★IRAN

1. Iran Protests Enter Eleventh Day, Demonstrators Seize Western Cities

Protests in Iran continued for an 11th day as demonstrators briefly took control of the western Kurdish cities of Abdanan and Malekshahi after security forces withdrew. Unrest spread nationwide despite reported clashes and deaths, with strikes, closed bazaars, and symbolic acts underscoring growing defiance of the regime.

2. Iran Accused of Using Iraqi Militias to Crush Protests

Iranian opposition reports say Tehran deployed about 800 Iraqi militia members linked to the Revolutionary Guard to suppress protests, moving them across border crossings under the guise of religious visits. At least 36 protesters, including minors, were killed, triggering US condemnation and warnings over human rights violations.

3. Iranian Oil to Offset China’s Venezuelan Supply Loss Expected

Chinese independent refiners are set to increase purchases of discounted Iranian heavy crude as Venezuelan oil shipments to China decline following a US-backed redirection of exports to the United States. Analysts say Iranian oil, trading about $10 below Brent, will help Chinese “teapots” maintain margins during ongoing sanctions.

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★SYRIA

4. Aleppo Clashes Enter Third Day, Kill Civilians, Displace Thousands

Aleppo endured a third day of bombardment as shelling and sniper fire killed two civilians and raised the death toll to at least 18, including 12 civilians, during clashes in Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafieh, and Bani Zeid. Nearly 60,000 residents were displaced, with humanitarian corridors opened as protests and warnings of a deepening crisis grew.

5. Türkiye Offers Support and Mediation as Aleppo Clashes Escalate

Türkiye said it is closely monitoring the situation in Aleppo and is ready to both assist Syria, if requested, and mediate to end clashes with the US-backed YPG. Ankara stressed that Syria’s security is linked to Türkiye’s, reaffirming support for Syria’s unity as fighting displaces thousands.

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★ISRAEL

6. Netanyahu: Lebanon’s Efforts to Disarm Hezbollah Insufficient

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Lebanon’s attempts to disarm Hezbollah are “encouraging but far from sufficient,” citing the group’s ongoing rearmament and rebuilding of its infrastructure with Iranian support. He stressed that the US-brokered ceasefire requires Hezbollah’s full disarmament, calling it vital for Israel’s security and Lebanon’s future.

7. Two Killed in Gaza Strike After Hamas Fire

Two people were reported killed in an Israeli airstrike on Gaza City after Hamas operatives fired at Israeli troops, which the IDF said violated the ceasefire. The military said it targeted a senior terrorist in the Tuffah neighborhood, while Palestinian media reported several others were wounded.

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★LEBANON

8. US Seizes Two Venezuelan Oil Tankers Linked to Hezbollah

The United States seized two sanctioned oil tankers linked to Venezuela, including one tied to Hezbollah, in operations in the North Atlantic and Caribbean. The move coincides with Washington selectively lifting sanctions to allow Venezuelan oil sales, as part of President Donald Trump’s push to control regional oil flows.

9. Lebanese Army Claims State Monopoly on Arms in South

The Lebanese army announced it has achieved a state monopoly on arms in southern Lebanon in an “effective and tangible way,” though work remains to clear unexploded ordnance and tunnels. The move reinforces state control over the south, excluding Israeli-occupied areas, amid ongoing pressure to disarm Hezbollah following the 2024 Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire.

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★THE GULF

10. Saudi, US Foreign Ministers Discuss Regional Security Efforts

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed regional developments and efforts to enhance security and stability during talks in Washington. The meeting also reviewed Saudi-US strategic relations, as bin Farhan held separate talks with US lawmakers on bilateral and regional issues.

11. Qatar Tops Foreign Investment in US Higher Education

Qatar has become the largest foreign investor in US higher education, committing more than $6.6 billion, according to new data from the US Department of Education. It leads Germany, the UK, China, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and Switzerland in funding American universities.

12. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia Discuss JF-17 Jets-for-Loans Deal

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are in talks to convert about $2 billion in Saudi loans into a deal for JF-17 fighter jets, sources said, potentially expanding to a $4 billion agreement. The discussions reflect deepening defence ties as Pakistan faces financial strain and Riyadh reshapes its security partnerships.

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★MOROCCO

13. Morocco Deploys Israeli Barak MX Air Defense System

Morocco has begun operational deployment of Israel Aerospace Industries’ Barak MX air defense system under a $500 million deal signed in 2022, amid rising regional aerial threats. The system, delivered in 2023 and deployed near Rabat, enhances Morocco’s layered air defenses as it deepens military cooperation with Israel.

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★ 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.