★ IRAN
Iran Seeks Russian, Chinese Support to Undermine Snapback Sanctions
As EU states threaten to trigger snapback sanctions, Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi met with Chinese and Russian counterparts to secure backing. China’s crude imports from Iran jumped 445,000 barrels daily to 1.49 million in June, with Beijing stockpiling 82 million barrels in Q2 to effectively remove oil from global markets and support Iranian revenue streams.
Iranian Bot Army Infiltrates UK Political Discourse Successfully
Cyabra exposed a covert Iranian bot network that manipulated UK political debates through 1,300 AI-driven fake profiles reaching 200 million users. The network’s 16-day silence after Israel’s June 13 strikes revealed centralized control and hints at Russian coordination in broader disinformation campaigns targeting Western discourse.
Iran Rocked by Mysterious Blasts as Israel Faces Accusations
Iranian cities have seen daily mysterious explosions in residential areas for over three weeks. Officials blame gas leaks or old munitions, but opposition voices and Western intelligence link the blasts to Mossad sabotage after the recent Iran-Israel war. With no official clarity, the silent strikes appear to extend the shadow war inside Iran’s borders.
Iran’s President Calls for Unified Regional Action Against Israel
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian urged joint regional resistance to Israel, calling it a hegemonic project aimed at dividing and plundering the region. In talks with Iraq’s Interior Minister, he emphasized Iranian-Iraqi unity, praised Arbaeen cooperation, and proposed expanding ties through trade and academia. Iraq reaffirmed support for Iranian pilgrims and resistance to Zionist aggression.
Khamenei’s Office Rebukes Israeli Ex-Minister Over Psychological Warfare
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s office dismissed an open letter by ex-Israeli defense chief Yoav Gallant as psychological warfare. Gallant had claimed Israel’s military intelligence exposed Iran’s vulnerabilities in the June 2025 war. Tehran called the remarks propaganda, rejecting assertions of Israeli supremacy and framing the conflict as a battle over public perception, not territory.
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★ SYRIA
Israeli Airstrikes Hit Syrian Convoy in Sweida
Israeli aircraft launched four airstrikes targeting Syrian military tanks and armored vehicles withdrawing from Sweida despite an existing ceasefire, killing and wounding multiple Syrian soldiers. The Israeli army confirmed strikes were conducted under political orders after tracking convoys since the previous night, with an Israeli official telling Channel 14 the operation was coordinated with the U.S.
U.S. Reaffirms Support for United, Inclusive Syria Without Sectarian States
U.S. envoy Thomas Barak reiterated opposition to Alawite, Druze, or SDF breakaway states, urging talks with Damascus. He stressed Syria needs global support and sanctions relief for swift reconstruction. Barak emphasized Trump’s vision of a unified Syria with inclusive governance, calling dialogue with Damascus the only path for the SDF.
Druze Leader Hikmat al-Hijri Urges Armed Resistance Against Syrian Army
Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri reversed support for Syrian army entry into Sweida, accusing Damascus of betrayal and civilian attacks while calling on residents to resist “by all means.” The Druze spiritual leader’s video statement denouncing earlier agreements as coerced signals escalating confrontation despite his leadership previously welcoming state forces to restore order.
Speculation Grows Over Possible Syrian-Israeli Meeting in Brussels
Syrian FM Asaad Shaibani and Israeli FM Gideon Sa’ar appeared at a joint EU-Mediterranean summit in Brussels, sparking speculation over quiet diplomatic efforts toward a security or peace agreement. While Sa’ar welcomed Shaibani’s presence, his office denied plans for direct talks. Shaibani emphasized restoring Syria’s sovereignty, EU ties, and non-interference in southern unrest, particularly in Sweida.
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★ ISRAEL
Israel Submits New Gaza Ceasefire Map Showing Greater Flexibility
Israel submitted a third troop deployment map in ceasefire talks, showing increased flexibility near Gaza’s Egypt border. Egyptian and Qatari officials continued mediation as Israel and Hamas held eight rounds of talks in Doha. Disputes persist over Israeli withdrawal and aid distribution. Accusations of stalling and psychological tactics have further strained already fragile negotiations.
Six New Africa-Israel Caucuses Signal Diplomatic Expansion Drive
Six new Israel Allies Caucuses launched in Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Lesotho, Seychelles, Gabon, and Guinea-Conakry following the 2024 Africa-Israel Parliamentary Summit. Over 40 lawmakers from 20 nations affirmed Israel’s legitimacy and deepened ties. Plans include embassy relocations to Jerusalem, trilateral cooperation with the U.S., and initiatives countering China’s regional influence with Israeli innovation and Christian solidarity.
EU Weighs Sanctions on Israel Over Gaza, But Faces Division
EU foreign ministers met in Brussels to discuss sanctions on Israel over the Gaza war conduct and West Bank settler violence. Options include suspending a cooperation deal, imposing an arms embargo, and restricting visa-free travel. Despite Kaja Kallas securing Israeli pledges on aid access, no consensus emerged. Israel’s FM Sa’ar dismissed potential sanctions and welcomed Syria’s participation amid indirect diplomacy.
Agudat Yisrael Quits Israeli Coalition Over Draft Law Dispute
Agudat Yisrael withdrew from Israel’s coalition after a draft law on yeshiva student conscription failed to meet ultra-Orthodox demands. The move followed Degel HaTorah’s similar exit and rabbinical orders to resign. Despite Netanyahu’s prior pledges, rabbis threatened full resignations unless agreements struck before Iran’s attack were upheld. The coalition now holds 61 seats.
Three Israeli Soldiers Killed in Tank Incident in Northern Gaza
Three Israeli soldiers from Armored Battalion 52 were killed during a military operation in Jabalia when a powerful explosion struck their Merkava tank. Initially suspected to be from an RPG attack, later assessments pointed to a technical malfunction causing a shell to detonate inside the turret. This raises Israel’s military death toll since October 2023 to 893.
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★ IRAQ
Drone Attacks Hit Erbil Airport And Oil Facilities In Iraq
Explosions halted production at Iraq’s Sarsang oil field and targeted Erbil Airport and Khurmala oil field with no casualties. A U.S. firm confirmed suspension after a fire followed the blast. Drones struck Erbil and Khurmala on July 14–15, causing limited damage. Iraqi authorities say drones were of unknown origin, with no group claiming responsibility.
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★ LEBANON
Lebanese Army Dismantles Major Captagon Factory Near Syrian Border
The Lebanese army dismantled one of the largest Captagon factories in Al-Yamouneh, seizing drugs and 10 tons of equipment. A 300-meter tunnel used for smuggling was destroyed. The raid followed intelligence reports and is under judicial investigation. Captagon trafficking surged during Syria’s war; Syria’s new authorities continue efforts to curb the trade despite ongoing cross-border smuggling.
Israel Strikes Hezbollah Targets in Lebanon’s Bekaa Despite Ceasefire
Israel bombed Hezbollah’s Radwan Force sites in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, targeting camps, fighters, and weapons stores. The Israeli army said the locations supported operations against Israel and violated ceasefire terms.
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★ EGYPT/AFRICA
Trump Vows U.S. Mediation in Nile Dam Dispute with Ethiopia
U.S. President Donald Trump pledged to help resolve the Nile dam crisis, calling water vital to Egypt’s survival. His remarks follow Ethiopia’s plan to inaugurate the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam in September, despite Egypt’s rejection of unilateral moves. Talks collapsed in late 2023, with Cairo blaming Addis Ababa for ignoring compromise solutions.
Rapid Support Forces Kill 48 Civilians in Sudan Village Raid
Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces killed 48 civilians Sunday in Um Qureifa, North Kordofan, destroying homes and looting property. The attack occurred near RSF-held Bara, amid clashes with the army. Victims included women and children. Over 3,000 people fled nearby villages due to intensified fighting. The conflict, now in its third year, has caused massive displacement and fatalities.
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★ TÜRKIYE
Turkiye Oman Sign Energy Partnership Covering Regional Resources
Turkiye and Oman signed an energy cooperation agreement covering oil, gas exploration, transportation, refining, and renewable energy development including hydrogen technologies. Turkish Petroleum Corporation will jointly evaluate Omani oil and gas fields over three months under separate tripartite agreement with OQEP.
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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.
