July 22, 2025 | 13:00 EST |20:00 Levant Time
★ SYRIA
Coastal Findings: Assad Remnants Sparked, Undisciplined Forces Killed Alawites
The Syrian Fact-Finding Committee released its first official report on the coastal massacres that unfolded between March 6 and 9, 2025.
The statement confirmed that 265 individuals affiliated with Assad regime remnants were identified as suspects in orchestrating the March 6 offensive across Syria’s coast, which killed 238 security personnel and led to the seizure of multiple towns in an attempt to establish an Alawite separatist zone. The committee accused these remnants of executing wounded soldiers, killing Sunni civilians, targeting hospitals, and disposing of bodies in mass graves.
Between March 7–9, a total of 1,426 people were killed—mostly Alawite civilians and reconciled former soldiers—during retaliatory sweeps carried out by what the committee describes as “undisciplined loyalist elements” within pro-government forces. Among the dead were 90 women, while many of the men had previously signed settlement agreements with the new authorities. The committee emphasized that most killings occurred outside combat and after military operations had concluded, suggesting execution-style reprisals rather than battlefield deaths. These units, some formally under the Ministry of Defense, disobeyed official orders and operated with impunity. Witness testimonies, digital evidence, and official interrogations confirmed patterns of torture, summary executions, corpse mutilation, sectarian slurs, and house raids. While the state admitted a breakdown in command and acknowledged that some groups acted independently, the report stopped short of classifying the killings as war crimes and withheld the names of 298 suspects identified within loyalist ranks.
The state acknowledged a breakdown in control, citing fragmented command and partial authority. It declined to classify the killings as war crimes and withheld the names of 298 identified suspects within government-aligned forces. Most victims were Alawite civilians killed after hostilities had ended.
Israeli Army Arrests Arms Dealers Operating Inside Southern Syria
Israeli forces from the 210th Division and Unit 504 arrested and interrogated arms dealers inside southern Syria following intelligence on weapons transfers to armed groups. Confiscated weapons were recovered during the raid. The IDF confirmed it is monitoring the area and prepared for further scenarios.
U.S. Troop and Equipment Airlift Lands in Northeastern Syria
A U.S. military cargo plane landed at Kharab al-Jir base in Hasakah, carrying troops, advanced weaponry, and logistical supplies. The landing occurred overnight Sunday–Monday, accompanied by two U.S. helicopters. This marks a continued U.S. military buildup in SDF-controlled northeastern Syria.
U.S. Energy Firms Launch Post-Sanctions Investment Push in Syria
Following President Trump’s June decision to lift sanctions, U.S. firms Baker Hughes, Hunt Energy, and Argent LNG began planning a full-scale energy sector rebuild in Syria. Argent CEO Jonathan Bass confirmed the consortium will focus on oil, gas, and power generation infrastructure in regime-held western Syria. The plan includes exploration, production, and combined-cycle power plants. Bass met Syrian officials in Damascus during Israeli airstrikes and said U.S. efforts are coordinated with the new Syrian authorities. Eastern oil fields remain under SDF control. This marks the first major U.S. investment initiative since Assad’s fall.
Sharaa Survives Three Assassination Attempts, Türkiye Confirms Support
Turkish President Erdogan praised Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s stance in Sweida and vowed Türkiye’s full backing. Erdogan confirmed three assassination attempts on Sharaa within seven months, reportedly foiled with Turkish intelligence assistance. Erdogan stated that two of three Druze factions accepted a ceasefire, while the third allegedly collaborates with Israel. Turkish officials remain in contact with U.S. and Syrian counterparts as Ankara supports Sharaa’s consolidation of power and seeks to prevent Syria’s division.
Syrian Kurds Set Conditions to Support Sharaa Government Stability Efforts
Syrian Kurdish forces conditioned their support for stabilizing Syria on halting attacks in Jabal al-Druze, creating a humanitarian corridor, involving Druze leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri in talks, and securing written minority protections from President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The U.S. relayed the request during a meeting between envoy Tom Barrack and Kurdish commander Mazloum Abdi.
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★ IRAN
Iran Tests Satellite Rocket After War, Vows Nuclear Continuity
Iran tested its Ghased satellite rocket post-ceasefire with Israel, signaling advanced space and missile tech. The Ghased, a solid and fluid fuel rocket, was first inaugurated in 2020 by the Guard when it put a military satellite in orbit. Foreign Minister Araghchi confirmed heavy facility damage but denied abandoning the program. Talks with European powers are scheduled Friday in Istanbul; U.S.-Iran dialogue remains indirect.
Cheap Iranian, Russian Oil Threatens Fragile U.S.-China Trade Truce
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant warned that China’s increased imports of Iranian and Russian oil—both under sanctions—risk straining the fragile U.S.-China trade truce. Talks with Beijing are planned soon, after record Chinese oil purchases and threats of secondary tariffs on buyers. Washington also imposed new sanctions on firms shipping Iranian oil to China.
Larijani Rises Politically With Moscow Visit and Nuclear Warnings
Ali Larijani, senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, has reemerged politically through secretive diplomacy, including a recent visit to Moscow as a special envoy to Putin. Despite being barred from presidential races, he’s assumed a growing unofficial role in foreign policy, issuing nuclear threats, criticizing the West, and defending regional “resistance” groups, signaling a strategic political return.
Iran Silent on Port Blast as Families Face Threats, No Justice
Three months after the deadly Rajaei Port explosion in southern Iran killed 70 and injured over 1,200, no party has been held accountable. Only 8 of 58 families filed complaints, with others silenced by threats from the operating company, “Sina.” Evidence suggests the blast involved military cargo. No official report, apology, or compensation has been fully delivered.
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★ ISRAEL
Hamas Leadership Cutoff in Gaza Stalls Hostage Negotiations
Hamas negotiators in Doha lost contact with leaders inside Gaza since last week, halting hostage and ceasefire discussions. Despite Israel updating its troop redeployment map, which briefly raised mediator hopes, Hamas has not responded. Israel’s military incursion into Deir al-Balah is likely obstructing internal consultations. Meanwhile, U.S. officials expressed frustration over Hamas’s delay in replying to the latest Israeli proposal, and envoy Steve Witkoff’s absence from Doha underscored stalled progress. As Israeli operations expanded, 25 countries called for an immediate ceasefire, condemned forced displacement, and demanded the release of hostages after 654 days of war.
Likud Moves to Oust Edelstein After Coalition Collapse, Orthodox Exit
Likud launched proceedings to replace Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chair Yuli Edelstein, with a vote set for Wednesday. This follows the coalition’s breakdown after ultra-Orthodox parties quit over failed conscription legislation. The crisis has drawn fierce criticism from Naftali Bennett and Gadi Eisenkot, who accused Netanyahu’s government of political cynicism and national failure.
Romania Buys Israeli Anti-Aircraft Systems for $2.3 Billion
Romania signed a $2.3 billion deal with Israel’s Rafael Systems for six short- and very-short-range anti-aircraft systems, including training and logistics. The seven-year framework comes amid Russian drone intrusions and heightened defense spending since Russia’s 2022 Ukraine invasion. Europe led Israeli arms purchases in 2024, despite some Western cancellations over Israel’s war conduct.
Unpaid Leave Drives Israeli Jobless Rate to 9.4% in June
Israel’s jobless rate jumped to 9.4% in June, up from 3.4% in May, due to mass unpaid leave during the 12-day war with Iran. Over 294,000 workers were on unpaid leave, far exceeding forecasts. The expanded unemployment rate hit 10.1%, while the official rate excluding unpaid leave stayed at 2.7%. Compensation costs may exceed 4.5 billion shekels.
Twenty Gazans Die of Starvation in 48 Hours, Says Hamas
A Hamas health official reported 20 starvation deaths in Gaza within 48 hours, calling it unprecedented. The total death toll from hunger has reached 88, including 78 children, since the war began. UNRWA and AFP also cited rising starvation concerns. Israel denies widespread famine, claiming continued aid delivery to the Strip. Independent verification remains unavailable.
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★ LEBANON
U.S. Demands Weapons Timetable Without Guaranteeing Israeli Pullback
U.S. envoy Tom Barrack pressed Beirut to commit to a weapons delivery timetable before year-end but offered no U.S. guarantees on Israel’s withdrawal from five disputed points. Lebanese officials gave no timetable or concrete steps to restrict arms to the state.
IDF Kills Hezbollah Operative Rebuilding Infrastructure in Southern Lebanon
The IDF killed a Hezbollah operative in Bint Jbeil for restoring infrastructure, violating the 2024 ceasefire. Similar strikes recently hit targets in Khiam and Yohmor. The IDF warned that such actions breach prior understandings. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejected disarmament demands and declared the group recovered and ready to confront Israeli forces.
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★ YEMEN
Houthi Claims Striking Ben Gurion Airport
The Houthis claimed they fired a hypersonic “Palestine-2” missile at Ben Gurion Airport, allegedly halting operations in retaliation for Gaza. Since July 2024, Israel has launched 12 strikes on Houthi-held infrastructure, hitting ports and Sana’a Airport. Damage to Hodeidah halted $2 billion in annual revenue and shifted commerce to government-run ports. The airport remains shut, affecting thousands.
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★ IRAQ
Gas Shortage Cuts Iraq’s Power Output by Over 4,000 Megawatts
Iraq’s electricity production has dropped to 24.5 GW amid a summer demand surge, losing over 4 GW due to reduced gas imports. Only 22 million cubic meters of gas are being supplied daily—far below the 55 million needed. The government hopes recent payments for Iranian gas will boost supply, while pushing forward smart grid reforms.
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★ TÜRKIYE
Zelenskyy Confirms Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks Wednesday in Türkiye
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the next round of peace talks with Russia will take place Wednesday in Türkiye, led by Security Council head Rustem Umerov. The negotiations follow two prior meetings with no breakthroughs. Ukraine rejects Russia’s demands for NATO withdrawal and territorial concessions, while both sides continue limited prisoner exchanges.
Türkiye Debuts Indigenous THUNDERBOLT Naval Gun at IDEF 2025
Turkish firm ERMAKSAN unveiled its dual-barrel “THUNDERBOLT 40/70 T” naval gun at IDEF 2025 in Istanbul, developed under a strategic defense ministry agreement. The system fires 600 rounds per minute, reaches 12.5 km, and rotates 360 degrees. It aims to replace imports with sustainable, cost-effective domestic platforms.
Türkiye Secures $2.8B Green Loan for Nakhchivan Rail Link
Türkiye secured $2.8 billion in green financing for the Kars–Iğdır–Dilucu railway linking Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan exclave. The deal, backed by Japan’s MUFG Bank and EU export credit agencies, supports Ankara’s green transition, reduces import dependency, and boosts regional trade and infrastructure integration.
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★ EGYPT/AFRICA
Egypt Offers Anti-Terror Support to Nigeria
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aaty conveyed President El-Sisi’s message to Nigerian leaders during a visit to Abuja, offering Cairo’s support in counterterrorism efforts. Egypt pledged training and field assistance through Al-Azhar and the Cairo Peace Center. A cooperation memorandum was signed to formalize expertise transfer, aligning with shared African security objectives.
Haftar Administration Signs Turkish Deal to Upgrade Libya Airports
Libya’s Reconstruction Fund, led by Belqasem Haftar, signed contracts in Ankara with Türkiye’s ALBAVVABA company to modernize air and ground navigation systems at airports across eastern and southern Libya. The agreement expands prior Turkish cooperation in Benghazi infrastructure projects and signals deepening ties between Ankara and Haftar’s eastern administration, marking a shift from previous political tensions.
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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.
