tehran Military Tower
An explosion rocked Tehran’s Chitgar Towers 14th floor—home to senior military and judicial officials—prompting assassination speculation despite Iran’s gas cylinder blast claim. Israeli media linked the incident to a pattern of post-war explosions, including one at a Tabriz refinery. Officials continue denying any security breach following the recent 12-day Iran-Israel war.
Iran Confirms Franco-German Cyclist Arrest in Tehran
Iran confirmed the June 16 arrest of 16-year-old Franco-German cyclist Lennart Monterlos, citing an unspecified offense. His detention occurred during the Israel-Iran conflict, prompting French concern over Iran’s alleged hostage diplomacy. Two other French nationals remain imprisoned on charges of espionage. France warned of retaliation, as EU states consider reimposing 2015 nuclear deal-linked sanctions.
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★ SYRIA
Damascus Threatens Escalation Over Lebanese Prison Detentions
Tensions escalated between Syria and Lebanon over the prolonged detention of more than 2,000 Syrians in harsh conditions in Lebanese prisons. Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa warned Beirut to resolve the issue promptly or face diplomatic and economic consequences, including border closures. The move follows Roumieh Prison suicide and growing public anger over severe economic fallout threats.
UN Finds No Active HTS Al-Qaeda Ties
A confidential UN report found no active links in 2025 between Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and Al Qaeda, supporting a potential U.S. push to lift UN sanctions on Syria and HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa. The report noted internal divisions within HTS and foreign fighter concerns from Russia and China. U.S. officials argue lifting sanctions could aid Syria’s reconstruction and curb extremism.
Wildfires Devastate Syrian Latakia Countryside, Consuming Fifteen Thousand Hectares
Wildfires continue to spread across rural Latakia, Syria, consuming over 15,000 hectares despite intensive containment efforts. Strong winds and hidden landmines from past conflicts accelerated blazes and hindered firefighting teams. Over 150 firefighting teams and 300 vehicles from Syria, Türkiye, Jordan, and Lebanon are engaged, with Iraq expected to join soon.
Israeli Bases Block Syrian Farmland in Quneitra
Israeli military expansion in Quneitra has closed 6,000 hectares of farmland and pastures, displacing livestock-reliant families, according to local official Mohammad Al-Saeed. Over eight bases were built inside the 1974 disengagement zone. Syria accuses Israel of exploiting false Hezbollah claims and violating international law, as civilians face worsening conditions and disrupted essential services.
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★ EGYPT/AFRICA
Egypt China Sign Financial Deals for Currency Cooperation
Egypt and China signed three agreements in Cairo to enhance financial cooperation using their national currencies. The deals include a currency swap, local currency payment settlements, and Egypt’s issuance of panda bonds in China. They also agreed to deepen banking sector ties and integrate digital payments. The move supports broader strategic and economic cooperation.
Fire Reignites at Cairo Ramses Central Telecom Tower
A limited fire broke out again Thursday night at Cairo’s Ramses Central telecom tower, hours after cooling operations ended from Monday’s deadly blaze. Flames erupted on the top floor and were swiftly controlled by civil defense teams. Egypt’s Interior Ministry confirmed the fire stemmed from residual heat. The earlier fire killed 4 and injured 27, prompting government compensation.
Armed Convoys Enter Tripoli as Militia Clashes Loom
Heavily armed convoys from Zintan and Misrata arrived in Tripoli early Friday, raising fears of imminent conflict as tensions grow between rival militias. Sources say the forces back Prime Minister Dbeibeh in a potential assault on the anti-government Radaa force controlling the Mitiga compound. International concerns are mounting as Tripoli braces for renewed violence while political deadlock persists.
Libya Türkiye Sign Military Cooperation Deal for Reconstruction
Libya and Türkiye signed a military cooperation agreement in Ankara aimed at restructuring and modernizing the Libyan army. The deal includes advanced training, logistical and technical support, and institutional development. Libyan Defense official Abdel Salam Zoubi emphasized the commitment to army rehabilitation, while Türkiye reaffirmed its strategic support for Libya’s military readiness.
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★ THE GULF
Saudi Oil Exports to China Hit Two-Year High
Saudi Arabia will export about 51 million barrels of crude to China in August—1.65 million barrels daily—marking the highest volume since April 2023, as it aims to regain market share. The increase follows higher demand from China’s Sinopec after maintenance shutdowns and comes as prices rise and OPEC+ plans to boost output by 548,000 bpd next month.
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★ LEBANON
Israel Kills Hezbollah Artillery Commander in Drone Strike
Israel confirmed it killed Hezbollah’s coastal artillery commander, Mohammad Jamal Murad, in a drone strike on a motorcycle in Mansouri, South Lebanon, also injuring two others. Murad was linked to recent rocket fire and efforts to rebuild Hezbollah’s artillery. The strike follows similar raids that killed four people earlier this week, as Israel continues operations despite a ceasefire deal brokered in November 2023.
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★ TÜRKIYE
Türkiye Spain Partner for Europe’s Largest Aircraft Carrier
Türkiye and Spain have partnered to construct Europe’s largest aircraft carrier, a 300-meter vessel to be built in Istanbul with the Spanish firm Navantia. Designed to carry UAVs, helicopters, and fixed-wing jets, the project boosts Türkiye’s naval role in NATO’s south. Despite Spain’s defense budget concerns, Madrid sees Türkiye’s tech edge as vital for this strategic initiative.
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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.
