★IRAN

1. UN Reimposes Sanctions on Iran, Diplomacy Still on Table

The UN restored arms and nuclear sanctions on Iran after Britain, France, and Germany accused Tehran of breaching the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement, prompting Iran to recall ambassadors and sending the rial to a record low. The EU pledged swift enforcement, Israel hailed the move, Russia rejected it, while Europe and the U.S. insisted diplomacy remains possible.

2. Iran Limits Stablecoin Use as Rial Hits Record Low

Iran’s Central Bank capped annual stablecoin purchases at $5,000 per person and total holdings at $10,000, effective within a one-month transition, as the rial fell to 1,136,500 per dollar. The move targets digital tokens like Tether, widely used to hedge against inflation and transfer funds abroad, during renewed UN sanctions and deepening economic instability.

3. Iran’s Clerical Leaders Confront Crisis During Nuclear Stalemate

UN sanctions snapped back after failed talks with Europe, deepening Iran’s isolation as inflation and public anger mount. Officials warn renewed economic pressure and fears of Israeli strikes leave Tehran trapped between resistance and collapse. Divisions within the ruling elite grow as sanctions hit oil, banking, and nuclear activity, threatening the regime’s stability.

4. Iran Executes Alleged Mossad Spy During Escalating Israel Tensions

Iran executed Bahman Choobi-asl, whom Iranian regime authorities had accused of being “one of the most important spies for Israel,” after the Supreme Court upheld his death sentence for espionage and “corruption on earth.” Officials accused him of aiding Mossad in breaching Iranian data systems. His execution follows a surge by the Iranian regime of over 1,000 hangings in 2025 during war and unrest.

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★ISRAEL

5. Spain Blocks US Arms Shipments and Flights to Israel

Spain has banned US planes and ships carrying weapons, ammunition, or military equipment to Israel from Rota and Morón bases. However, Spain will allow the US military to conduct stopovers at those bases without inspections. The move reflects Madrid’s strict stance over Gaza, following arms export bans, canceled Israeli defense contracts, recognition of Palestine, and ongoing investigations into human rights violations, straining relations with Israel and Europe.

6. Trump to Meet Netanyahu at White House Over Gaza Ceasefire

President Trump is set to host Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu at the White House to discuss a potential ceasefire deal with Hamas. The talks follow a 21-point plan aiming for the release of 48 hostages, transition to an Arab-led government, and phased Israeli withdrawal. Trump and Netanyahu say negotiations are in final stages, though Hamas has not yet received the proposal.

7. Netanyahu, Kushner Make ‘Significant Progress’ on Trump’s 21-Point Plan

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and adviser Ron Dermer held overnight talks in New York with Trump envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff on the 21-point Gaza peace plan. Officials said the meetings narrowed gaps and fostered optimism ahead of Netanyahu’s upcoming White House visit.

8. Hamas Reports Losing Contact with Two Hostages During IDF Advance in Gaza City

Hamas said it lost contact with two hostages as three IDF divisions pushed deeper into northern Gaza City. The group requested a 24-hour pause in Israeli operations to attempt their extraction. 

9. Around 800,000 Palestinians Evacuate Gaza City as IDF Intensifies Operation

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reported that roughly 800,000 residents have fled Gaza City as the IDF escalates its offensive against one of Hamas’s last major strongholds. The military, controlling over half the city, is deploying autonomous explosive-clearing vehicles and heavy fire cover, marking what Katz called the “decisive” phase of the operation.

10. IDF Kills Senior Nukhba Commander, Strikes Hamas Infrastructure in Gaza City

The Israeli Air Force killed Nukhba commander Hasan Mahmoud Hasan Hussein, involved in the October 7, 2023 attacks, while striking a Gaza City high-rise housing Hamas military infrastructure. IDF troops also dismantled tunnels, eliminated terror cells, and seized weapons. The operation, part of Gideon’s Chariots II, continues as Israeli forces control over half of Gaza City, with more than 800,000 residents evacuated.

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★SYRIA

11. Syrian President Meets WJC Head Lauder During Talks with Israel

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa met World Jewish Congress President Ronald Lauder in New York to discuss ongoing Syrian-Israeli negotiations. Talks on a security pact have stalled over Israel’s request for a humanitarian corridor for the Druze in Sweida. U.S.-brokered discussions aim for a “de-escalation agreement” while Syria’s government has said it will not join the Abraham Accords.

12. Syrian Judge Issues Arrest Warrant for Bashar al-Assad

A Syrian judge issued an arrest warrant for former dictator Bashar al-Assad over 2011 Daraa atrocities, including murder and torture, following a lawsuit by victims’ families. Assad fled to Russia in December 2024, ending six decades of Baathist rule, while the interim government plans international prosecution and special tribunals for regime-era crimes.

13. Reserve Officer Seriously Injured by Explosion in Southern Syria

A reserve IDF major preparing a post in southern Syria ahead of Yom Kippur was seriously injured in an explosion, likely caused by an old Syrian landmine. He was evacuated for treatment, and the IDF is investigating. The incident comes during stalled Israel-Syria talks over a proposed demilitarized zone and a humanitarian corridor to Sweida.

14. Drone Strike Kills Man in Northwest Syria, Likely Targeting ISIS

A drone strike in Taman‘ah, Idlib, killed Hashem Raslan, reportedly an ISIS leader, though his affiliation remains unconfirmed. The attack, believed to be by the U.S.-led counter-ISIS coalition, follows earlier drone strikes this month. Meanwhile, the Syrian Interior Ministry seized weapons and arrested former regime officers, as U.S. and Kurdish forces continue operations against ISIS across Syria.

15. ISIS Kills Six SDF Fighters in Deir Ezzor

ISIS claimed responsibility for killing six Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters in Al-Breiha, Deir Ezzor, on September 26, while SDF reported four deaths and one ISIS casualty during clashes. Since Assad’s fall in December 2024, SDF has carried out 70 operations against ISIS, seizing weapons and capturing leaders, though ISIS continues sporadic attacks in northeastern Syria, posing ongoing local and international threats.

16. Record Trade Growth Between Syria and Jordan in 2025

Trade between Syria and Jordan surged in the first seven months of 2025, with Jordanian imports from Syria doubling to 62 million dinars and exports to Syria reaching 130 million dinars. Key exports include construction materials, electrical equipment, and food products. Jordanian authorities say agreements with Syria strengthen bilateral cooperation and promote economic integration and trade flow.

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★LEBANON

17. Iran’s Larijani Discusses Lebanese State Monopoly on Arms

Iranian National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani focused on the issue of “monopoly of arms by the Lebanese state” during meetings with Lebanese government leaders in Beirut. Larijani’s discussions with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam highlight ongoing tensions between the Lebanese government and Hezbollah, which resists disarmament, leaving the political crisis and regional security dynamics unresolved.

18. Israel Strikes Hezbollah Weapons Depot in Southern Lebanon

The Israeli military targeted a Hezbollah weapons storage site in southern Lebanon, firing air-to-ground missiles that caused large explosions, while also striking a house in Houmine Al-Fawqa. Despite the 2023 US-brokered ceasefire, Israel continues airstrikes near the southern and Bekaa regions. Hezbollah has rejected calls to disarm, while the Lebanese government aims to centralize all weapons in Lebanon under six official security agencies by year-end.

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★YEMEN

19. Houthi Group Launches Missile, Drone Strikes on Israel

The Houthi movement in Yemen announced a military operation targeting “sensitive” sites in Israel using a hypersonic ballistic missile and two drones, striking Jaffa and Umm Rashrash. The attack reportedly forced millions of Israelis into shelters, while the Israeli army intercepted one missile.  The attack continues a two-year pattern of Houthi strikes on Israel and Red Sea vessels.

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★THE GULF

20. Qatar Mediates Release of American Held in Afghanistan

Qatar facilitated the release of U.S. citizen Amir Amiri, detained in Afghanistan for 10 months, who is en route to Doha before returning to the United States. The Qatari Foreign Ministry described the outcome as a result of effective diplomatic mediation with Afghanistan’s interim government, highlighting Qatar’s role in promoting dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution.

21. Gulf States Poised to Benefit from Trump’s New H-1B Visa Fees

Trump’s proposed H-1B visa fees, potentially reaching $100,000 per application, could drive global tech talent—especially in AI—toward Gulf countries. Saudi Arabia and the UAE offer long-term visas, tax-friendly environments, and lucrative compensation, bolstered by initiatives like Saudi Vision 2030 and UAE’s AI strategy. This positions the region as an alternative to the U.S. and Europe for skilled professionals.

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★AFRICA

22. Tensions Rise Between Damascus and Cairo Over Gaza

Protestors at Egypt’s embassy in Damascus denounced Cairo for not opening the Rafah crossing with Gaza.  The protestors accused Egypt of effectively aiding in Gaza’s blockade and blocking humanitarian aid. Egypt responded by criticizing the demonstrations, calling Syria “occupied” and warning of potential economic measures. Analysts say the dispute exposes fragile ties and risks undermining regional stability.

23. US Ambassador to Israel to Visit Cairo During Gaza Tensions

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee is set to visit Cairo to reassure Egyptian officials and ease border tensions concerning Gaza during stalled Egypt-Israel communications. The visit, reportedly suggested by Israel, aims to discuss political understandings and Israel’s intentions in Gaza. Huckabee’s talks are expected to clarify US positions and explore ways to defuse regional tensions.

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★IRAQ

24. Iraq Resumes Kurdish Oil Exports to Turkey After 2½-Year Halt

Crude oil resumed flowing from Iraq’s Kurdistan region to Turkey’s Ceyhan port on September 27, ending a 2½-year suspension. An interim deal between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region will allow 180,000–190,000 barrels per day, with plans to eventually reach 230,000 bpd. The resumption, supported by the U.S., settles pipeline disputes, boosts Iraq’s exports toward 3.6 million bpd, and includes mechanisms to address Kurdish producers’ outstanding debts.

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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.