★THE GULF

1. Trump Weighs Saudi F-35 Sale While Facing Israeli Objections

President Trump has not approved a US-Saudi F-35 sale, with top US and Israeli officials warning it could erode Israel’s qualitative military edge and expose sensitive technology to Chinese influence. Multiple American outlets confirm the deal remains under “consideration,” not final approval, while talks continue linking any transfer to Saudi progress on Israel normalization, leaving the outcome uncertain.

========

★SYRIA

2. China Pressures Sharaa as Ties Reset for Loans

China moved cautiously to resume ties with Syria’s new government—led by ex-al-Qaeda and ISIS figures Ahmed al-Sharaa and Asaad al-Shaibani—pledging limited reconstruction support in Beijing if Damascus clamps down on Xinjiang militants and assures Chinese security interests. During Shaibani’s visit, China pressed Syria to halt Uyghur militant activity and prevent its territory from being used against Beijing, while the regime publicly denied reports it would transfer Uyghur detainees to China. Investment deals and infrastructure projects remain contingent on Syria’s compliance as Beijing seeks guarantees against terrorism and financial opacity from a regime notorious for extremist roots and regional instability.

3. Syria’s Telecom Price Hikes Trigger Protests 

Syria’s main operators Syriatel and MTN doubled internet and phone prices and scrapped low-cost data bundles just days after President Ahmed al-Sharaa returned from Washington, sparking public outcry and boycott calls. The Ministry of Communications demanded explanations and service improvements but did not reverse the hikes, while Syrians—many earning only $80–$120 a month—now face some of the highest regional telecom costs for some of the region’s lowest quality.

4. Sharaa Orders Brother’s Office Closed As Corruption Crisis Grows

Ahmed al-Sharaa ordered his brother Jamal’s office shuttered in Damascus following confirmed allegations of influence abuse, as authorities stripped him of business privileges and government ties. Two lawyers at Syria’s sovereign fund were detained for alleged theft under an ongoing corruption probe; officials say more investigations are underway. Nationwide worker protests erupted after thousands lost public sector jobs to austerity, fueling backlash over mounting inflation, poverty, and opaque privatization. Economists and watchdogs confirm that bribery, forced evictions, and instability persist despite official reform pledges.

=========

★IRAN

5. Iran, Hezbollah Rebuild Smuggling Networks via Türkiye, Sea, Crypto

Iran and Hezbollah revived their smuggling network after Syrian routes collapsed and key Quds Force operatives were killed, shifting to Türkiye, Iraq, maritime channels, and crypto-based exchanges. Despite tightened Lebanese oversight, Iran has sent about $1 billion this year to restore Hezbollah’s capabilities, using third-country routes, civilian shipping, and local production to avoid disruption.

6. Iran Boosts Influence in Yemen, Sends Top Commander

Sources report Iran has significantly increased its military and security presence supporting the Houthis, sending IRGC leader Abdul Reza Shahlaei back to Sana’a to oversee recovery after Israeli airstrikes killed key Houthis leaders. The strikes exposed internal weaknesses, while rising domestic unrest and power struggles prompted Tehran to accelerate its efforts to turn the Houthis into a regional military hub.

7. Washington Says Iran Seized Commercial Tanker in Hormuz Strait

The US said IRGC forces boarded the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Talara from a helicopter in international waters on 14 November before directing it into Iranian territory, calling the move a blatant violation of international law. Washington urged Tehran to justify the seizure as it monitors rising Iranian detentions of vessels across Hormuz and the Gulf.

8. Water Shortages At Tehran Prison Fuel Hygiene Crisis, Rights Group Reports

Extended water cuts at Fashafoyeh Prison in Tehran, driven by citywide rationing during Iran’s severe drought, have created hazardous sanitary conditions, according to HRANA. Nighttime shutoffs render toilets unusable, and overcrowding with broken facilities leaves prisoners desperate, with many unable to afford bottled water. Reservoirs supplying Tehran are at historic lows, amplifying the risks for vulnerable inmates as unsanitary conditions and administrative neglect further erode basic rights.

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

★TURKIYE

9. Germany Seeks Mediation As Cyprus Blocks Türkiye’s EU Fund Access

Cyprus condemned Erdoğan’s renewed demand for a two-state Cyprus solution, warning it undermines Türkiye’s EU ambitions and justifies blocking Ankara from EU defense funds. President Erdoğan persists that two states are the only realistic option. Germany recently signaled willingness to mediate, confirming ongoing contacts with Nikos Christodoulides about facilitating dialogue, as regional disputes deepen over sovereignty, EU relations, and stalled UN-led reunification talks.​

10. PKK Withdraws from Key Border Area to Support Peace

The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) announced its withdrawal from Iraq’s ZAP region along the Turkish border to reduce conflict risk and support Ankara’s peace efforts. The party said the move, completed by November 16, reflects commitment to Abdullah Öcalan’s democratic initiative and aims to advance the Kurdish issue, peace, and democracy in Türkiye.

11. Türkiye Begins Building First Military Logistics Ship for Portugal

Türkiye launched construction of Portugal’s first Auxiliary Oiler Replenisher and Logistics Ship at Istanbul’s Ada Shipyard, marking Türkiye’s first naval platform export to an EU-NATO state. The vessels, signed under a 2024 deal, will provide long-range logistics, replenishment, and amphibious support, carrying armored vehicles and UAV-capable aviation decks, with delivery planned within 36–44 months.

=========

★ISRAEL

12. Hamas Rejects UN Demilitarization Plan Backed By United States

Hamas and allied Gaza factions rejected a US-backed UN resolution proposing an international stabilization force and Gaza’s demilitarization, calling it a violation of Palestinian sovereignty. The measure aligns with Washington’s ceasefire framework linking reconstruction and Israeli withdrawal to Hamas disarmament, reportedly supported by Israel and several Arab states but opposed by Russia and China.

13. Hamas Stockpiles Advanced Weapons Abroad During Disarmament Debate

Hamas has begun amassing advanced weapons in African states, Yemen, and other countries for future smuggling into Gaza, reports said, as the U.S. considers advancing reconstruction without full Hamas disarmament. Israel insists demilitarization is mandatory, while the IDF continues destroying tunnels along the Yellow Line and prepares for possible renewed offensives. A recovered Hamas commander’s diary details its routine use of civilian infrastructure for military activity.

14. Mysterious Estonian Firm Linked to Israeli Effort Moving Gazans Abroad

A shadowy Estonian consultancy owned by an Israeli allegedly moved about 350 Gazans on paid charter flights from Ramon Airport to Indonesia, Malaysia, and South Africa, working with Israel’s “Voluntary Migration Directorate.” The firm, tied to Talent Globus, charged $1,400–$2,700 per person as organized departures quietly increased during fears of coerced displacement from Gaza.

=========

★AFRICA

15. Egypt Announces Major New Gas Discovery in Western Desert

Egypt reported a new Western Desert gas find producing 36 million cubic feet daily through Khalda Petroleum and Apache at the Jomana-1 well. Early tests confirmed strong gas shows, with evaluation underway before adding the well to production. The discovery boosts Egypt’s output plans and supports expanded foreign investment in exploration.

16. Egyptian Army Conducts Live-Fire Training for Ground Assault

The Egyptian Army held live-fire drills in the Western Military Zone, showcasing coordinated infantry and armored assaults with air support to breach enemy defenses. Defense Minister Abdel Meguid Saqr attended as forces advanced with helicopters, artillery, and special units. Officials praised the high combat readiness and ability to defend Egypt across all strategic directions.

17. Sudanese Army Blocks Aid as Famine Spreads Across the Country

The Sudanese army is preventing aid convoys from entering while airstrikes hit relief missions, leaving thousands of tons of food stuck in Chad as famine engulfs Darfur and Kordofan. UN agencies report rising attacks on aid workers, severe bureaucratic restrictions, and soaring child malnutrition, warning that millions face starvation unless safe humanitarian corridors open immediately.

=========

★ 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.