★ISRAEL

1. Israel Marks Two Years Since Hamas’s Deadly October Attack

Israel commemorates the second anniversary of Hamas’s surprise attack on October 7, 2023, which killed 1,219 people and abducted 251 hostages, 47 of whom remain in Gaza. Since then, Israel’s military campaign has caused massive destruction and over 67,160 Palestinian deaths, while indirect negotiations in Egypt continue to seek an end to the conflict.

2. Netanyahu Warns Iran Developing Missiles Capable of Striking U.S. Cities

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Monday that Iran is developing intercontinental missiles able to strike U.S. cities, calling it a major threat during an interview with Ben Shapiro. He highlighted Israel’s cooperation with the U.S. on advanced defense systems and intelligence sharing, and said the Gaza war is nearing its end but cannot conclude while Hamas remains in power.

3. Putin, Netanyahu Discuss Gaza War, Iran Nuclear Program, U.S.-Russia Tensions

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone call Monday to discuss the Gaza war, Iran’s nuclear program, and regional stability. Putin reiterated support for a comprehensive Palestinian settlement as they reviewed U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan, while Netanyahu sought to ease tensions between Washington and Moscow.

4. Study: U.S. Provided $21 Billion in Military Aid to Israel Since Gaza War

A new academic study shows that the U.S. has delivered at least $21.7 billion in military aid to Israel since the start of the Gaza war on October 7, 2023, under Presidents Biden and Trump. Additional reports estimate around $10 billion spent on broader Middle East security and operations, offering comprehensive insights into U.S. military support and intervention costs in the region.

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★IRAN

5. Iran Discovers 10 Trillion Cubic Feet of Gas in Pazan Field

Iran announced a new natural gas discovery of 10 trillion cubic feet in the Pazan field, southern Iran, with an estimated 7 trillion cubic feet recoverable. Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad said extraction could begin in 40 months. The find may help address domestic gas shortages, as Iran consumes most of its production or loses it to flaring despite holding the world’s second-largest reserves.

6. World Bank Projects Sharp Contraction for Iran During Regional Growth

The World Bank expects Iran’s economy to contract 1.7% in 2025 and 2.8% in 2026, citing reduced oil exports, tighter sanctions—including UN restrictions—and disruptions from recent conflicts. While regional growth across the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan rises to 2.8% this year, Iran remains a key outlier, facing severe economic challenges during mounting geopolitical pressures.

7. Iranian Revolutionary Guard Says Two Killed in Western Iran Clashes

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard reported that two of its members were killed and three injured in an attack in Sarvabad, western Kurdistan province, after assailants threw a hand grenade at a security post. The incident ended about an hour later, and no group has claimed responsibility. The region has long experienced Kurdish and other insurgent activity targeting Iranian forces.

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★TURKIYE

8. Türkiye Contacts Hamas Groups Holding Hostages During Gaza Proposal Talks

Türkiye has established contact with two Hamas groups holding hostages for the first time, a source told The Jerusalem Post on Monday. The move follows Israel’s deportation of 137 flotilla activists and comes as U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan faces hurdles, with Israel insisting no steps proceed until all 48 hostages are freed.

9. Türkiye May Intervene in Kurdish-Syrian Conflict if SDF Refuses Integration

Türkiye, in coordination with Syria’s transitional government, may launch military action against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) if they fail to join the national army, a Turkish newspaper reported. Ankara labels the SDF as a terrorist group linked to the PKK and has set a year-end deadline for integration, with officials planning talks on October 8 to address Kurdish fighters and joint anti-terror efforts.

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★SYRIA

10. Syrian Army and SDF Reach Ceasefire in Aleppo Following Clashes

The Syrian army and U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) agreed to a ceasefire in two Aleppo districts after recent clashes. Tensions had risen during stalled implementation of a March deal to integrate the SDF into state institutions. Sporadic fighting displaced families, and one security officer was killed.

11. U.S. Envoy Brack Meets SDF Leader in Northeastern Syria

U.S. envoy Tom Brack, accompanied by CENTCOM commander Brad Cooper, visited northeastern Syria to hold “substantive” talks with Syrian Democratic Forces leader Mazloum Abdi, advancing President Trump’s vision of Syrian unity. The visit, a first to the region, comes during rising clashes between the SDF and Syrian army in Aleppo, while the SDF’s political wing rejected recent parliamentary elections as unrepresentative.

12. Syria Plans Local Production of Trains and Buses with Italian Support

Syria is developing a domestic transport manufacturing sector with Italian engineering firm “Blu,” aiming to produce trains, buses, and electric vehicles. Transport Minister Yaarab Badr emphasized self-reliance and modern infrastructure, while investment officials highlighted workforce training, factory creation, and freight transport improvements, including enhanced locomotives for goods like phosphate, leveraging Italian expertise for design, cost, and fleet standards.

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★LEBANON

13. Lebanese Government Keeps ‘Monopoly of Arms’ Deliberations Secret

Lebanon’s government decided to keep deliberations on the army’s “monopoly of arms” plan confidential after reviewing the initial report. Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi praised the report, while the government suspended the “Alam wa Khabar” permit for the Rasalat Association following controversy over images of former Hezbollah leaders. The army will continue submitting monthly updates to the cabinet.

14. IDF Strikes Hezbollah Targets, Kills Senior Operatives in Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces struck Hezbollah military sites in Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley and Southern regions Monday, targeting Radwan Force compounds, weapons storage, and training areas. The IDF also killed senior operatives Hasan Ali Jamil Atwi and Ali Muhammad Qara’uni, citing their roles in rearming Hezbollah and maintaining Iran-linked networks. Israel stressed the attacks address violations of the 2024 ceasefire and ongoing regional threats.

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★YEMEN

15. Yemen’s Houthis Use Sudan for New Arms Smuggling Routes

Yemen’s Houthi rebels are shifting arms smuggling to Sudan and Eritrea after U.S. and Arab forces cracked down on their Arabian Sea routes. Recent seizures at Aden port included over 2,500 tons of weapons, drones, and military equipment. Houthis, with Iranian backing, have increased their presence near Port Sudan, enabling attacks on Red Sea shipping, including vessels linked to Israel.

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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.