★IRAN

1. Kurdish Group Claims Seizure of IRGC Base in Western Iran

An Iranian Kurdish armed group said it seized a Revolutionary Guard base in Kermanshah province, western Iran, in a retaliatory attack for the killing of its fighters. The Kurdistan National Army claimed it infiltrated the base from two directions, causing casualties among IRGC forces, though the reports could not be independently verified, and Iran has not commented.

2. Iran Protests Leave Thousands Dead, Hospitals Overwhelmed, UN Alarmed

Iran’s protest crackdown has left a disputed death toll ranging from an official admission of 3,000 to estimates exceeding 12,000, according to Iran International and rights groups. Doctors report hundreds of deliberate eye gunshot injuries, overwhelming hospitals amid internet blackouts, while the UN condemns “horrific violence” by security forces and mass arrests nationwide.

3. Iran Warns It Could Strike US Bases During Protest Intervention Threats

Tehran warned neighboring countries hosting U.S. troops that it would retaliate against American bases if Washington intervenes in Iran’s protests, where rights groups report 2,600 killed. Some U.S. personnel at Al Udeid Air Base were advised to leave as a precaution, while Israeli assessments suggest Trump plans intervention, though timing and scope remain unclear.

4. Trump Receives List of 50 Iranian Targets as Military Options Weighed

US President Donald Trump has received a detailed list of 50 key Iranian military and security targets as he weighs potential action against Tehran, Britain’s Daily Mail reported. Compiled by the group United Against Nuclear Iran, the file focuses on IRGC command centers in Tehran tied to protest crackdowns, signaling US pressure beyond missiles or nuclear sites.

5. Starlink Now Providing Free Internet Service Inside Iran, Activists Say

Activists say Starlink has begun offering free satellite internet service inside Iran, helping restore connectivity after authorities imposed a nationwide internet shutdown amid protests. Iranian-American activist Mehdi Yahyanejad said the service is fully operational and tested inside Iran, though Starlink has not officially confirmed the move.

6. India Rice Exports to Iran Stall During Protests, Tariff Fears

India’s basmati rice exports to top buyer Iran have nearly halted as protests, payment risks, and fears of new U.S. tariffs deter suppliers. Exporters worry about unpaid shipments and buyers’ ability to pay amid Iran’s currency collapse, suspended import subsidies, and warnings from President Donald Trump of penalties on countries trading with Tehran.

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★ISRAEL

7. US to Launch Phase Two Gaza Plan With Palestinian Interim Committee

The Trump administration is set to announce phase two of its Gaza plan, appointing a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee to govern the territory as the ceasefire largely holds, US officials said. The move proceeds despite Hamas not returning the body of hostage Ran Gvili or agreeing to disarm, with former UN envoy Nickolay Mladenov to oversee implementation under a US-led Peace Council.

8. IDF Kills Six Militants in Rafah, Citing Serious Ceasefire Violation

The Israeli army said its forces killed six armed militants in the southern Gaza Strip’s Rafah area after they approached troops, calling the incident a “serious violation” of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Hamas. The IDF said weapons were found on the militants and vowed to continue acting against threats amid near-daily flare-ups despite the truce.

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★SYRIA

9. Fighting Renews East of Aleppo as Syrian Army, Kurdish Forces Clash

Fighting resumed overnight east of Aleppo as Syria’s army accused Kurdish-led SDF forces of targeting military positions and civilian homes near Hamima village with heavy weapons and drones. The SDF said it repelled infiltration attempts after Damascus demanded Kurdish forces withdraw east of the Euphrates and declared the area a closed military zone.

10. Syria Requests Lebanon to Surrender Former Assad-Era Officers

Syrian authorities asked Lebanese security forces to hand over over 200 senior officers who fled after Bashar al-Assad’s fall, amid reports Lebanon has become a hub for plotting unrest. Meetings in Beirut between Syrian official Abdul Rahman Al-Dabbagh and Lebanese security chiefs focused on locating and prosecuting the officers. However, Lebanon reports no formal request or evidence of uprisings.

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★IRAQ

11. Iraq Dismantles Criminal Network Accused of Targeting Israeli Interests

Iraqi authorities announced the arrest of senior figures from the Sweden-based Foxtrot criminal network, accused of planning attacks on Israeli interests in Europe at Iran’s request. The arrests followed coordinated intelligence operations across Iraq, with Europol confirming the detention of key suspects wanted by Sweden. The group is also linked to arms trafficking and organized violence in Europe.

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★ TURKIYE 

12. Türkiye’s FM Fidan Meets US Envoy, Plans UAE Visit During Regional Tensions

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met US envoy Tom Barrack and is set to visit the UAE as Middle East tensions intensify, Ankara said. Talks come during expected phase two of the Gaza plan, ongoing protests in Iran, and unrest in Syria, with Fidan also discussing developments with Iran and Saudi Arabia.

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★LEBANON

13. Trump Administration Designates Muslim Brotherhood Branches as Terrorist Organizations

The Trump administration designated Muslim Brotherhood branches in Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt as terrorist organizations, imposing sanctions on the groups and their members. U.S. officials said the move targets alleged support for Hamas and broader destabilizing activities, a step expected to affect Washington’s relations with several Middle Eastern allies.

14. Hezbollah Warns Lebanon Against Disarmament Push, Threatens Chaos

Hezbollah warned Lebanon’s government that attempts to disarm the group nationwide could lead to chaos or civil war, rejecting state efforts beyond southern Lebanon. The warning comes despite a 2024 deal ending the war with Israel, as Beirut insists all weapons must fall under state control and pledges to continue disarmament nationwide.

15. Hezbollah’s Financial Crisis Deepens, War Compensation to Supporters Halted

Hezbollah’s growing financial crisis has delayed compensation payments to tens of thousands of supporters whose homes were destroyed in Israel’s recent war on Lebanon. Residents were told no date is set for payments, which cover housing allowances for about 51,000 families. Critics say funding shortages, alongside internal probes into mismanagement, are behind the delays.

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★SUDAN

16. Sudan Pound’s Historic Collapse Reflects Heavy Economic Cost of War

Nearly three years into Sudan’s war, the economy faces one of its worst crises as the pound plunges from about 560 per dollar in April 2023 to around 3,750, fueling soaring inflation and hardship. Incomes have fallen sharply, unemployment exceeds 45% in some areas, millions of jobs are lost, and public finances and banks are under severe strain, making recovery unlikely without an end to the conflict.

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THE GULF 

17. UAE Bases Used to Support Israel’s War on Hamas, Leaks Reveal

Leaked documents show the UAE planned to use military bases in Yemen, Eritrea, and Somalia to provide Israel with military, logistical, and intelligence support during its war on Hamas. The files cite coordination under the Abraham Accords, weapons transfers, intelligence sharing, and sustained support until Hamas is defeated.

18. UAE’s Abdullah bin Zayed Discusses Bilateral Ties With Iran’s FM

UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed held a phone call with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi to discuss bilateral relations, Emirati media reported. The talks come amid ongoing protests in Iran and rising regional tensions, as Gulf states voice concern over escalation and its potential impact on oil markets and regional stability.

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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.