★IRAN

1. China Supplying Fuel Chemicals Aids Iran Missile Program Revival

Western intelligence reports indicate that Iran has imported about 2,000 tons of sodium perchlorate from China since late September to revive its solid-fuel ballistic missile program, defying renewed UN sanctions. The shipments, traced to multiple Chinese ports, highlight Beijing’s indirect role in Tehran’s rearmament during U.S. efforts to curb Iran’s missile and nuclear advances.

2. Widening Iranian Oil Discounts to China Deepen U.S. Sanctions Impact

Discounts on Iranian oil to China have widened to over $8 a barrel—the largest in a year—as new U.S., UK, and EU sanctions on Russia and Iran curb trade and strain Chinese refiners short on import quotas. Ample supply, weak demand, and sanctions fears pushed bids to $10 below Brent, with September imports falling to 1.2 million bpd.

3. UK Warns of Iran-Linked Smuggling Threat Off Somali Coast

The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency has warned of suspicious dhow activity off Somalia’s coast, citing possible links to Iran-backed smuggling networks supplying weapons and drugs to Yemen’s Houthis. Security sources suspect coordination with Somalia’s al-Qaeda affiliate al-Shabaab, raising concerns over expanding Iran-backed maritime terrorism threatening Red Sea and Indian Ocean trade routes.

4. Ayandeh Bank Collapse Exposes Iran’s Corrupt Financial Power Network

The collapse of Iran’s Ayandeh Bank, now absorbed into state-owned Bank Melli, has revealed a vast Ponzi-style scheme fueled by reckless lending, political protection, and self-dealing around the Iran Mall project. With over $5 billion in debt and millions of depositors affected, the scandal underscores systemic corruption threatening Iran’s financial stability and broader economic security.

============

★IRAQ

5. Iraq’s $3.05 Billion Election Spending Raises Corruption, Security Concerns

The Iraqi election campaign has seen spending exceed 4 trillion dinars (≈ $3.05 billion), prompting concerns about corruption, illicit funding sources, and political instability. Analysts warn that weak financial oversight could undermine democratic integrity and transparency, while low voter turnout is expected to further challenge Iraq’s political and economic stability.

6. Shiite Politics in Iraq Fractures as Najaf Clergy Retreats

Iraq’s Shiite political scene is fragmenting as the Najaf-based religious authority steps back from political guidance during frustration with ruling parties. Shiite forces are divided between state-supporting factions and networks tied to economic influence, forming fragile alliances—including with some Sunni groups—while regional and international pressures complicate efforts to build stable governance. Recent parliamentary elections highlighted the silent yet influential role of Najaf’s clergy. Analysts and civil leaders have called for systemic reforms, greater citizen participation, and a shift toward a civil state with transparent governance, despite persistent challenges.

=========

★ISRAEL

7. Netanyahu, US General Coordinator of Gaza Demilitarization to Counter Hamas Threat

During a visit to the joint US-Israeli ceasefire coordination center in Kiryat Gat, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Lt. Gen. Patrick Frank vowed a coordinated push to ensure Hamas’s disarmament. Netanyahu said Israel is working “in stages” to demilitarize Gaza, reaffirming that the goal will be achieved through continued joint operations.

8. IDF Strikes Gaza Weapons Depot After Hamas Ceasefire Violations

The IDF carried out a precision strike in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza, targeting a weapons and drone depot intended for an imminent attack against Israeli forces. The operation followed repeated Hamas ceasefire violations, after which Israel resumed enforcement while maintaining deployments under the truce framework, killing several senior Hamas and allied militant commanders.

=========

★AFRICA

9. Hamidti Denies Responsibility as El Fasher Massacre Crisis Continues

Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces leader, Mohamed Hamdan “Hamidti,” expressed regret over events in El Fasher after his forces seized the city, calling it a “turning point for Sudanese unity, by peace or war,” while avoiding responsibility. UN and Human Rights Watch reported mass killings of civilians, hospital executions, and over 2,000 deaths, with tens of thousands displaced and communications cut.

=============

★YEMEN

10. Israeli Intelligence Deeply Penetrates Top Houthi Leadership

A Yemeni official said Israeli intelligence has deeply penetrated Houthi leadership, including General Staff chief Mohammed Abdel Karim al-Ghamari, enabling targeted surveillance and operations. During this, Yemen’s Houthis arrested Yasser al-Houri, secretary of their political council, on suspicion of collaborating with foreign entities, as ongoing instability weakens their control, fuels rebellion, and undermines their security.

11. Houthi Forces Escalate in Hodeidah with Hezbollah Tunnels

Houthi forces have escalated militarily in Yemen’s Hodeidah, deploying reinforcements, establishing bases in residential areas and farms, and digging extensive tunnels and fortifications along the western coast under Hezbollah supervision. The network includes weapons storage and secret passages, while missile and drone platforms are positioned among civilians, violating the Stockholm Agreement and directly endangering residents.

=============

★TURKIYE

12. Türkiye Buys 20 Eurofighter Jets with Advanced Weapons Package

Türkiye has signed a deal with Britain to acquire 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets for £8 billion ($10.7 billion), including MBDA Meteor air-to-air missiles and Brimstone ground-attack missiles. The purchase, aimed at strengthening Turkish air defenses and regional military positioning, marks a peak in Ankara-West relations, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2030 and options for additional jets from Qatar and Oman.

13. Spain Orders 45 Turkish HÜRJET Jets for Training, Combat

Spain has approved the acquisition of 45 Turkish-made HÜRJET jets, with deliveries starting in 2028 and initial use for pilot training in 2029/2030. The deal includes collaboration with Airbus and Turkey’s TUSAŞ to build production infrastructure in Spain, and some aircraft may be armed for light-attack roles, boosting operational flexibility and Turkey’s defense export strategy.

==============

★THE GULF

14. Saudi Arabia Hosts China’s Vice President During Strategic Talks

Saudi Arabia hosted China’s Vice President Han Zheng yesterday at the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, where he met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss strengthening high-level exchanges, bilateral cooperation, and regional and global developments. The meeting coincides with a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea. Talks come amid stalled free trade negotiations since 2024, partly due to Riyadh’s concerns over cheap Chinese imports affecting its industrial transition beyond oil.

==============

★ Disclaimer: This publication 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.