July 28, 2025| 13:30 EST| 20:30 LEVANT

★ ISRAEL

1. Trump Orders Gaza Aid, Excludes Hamas, Condemns Iran Interference

President Trump said the humanitarian situation in Gaza is “intolerable” and called for unrestricted aid delivery through food centers open to civilians without barriers. Speaking alongside the UK Prime Minister, he emphasized that millions in aid and food would be coordinated with allied nations, warning that starving civilians must be reached quickly. Trump insisted that Hamas must play no role in any future for Palestine and urged Israel to allow greater aid access while managing the hostage issue. He accused Iran of actively interfering in ceasefire talks by directing Hamas and sending “dangerous signals,” warning that Tehran’s actions were destabilizing and unacceptable. Trump stressed that if necessary, the U.S. would act decisively against renewed Iranian threats. “The situation on the ground cannot continue,” he said, calling for a clear political roadmap after any ceasefire.

2. France and Saudi Arabia Push Two-State Plan 

The UN opened a two-day conference on ending Israeli occupation, co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, with 10 new countries expected to join France in recognizing a Palestinian state in the 1967 borders East Jerusalem as its capital. Talks to secure a Gaza ceasefire are advancing. The Trump administration is weighing a comprehensive agreement to end the war and secure full hostage release, following the collapse of a partial deal. Envoy Steve Witkoff met with Qatari officials in Sardinia, while Israel remains in contact with mediators. Israel halted its plan to build a “humanitarian city” in Rafah for 600,000 displaced Palestinians, citing expectations of a hostage deal. No replacement plan was announced. Meanwhile, Egyptian and Qatari mediators secured Israeli approval for humanitarian corridors and a 72-hour truce extension. Israel began tactical pauses in three cities and raised aid deliveries to 150 trucks daily, as the WHO warned of escalating famine and child deaths.

3. IDF Destroys Hamas Tunnel Network, Loses Two Soldiers In Ambush

The IDF announced that the 646th Reservist Brigade dismantled a Hamas tunnel in Beit Hanoun and eliminated approximately 400 terrorists in operations across Gaza. Supported by the Yahalom unit and the 

Israeli Air Force, forces also destroyed militant infrastructure in Netzarim, Shuja’iyya, Daraj Tuffah, and additional strategic zones. During parallel operations in Khan Younis, two Golani Brigade soldiers—Captain Amir Saad and Sergeant Yinon Noreil Fana—were killed when militants detonated an explosive near their APC after emerging from a tunnel. A second device targeting other troops failed to explode. One officer was moderately injured, and the battalion commander returned fire, preventing further casualties.

4. Israeli Defense Minister Threatens Khamenei With Direct Retaliation

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that continued threats could lead to direct targeting of Iran’s Supreme Leader. Speaking at Ramon Air Force Base with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Katz praised Operation Rising Lion and pledged stronger strikes if provoked. The statement follows Iran’s July retaliation and Khamenei’s reappearance after weeks in hiding. On Friday, a Mossad-linked X account claimed Khamenei spends his days “high on substances or sleeping”.

5. Netherlands Lists Israel as State Threat Alongside Iran and Russia

The Netherlands’ 2025 Threat Assessment named Israel, for the first time, alongside Iran, Russia, and Türkiye as a state actor seeking to manipulate public opinion and political decisions. The report cited Israeli efforts to influence Dutch discourse following antisemitic incidents and criticized the government’s unofficial communication with Dutch figures. Israel was also flagged for pressuring international courts.

6. Israeli Tech Gives Thailand a Strategic Edge in the Cambodia Border Conflict

Israeli defense technology is bolstering Thailand’s operations in its escalating border conflict with Cambodia. Thai forces have deployed Israeli-made drones, artillery, and missile systems to strike with precision and minimize collateral damage. Longstanding military ties—ranging from Elbit’s ATMOS howitzers to Rafael’s Spike missiles—have transformed Thailand’s capabilities, reshaping the battlefield with advanced surveillance and strike tools.

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★ IRAQ

1. Iraqi Police Clash With Iran-Backed Militia in Baghdad

Iraqi police clashed with fighters from Iran-linked Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) after they stormed the Agriculture Ministry in Baghdad to block a leadership change. One police officer was killed and nine others were injured. Fourteen fighters, reportedly from Kataib Hezbollah-affiliated PMF Brigades 45 and 46, were arrested. Prime Minister Sudani has launched an investigation.

2. Quds Force Chief Qaani Makes Surprise Visit to Iraq

IRGC Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani made a second unannounced visit to Iraq on July 28, meeting with Shiite political and militia leaders in Baghdad and Mosul. The visit came after Kata’ib Hezbollah gunmen clashed with federal police in Baghdad, prompting arrests and an investigation. His trip followed a July 17 visit where he conveyed Iranian intelligence about imminent Israeli strikes on Iraq. Qaani warned the Coordination Framework coalition to avoid internal collapse, as divisions deepened over the clashes. Sources say Iran seeks to reassert control over its allied factions amid U.S. pressure, Israeli threats, and internal dissent.

3. Drone Explosion Hits Erbil Without Casualties, Investigation Underway

A bomb-laden drone exploded in Erbil’s Rizgari area on Monday without causing injuries. Iraqi National Security Advisor Qassem al-Araji arrived with a top Baghdad delegation to discuss ongoing drone attacks targeting Kurdistan’s infrastructure. No group has claimed responsibility, though Kurdish authorities suspect factions linked to the Popular Mobilization Forces. Recent strikes halted oil production at key sites.

4. U.S. Sanctions Iraqi-British Tycoon Over Iran Oil Smuggling Network

The U.S. Treasury sanctioned Iraqi-British businessman Salim Ahmed Said for running a multibillion-dollar oil smuggling network, funding Iran’s regime, and the IRGC. Said used front companies across Iraq, the  UAE, and the UK to forge documents and bribe officials, disguising Iranian oil as Iraqi. The scheme involved vessel swaps, falsified origin papers, and a key role for VS Tankers and VS Oil.

5. Iraq’s Oil Revenues Reach $6.69 Billion in June on Nearly 99 Million Barrels Exported

Iraq exported 98.8 million barrels of oil in June 2025, generating $6.69 billion in revenue, according to the Oil Ministry. Exports from southern and central fields totaled 97.7 million barrels, with additional volumes from Qayyarah and 216,800 barrels sent to Jordan. Iraq is also advancing $27 billion in energy projects and expanding its pipeline network nationwide.

6. Iraq Repatriates 15,000 From Al-Hawl Camp in Syria

The Iraqi government has repatriated 15,000 citizens from Syria’s Al-Hawl camp, which houses ISIS-linked families. Of these, 10,000 have returned home, while 5,000 remain in the Al-Jadaa rehabilitation center. Roughly 18,000 Iraqis remain in the camp pending security screening. The return process, backed by international organizations, continues under a UN-Iraq reintegration initiative launched in early 2025. The camp, still holding 39,000 people, remains a flashpoint for extremism, recruitment, and cross-border movement near the Iraqi frontier.

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★ LEBANON

7. Israel Reasserts Control Over South Lebanon Using Drones Only

Southern Lebanese residents and security officials reported that Israel has established a de facto occupation of the border region using persistent drone surveillance instead of ground forces. Israeli drones now control movement, monitor homes, and record faces, with some even entering houses through open windows. In one documented case, a drone addressed two elderly residents by voice in the town of Houla. Lebanese authorities confirmed the area has become a de facto no-fly zone under Israeli enforcement, with strikes targeting homes and civilians. There are no Israeli troops, tanks, or checkpoints—only drones controlling access and presence.

8. Iran Pressures Berri As Hezbollah Prepares For War

Iran pressured Speaker Nabih Berri to shield Hezbollah’s weapons during U.S. envoy Tom Barrack’s visit, opposing calls for disarmament. Hezbollah warned of Lebanon’s “disappearance” if stripped of arms, while Barrack insisted the state must control all weapons. Simultaneously, Hezbollah raised military readiness and froze Al-Qard Al-Hassan loan repayments to redirect funds for war, signaling Tehran’s deepening interference and the group’s shift toward a full conflict posture.

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★ IRAN

9. Iran Seeks Chinese Jets As China Aids Missile Rebuild

A senior Iranian military delegation visited China to pursue advanced weapons, including the J-10C fighter jet. Iran’s air force failed to intercept 129 U.S. aircraft during Operation Midnight Hammer, exposing its degraded state. Tehran is now racing to rebuild its air defenses. Chinese J-10Cs gained prominence after their successful use by Pakistan in its May conflict with India. Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter warned of “troubling signs” that China is helping Iran rebuild its ballistic missile program damaged in recent Israeli strikes. He cited reports of Chinese shipments potentially containing chemicals and missile components.

10. Iran Conducts First Field Test Of Russian S-400 System

Iran tested the Russian S-400 air defense system for the first time near Isfahan on July 26, simulating drone and cruise missile threats. The drill evaluated radar tracking, long-range missile launches, and integration with Iranian systems like Bavar-373. 

11. Iran Bans Phones in Parliament As Israeli Espionage Fears Grow

Iran’s parliament banned mobile phones in sessions and committees, citing security threats, after reports of deep Israeli infiltration. Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf defended the move, stressing legislative integrity and intelligence concerns. The ban follows revelations of Israeli operations within Iran’s security infrastructure and fears of assassination risks tied to phone tracking.

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★ YEMEN

12. Houthis Say They’ll Target Any Ships Doing Business With Israeli Ports

Yemen’s Houthi group declared it will target any ship owned by companies doing business with Israeli ports, regardless of nationality or destination. This marks the fourth phase of their campaign against Israel. The Houthis, who resumed Red Sea attacks this month, warned of escalation unless Israel ends Gaza operations and its blockade.

13. Houthis Train Elite Forces for ‘Al-Aqsa Flood’ Invasion of Israel

Iran-backed Houthis completed training a third elite unit for a planned “Al-Aqsa Flood” invasion of Israel, 1,200 miles away, Israeli sources revealed. Videos show militants training with Israeli, U.S., and UK flags as targets. Despite U.S. de-escalation efforts, Houthis continue targeting Israeli-linked vessels and face repeated Israeli strikes on Yemeni ports and infrastructure.

14. Houthis Use Yemen as Regional Drug Hub to Fund Iran-Linked War Effort

Houthi militias have transformed Yemen into a major narcotics trafficking platform, smuggling tons of drugs through border points and coastal routes to fund their war and serve Iran’s agenda. Authorities seized over eight tons of illicit substances at Al-Wadiah crossing and foiled a large maritime shipment off Al-Hudaydah. Security officials confirm over 90% of the shipments trace back to Houthi networks. 

15. Houthis Caught Using Israeli Spy Tech Despite Anti-Israel Rhetoric

Yemen’s resistance forces seized a major Iranian weapons shipment to the Houthis containing an Israeli-made Cellebrite device used to extract mobile phone data. The Turbo Link tool enables invasive phone surveillance, contradicting Houthi claims of supporting Palestine. Experts say the militia uses such tech to spy on citizens, revealing stark hypocrisy in its anti-Israel narrative.

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★ GULF COUNTRIES

16. Kuwait Expands Turkish Bayraktar Drone Use For Dual Roles

Kuwait is intensifying efforts to utilize Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones across both military and civilian sectors. A $367 million deal signed in 2023 laid the foundation for this move. At a recent high-level meeting, officials discussed coordinating aerial surveillance operations and integrating drone capabilities into defense, border monitoring, environmental oversight, and infrastructure protection.

17. Qatar And South Korea Sign Deal For 25 LNG Carriers

Qatar’s Nakilat signed its first agreement with South Korea’s EXIM Bank to finance 25 new LNG carriers, fully built in Korean shipyards and owned by Nakilat. The deal supports Qatar’s LNG expansion strategy and boosts economic ties with Seoul. It also strengthens Nakilat’s fleet as Qatar plans to raise LNG output to 126 million tons by 2027.

18. Gulf GDP Hits $587.8 Billion, Non-Oil Sectors Lead Growth

Gulf Cooperation Council countries recorded $587.8 billion in GDP for Q4 2024, up 1.5% year-on-year. Non-oil activities drove growth, contributing 77.9% versus 22.1% from oil. Manufacturing led with 12.5%, followed by retail (9.9%), construction (8.3%), and public administration (7.5%). The IMF projects 2024 real GDP growth at 3.3%, with a 6.5% current account surplus.

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★ TÜRKIYE

19. Türkiye Unveils GAZAP, Its Most Powerful Non-Nuclear Aerial Bomb

Türkiye introduced the GAZAP, its most powerful non-nuclear aircraft bomb, at IDEF 2025. Weighing 970 kg, GAZAP delivers dense fragmentation at 10.16 explosions per meter and can be deployed from F-16s.Türkiye also showcased the NEB-2 “Ghost,” a 970 kg bunker-buster capable of penetrating 7 meters of high-grade concrete—tripling U.S. bunker-buster benchmarks.

20. Wildfires Threaten Türkiye’s Fourth-Largest City as Locals Evacuate

Wildfires near Türkiye’s fourth-largest city, Bursa, forced 1,765 evacuations and killed a firefighter as flames scorched 3,000 hectares and shut the Ankara highway. Blazes spread overnight but eased by morning. Fueled by record 50.5°C heat, 76 wildfires burned nationwide. Fourteen people have died since June. Authorities have launched legal action against 97 suspects in 33 provinces.

21. Moody’s Upgrades Türkiye Credit Rating Amid Inflation, Reforms

Moody’s raised Türkiye’s credit rating from B1 to Ba3, citing stronger monetary policy, easing inflation, and reduced economic imbalances. The outlook shifted to stable from positive, reflecting balanced progress and existing risks. Inflation dropped to 35% in June 2025 from 72% a year earlier, driven by interest rate hikes and credit tightening since Erdoğan’s 2023 reelection.

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★ SYRIA

22. Read Syria’s Exclusive Report

• ISIS Resurfaces in Eastern Syria With Two Armed Attacks
• SDF Warns No Disbanding As Paris Talks Collapse
• Assadist–Hezbollah Network Dismantled In Latakia By Security Forces
• Transitional Government Skips Elections, Bypasses Civil Representation Mechanisms
• Sweida Survivors Report Executions, Starvation, and Raids by Security Forces
• Suweida Unions Cut Ties With Damascus Over Government Inaction
• UN Demands Sweida Accountability as Aid Convoy Faces Monopolization
• No Clarification on Hazem al-Shara’a, Australian Extremist Role
• Detainees’ Children Vanished Under Assad, Transfers Unrecorded and Ongoing

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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.