Editor’s Note:

Today’s edition highlights major Trump-Erdogan bilateral developments addressing Gaza, Syria, Ukraine, and Russia, alongside Turkish defense procurement and sanctions relief discussions.

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★ISRAEL

1. Trump Says Gaza Deal Could Happen Today After Arab Leaders Meeting

Trump said a Gaza deal “could be today” after meeting with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, and Jordan’s king at the UN General Assembly, calling it “a really great meeting” where “a lot was determined.” The president confirmed “very strong dialogue” with regional leaders and believes “we’re close to getting some kind of a deal done.” Trump emphasized wanting “the hostages back” all “at one time” rather than gradually, estimating “20 living hostages and probably 38 or so dead hostages.” He said Turkish help is unnecessary for hostage release and will tell Israel “let’s go” to secure releases.

2. Israel Strikes Houthis In Yemen After Drone Attack On Eilat

Israel said about 20 aircraft struck seven Houthi targets in Yemen’s Sanaa Thursday, dropping more than 65 munitions on command centers, weapons depots, and military camps, killing dozens of militants. The strikes followed a drone attack in Eilat that wounded civilians and were ordered by Prime Minister Netanyahu and confirmed by Defense Minister Katz as part of Operation “Crossing Package,” while the IDF also intensified operations in Gaza and the West Bank.

3. Trump Vows To Block Israeli West Bank Annexation During Talks

President Trump privately assured Arab and Muslim leaders in New York he would pressure Israel against West Bank annexation while promoting a U.S.-backed Gaza peace plan, officials said.

4. Spain Pledges Warship Escort For Gaza Aid Flotilla

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced he will send a military warship to protect an international flotilla delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza after drone attacks near Greece, noting participants from 45 countries aim to provide food and show solidarity.

5. IDF Soldier Killed in Hamas Sniper Attack in Gaza City

Staff Sgt. Chalachew Shimon Demalash, 21, of the IDF’s Nahal Brigade, was killed Wednesday while manning a guard post in Gaza City. Defense Minister Israel Katz offered condolences, praising his bravery. Demalash’s death raises Israel’s Gaza offensive toll to two, amid intensified strikes that displaced thousands and reportedly killed at least 11 civilians in central Gaza.

6. Bennett Pledges Prime Minister Term Limits If Re-Elected

Former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett announced he will push legislation capping future prime ministers to two terms or eight years if elected in 2026, saying the law would be introduced at the first government meeting and included in coalition agreements. He added the reform is part of his stabilization plan and would accompany a commission of inquiry into the October 7 massacre.

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★SYRIA

7. Trump Credits Turkiye With Syrian Regime Change Victory

President Trump today credited Turkish President Erdogan with orchestrating Assad’s fall, stating “He took over Syria” and describing the achievement as ending “2,000 years” of failed attempts. Trump revealed he lifted U.S. sanctions on Syria at the request of Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar to “let them breathe.” The president described Syria’s new leadership as Turkish “surrogates” and called the regime change “a victory for Turkiye.” Trump urged Erdogan to “take the credit” for the accomplishment, stating “all of those people are his surrogates.” The remarks, made during bilateral meetings, reveal the extent of Turkish influence over Damascus’ transition and show U.S. sanctions policy responding directly to regional ally requests.

8. Syria, Ukraine Restore Diplomatic Relations After UNGA Meeting

Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a communique restoring diplomatic ties on the sidelines of the UNGA, discussing security threats, cooperation opportunities, and mutual respect, marking Syria’s first UNGA participation in nearly six decades. Al Sharaa also met U.S. President Donald Trump for the second time this year.

9. Saudi Arabia, Qatar Announce $89 Million Support For Syria

Saudi Arabia and Qatar pledged $89 million Wednesday to fund Syrian public sector salaries for three months, coordinated with UNDP to sustain essential services and stabilize budget allocations, Saudi Press Agency reported. The assistance comes alongside recent Saudi energy agreements with Damascus, including oil supply and memorandums of understanding in energy sectors signed in August. 

10. Syrian Government Faces Renewed ISIS Attacks And Internal Strife

Syria’s new leadership confronts persistent ISIS terror attacks, violent sectarian clashes, Israeli military strikes, and internal disputes, destabilizing the transitional government and threatening regional security.

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★LEBANON

11. Hezbollah Anniversary Display Co-opts Assassinated Lebanese Prime Minister Image

Hezbollah marks the first anniversary of Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine’s assassinations with an 18-day program, including Raouche Rock illumination, defying Lebanese government bans. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam prohibited use of public landmarks for political acts. Beirut governor Marwan Abboud allowed a rally but banned lighting the rocks. Hezbollah proceeded with illumination, including pictures of Nasrallah and slain Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and his son, shocking local analysts. Hezbollah also illuminated the Iranian flag on the rock. Reports indicate that Hezbollah supporters temporarily renamed Beirut’s Raouche Rock on Google Maps. The new names included “Nasrallah Rock” and “Rock of the Martyr of the Nation.” Janoubia monitored Hezbollah-affiliated websites and news accounts boasting about changing the landmark’s name. The promotional campaign lasted for a short period. Coordination Unit head Wafiq Safa attended with heavy security, stating, “We are coming to light it up.” Lebanese officials report 5,000+ dead, 300,000 displaced, and $14 billion destroyed since Hezbollah joined the Gaza war. U.S. envoy Tom Barrack says the group still receives $60 million monthly, continues paying fighters $500–$700. Hezbollah disbursed $1 billion to 50,000 families since the November 2024 ceasefire.

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★TURKIYE

12. Turkiye Seeks F-35 F-16 Patriots During Trump Meeting

President Trump confirmed Turkiye wants to purchase F-16s, F-35s, and Patriot systems during bilateral meetings with President Erdogan today, promising journalists “You’ll know by the end of the day” regarding the outcome. When questioned about previous administrations’ refusal to sell Patriots to Turkiye, which caused Turkiye’s F-35 program expulsion, Trump called Patriots “the best system” and stated F-16 discussions are “in great shape.” Trump promised “I’m going to see to it that we get that to him” and expressed confidence Erdogan “will be successful with buying the things he’d like to buy.” Erdogan said Turkiye-US relations can reach “a much different level” during Trump’s second term.

13. Trump Offers Immediate Sanctions Relief After NATO Spending Success

Trump said CAATSA sanctions against Turkiye could be lifted “almost immediately” if they have “a good meeting,” acknowledging Turkiye is “removing tariffs on US goods” and that Erdogan has “tremendous influence in the region.” The president highlighted NATO countries’ increased spending from 2% to 5% of GDP after his previous term, calling the NATO-US relationship “the strongest it’s ever been.” Trump emphasized NATO countries are spending “trillions of dollars” purchasing US defensive systems including Patriots, javelins, and missiles, contrasting his sales approach with “Biden gave $350 billion.” Trump credited the spending increase occurring “6 months ago when I was there.”

14. Trump Suggests Erdogan Stop Russian Oil Purchases for Ukraine Peace

When asked about a joint Trump-Erdogan initiative to bring Putin and Zelensky to peace talks, Trump said Erdogan is “very respected by both of them” and could “have a big influence.” Trump noted Erdogan is “very neutral” and “likes being neutral” but suggested “the best thing he could do is not buy oil and gas from Russia.” Trump expressed disappointment in Putin, stating Russia “lost millions” including “like a million soldiers” while gaining “almost no land” despite heavy bombardment over two weeks. Trump concluded “I think it’s time to stop” regarding the Ukraine conflict.

15. Türkiye’s Opposition Re-elects Ousted Istanbul CHP Head

Türkiye ’s main opposition CHP re-elected Ozgur Celik as Istanbul provincial head after a court had removed him over alleged delegate vote irregularities. The party rejected the accusations, citing politicization of the judiciary amid a year-long crackdown on CHP members. Celik called the congress “a new beginning” as the party aims to become the ruling force.

16. Türkiye Signs Major LNG Import Deals with US and Australia

During President Erdoğan’s UN visit, Türkiye’s state energy firm BOTAŞ and Mercuria signed a 20-year agreement to import 4 bcm of US LNG annually from 2026, totaling 70 bcm over the contract. Additionally, BOTAŞ signed a nine-year deal with Australia’s Woodside Energy for 5.8 bcm LNG, aiming to diversify energy sources, boost supply security, and strengthen US-Turkiye trade ties toward $100 billion.

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★IRAN

17. Iranian Suicide Drone Tactics Reshape Modern Air Warfare

Iranian Shahed drones spurred global demand for low-cost, long-range suicide drones. Militaries and defense firms are racing to develop copycat models. Shaheds cost tens of thousands of dollars each and can strike precisely. Their low price enables mass launches that can exhaust layered air defenses. Analysts say Russia and Ukraine combat use proved operational impact. This trend is driving procurement and doctrine changes among U.S. allies and rivals.

18. Iran Intensifies Crackdown On Christians Following Israel Conflict

Human-rights group Heart4Iran reports Iranian Christians and Baha’is are increasingly arrested, imprisoned, or forced into hiding amid government fears of espionage following the recent 12-day Israel conflict, with at least 70 believers currently detained and house churches raided, while public monitoring and intimidation have silenced youth protests and reduced counseling calls.

19. Iran Signals Willingness To Resume Nuclear Talks With U.S.

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian told the UNGA Tehran has no nuclear weapons ambitions, while U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff expressed readiness to restart talks, amid looming European snapback sanctions set for September 27 if Iran fails to meet inspection and enrichment conditions.

20. Iran Unveils Alleged Israeli Nuclear Documents, Experts’ Identities

Iran’s intelligence minister Esmail Khatib revealed documents and footage said to expose Israel’s nuclear program, identifying 189 Israeli scientists and officials, and alleging some cooperated for money. The report cited sites including Dimona and Weizmann Institute, claimed Israel-France ties under “SARAF,” and even showed private photos of IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, accusing Israeli intelligence of global espionage.

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★AFRICA

21. US-Backed Direct Talks Loom to Resolve Sudan Crisis

US Africa and Middle East advisor Masad Polis said Sudan’s army and Rapid Support Forces are nearing direct negotiations to end one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. At UN meetings in New York, the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt stressed peace and humanitarian aid. Some aid has begun reaching Darfur amid ongoing conflict that has killed over 150,000 and displaced 15 million.

22. Egypt Begins Training Palestinian Forces to Secure Gaza Post-Conflict

Egyptian Prime Minister  Mostafa Madbouly announced the start of training Palestinian security forces to ensure the Palestinian Authority holds exclusive control over arms, excluding Hamas or other factions. Speaking at a UN meeting on Gaza’s “day after,” he emphasized international support, political agreements, and potential deployment of a UN-backed mission to restore Palestinian governance and link Gaza with the West Bank.

23. Egypt Seizes Drugs Worth $52 Million in Ismailia Farm Raid

Egyptian authorities confiscated 55 tons of drugs valued at 1.6 billion EGP in a 3.5-feddan Ismailia farm, including 21 tons of mature hydro plants and 6.5 tons stored secretly. Police arrested one gang member with additional cannabis and hydro, along with firearms, as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks.

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★IRAQ

24. Iraq Suffers $25 Billion Loss from Kurdish Oil Halt

Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein said the country lost $22–25 billion due to halted oil exports from Kurdistan, with flows expected to resume this week pending federal approval. The regional government and most oil companies reached an agreement, potentially restarting initial exports of 230,000 barrels per day via the Turkiye pipeline, amid concerns over OPEC+ oversupply.

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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.