★THE GULF

1. Qatar Denies Reports of Reconsidering U.S. Security Partnership

Qatar has rejected a report by the U.S. news site Axios claiming that it was reevaluating its security partnership with the United States following Israel’s airstrike on Doha. According to a statement from Qatar’s International Media Office, the report is “categorically false.” Qatar, however,  will host an emergency Arab-Islamic summit after Israel’s airstrike on Doha. Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed called the attack “treason”.

2. Abu Dhabi Bars Israeli Firms from Dubai Airshow Participation

Abu Dhabi informed Israel’s defense ministry it will bar Israeli companies from the Dubai Airshow in November, officially citing security reasons, though Israeli officials link it to recent Israeli airstrikes targeting Hamas leaders in Doha. The UAE condemned the attack on Qatar, expressed full solidarity, and warned that such escalation threatens regional and international security.

3. Saudi Arabia Seizes 14.85 Million Amphetamines Smuggled from Lebanon

Saudi authorities seized over 6.8 million amphetamine pills transported from Lebanon via Jeddah Islamic Port, hidden in paint shipments, during proactive monitoring of smuggling networks. In coordination with Lebanese authorities, suspects were arrested and an additional 8 million pills were confiscated, bringing the total to 14.85 million, with citizens urged to report drug-related activities confidentially.

4. Saudi Support for Syria: Oil and Renewable Energy Projects

Saudi Arabia is providing Syria with 1.65 million barrels of crude oil through its development fund to support refinery operations, fuel supply, and economic stability. Sultan Al-Marshed, CEO of the Saudi Development Fund, said the initiative aims to strengthen Syria’s economy and continues Riyadh’s support for the Syrian people. The barrels will mainly power the Baniyas refinery. Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power will collaborate with Syria’s Ministry of Energy to prepare bids for solar and wind power projects totaling up to 2,500 MW.

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★ IRAQ

5. Iraq Urges Global Pressure on Türkiye to Release Water

Iraq is experiencing its worst water shortage in decades due to low rainfall and reduced river flows from upstream countries, particularly Türkiye. Experts and officials urge the government to press Türkiye diplomatically and economically to release Iraq’s legally entitled water shares. The drought is forcing cuts in winter crops, straining rural livelihoods, livestock, fisheries, soil fertility, and overall food security.

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★LEBANON

6. Pentagon Approves $14.2 Million Security Aid for Lebanon

The Pentagon approved a $14.2 million security assistance package to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces’ ability to dismantle weapons caches and infrastructure of non-state groups, including Hezbollah. Backed by the U.S., the plan aims for full Hezbollah disarmament by year-end, following initial steps against Palestinian factions, amid rising tensions over the group’s resistance to government control.

7. Israeli Strikes Hit Southern Lebanon, Special-Needs School Destroyed

Israel launched a drone strike on southern Lebanon on Thursday, targeting a motorcycle between Ain Baal and Bazourieh, killing one person, and demolishing a building of a special-needs school in the Abu Tohl neighborhood near Ayta al-Shaab. Israeli attacks continue despite the November ceasefire, amid Lebanese and UN forces’ presence along the border and disputes over Hezbollah’s weapons.

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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.