★IRAN

1. Iran Seeks Chinese Missiles and Air Defenses in Oil-for-Arms Deal

Facing war damage and renewed UN sanctions, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and Armed Forces are negotiating with Chinese firms to acquire missiles, drones, and air defense systems as payment for oil shipments. The IRGC’s main partner, Haokun Energy, reportedly owes Iran nearly $1 billion, with talks underway to settle debts through weapons transfers despite U.S. sanctions.

2. Australia Introduces Bill to Label Iran’s IRGC a Terrorist Organization

Australia’s government has proposed the Criminal Code Amendment (State Sponsors of Terrorism) Bill 2025, allowing it to designate foreign state entities, including Iran’s IRGC, as terrorist organizations. The move follows ASIO findings linking the IRGC to two anti-Semitic attacks in Sydney and Melbourne in 2024, granting authorities new powers to criminalize collaboration or support for listed state actors.

3. UK Court Seizes Iran’s Last Western Oil Headquarters

A London appeals court ordered the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) to surrender its Victoria Street headquarters to satisfy a $2.4 billion claim by Crescent Petroleum, marking Iran’s final Western base for oil operations. The ruling follows two decades of contract disputes over gas deliveries, with NIOC facing over $7 billion in combined losses, legal costs, and lost revenue, highlighting Iran’s shrinking global footprint.

4. Iran Plans Joint Naval Drill with Caspian Littoral States Soon

Iran announced it will soon hold a joint naval exercise in the Caspian Sea with Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan, emphasizing that the region is off-limits to foreign powers. Navy chief Rear Adm. Shahram Irani said the five states enjoy strong cooperation in security and economic fields and can ensure stability without outside involvement.

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★ISRAEL

5. US, Qatar, and Türkiye Join Third Day of Gaza Peace Talks in Egypt

Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Türkiye’s intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalın, and senior U.S. officials, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, will join Hamas and Israeli negotiators in Sharm El-Sheikh for a third day of indirect talks. The discussions, based on a 20-point plan by former President Trump, aim to secure a ceasefire, hostages’ release, Hamas disarmament, and gradual Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza.

6. Trump Administration Helps Evacuate US Navy Soldier’s Mother from Gaza

Ahlam Firwana, the mother of US Navy Petty Officer Younis Firwana, was evacuated from Gaza through coordinated efforts by the Trump administration, Israel, and Jordan. The operation involved a temporary pause in IDF strikes, $10,000 for transportation, monitoring software, and diplomatic support, allowing her safe passage despite her family home being destroyed in Gaza and visa restrictions for other relatives.

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★TURKIYE

7. Türkiye’s Gas Shift Threatens Russia and Iran’s European Market

Türkiye aims to meet over half its gas needs by 2028 through domestic production and U.S. LNG imports, reducing reliance on Russia and Iran, its last major European markets. As long-term pipeline contracts near expiry, Ankara seeks flexible, smaller volumes while expanding LNG capacity and production, positioning itself as a regional hub and diversifying supplies during U.S. pressure to cut energy ties with Moscow and Tehran.

8. Türkiye Proposed $100M Halkbank Settlement to US at White House

Turkish officials reportedly offered a $100 million settlement for state lender Halkbank during President Erdogan’s recent White House visit with Trump, allowing the bank to avoid admitting guilt in a U.S. case over alleged Iran sanctions evasion. The Supreme Court cleared the case to proceed, though talks continue during efforts to improve U.S.-Türkiye relations strained by past defense disputes.

9. Türkiye’s Roketsan Unveils Tayfun Blok-4 Hypersonic Missile, Boosting Deterrence

Turkish defense firm Roketsan showcased its Tayfun Blok-4 hypersonic missile, highlighting Türkiye’s domestic capabilities in missile, radar, and sensor technologies. At the Military Radar and Border Security Summit, GM Murat Ikinci emphasized that missile strengthens deterrence, while AI, hypersonics, and space technologies remain critical for future defense independence during Western embargoes on Türkiye.

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★SYRIA

10. US Strike in Syria Kills Al-Qaeda Senior Planner

The U.S. Central Command announced that a precision strike in Syria on October 2 killed Mohammed Abdulwahab Al-Ahmad, a senior Al-Qaeda-linked planner and member of Ansar al-Islam. The operation aimed to disrupt terrorist leadership and planning capabilities. CENTCOM emphasized that U.S. forces remain ready to counter regional threats and protect American interests and allies.

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★IRAQ

11. Iraq Awaits Advanced Air Defense System with Electronic Capabilities

Iraq will receive a highly advanced air defense missile system in early 2026, according to Air Defense Commander Lt. Gen. Muhanad Ghalib al-Asadi. He said the system will mark a major leap in Iraq’s ability to counter modern aerial threats, capable of intercepting advanced aircraft and operating effectively in electronic warfare environments.

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★AFRICA

12. Qatar Pledges $7.5 Billion in Investments to Boost Egypt’s Economy

Qatar has committed $7.5 billion in direct investments to Egypt, focusing on tourism, real estate, renewable energy, agriculture, and infrastructure. Announced in September 2025 after bilateral talks, the package aims to address Egypt’s financing gap, strengthen foreign reserves, and promote long-term economic growth while enhancing Qatar’s strategic investment presence in key Egyptian sectors.

13. Tunisia and Algeria Sign Defense Pact to Address Regional Challenges

Tunisia and Algeria signed a defense cooperation agreement aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of both armies and addressing emerging regional threats. The pact, signed by Algerian Chief of Staff Gen. Saïd Chengriha and Tunisian Defense Minister Khaled Souhaili, covers joint training, intelligence sharing, border security, and coordination against terrorism, human trafficking, illegal migration, and organized cross-border crime.

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★THE GULF

14. Dubai Airshow Bans Israeli Defense Firms After Technical Review

Organizers of the Dubai Airshow announced that all six Israeli companies registered for the Nov. 17–21 event have been barred from participating following a “technical review,” without providing further details. The decision comes during ongoing regional tensions, two years after the Israel-Hamas conflict, despite Israel’s diplomatic ties with the UAE under the Abraham Accords.

15. GCC Plans Multi-Billion AI Investments with Human-Centric Focus

GCC Secretary-General Jassim Al-Budaiwi estimated past AI investments at tens of billions, aiming to multiply them to hundreds by 2030. He emphasized integrated collaboration among legislatures, governments, the private sector, civil society, and academia, placing humans at the center of AI to ensure responsible use, legislative cooperation, and economic development.

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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.