★IRAQ

1. Iraqi Coordination Framework Defies Trump, Backs Maliki During Tensions

Iraq’s Iran-aligned Coordination Framework rejected President Donald Trump’s warning against Nouri al-Maliki’s return, calling it a sovereignty violation and reaffirming support for his premiership. Pro-Iran factions also threatened regional escalation if Iran is attacked, as protests erupted in Baghdad and armed groups signaled readiness.

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★IRAN

2. Trump Considers Major Action Against Iran After Talks Fail

US President Donald Trump is weighing strikes on Iranian leaders, security forces, or missile sites to bolster protests and potentially trigger regime change, Reuters reports. The deliberations follow failed mediation efforts, stalled US-Iran talks, and warnings demanding Iran end uranium enrichment, missile programs, and support for regional proxies.

3. Iran’s Foreign Minister visits Turkey During Escalating US Tensions

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi will visit Turkey on Friday to discuss developments in Iran and rising tensions with the United States, following US warnings over Iran’s nuclear programme and protests. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will oppose military action, stress Iran’s stability, and offer Ankara’s support in easing tensions and advancing nuclear diplomacy.

4. Iran Unveils Underwater Missile Tunnels, Warns Hormuz at Risk

Iran revealed underwater missile tunnels housing hundreds of long-range cruise missiles and warned the Strait of Hormuz would not remain safe if attacked by the US. The announcement comes during escalating tensions, US naval deployments to the region, and Iranian threats to disrupt global oil shipping if conflict erupts.

5. Bloomberg Uncovers Overseas Property Empire Linked to Khamenei’s Son

Bloomberg reports that Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Iran’s Supreme Leader, has directed an overseas real estate network since at least 2011 through intermediaries, including luxury properties in London, Dubai, Frankfurt, and Mallorca, largely funded by Iranian oil revenues and linked to sanctioned banker Ali Ansari, who denies any connection.

6. Gold Hits Record Near $5,600 as Trump Escalates Iran Threats

Gold surged to a record near $5,600 as investors sought safe havens after President Donald Trump warned of possible military action against Iran, boosting geopolitical tensions. A weaker dollar and optimism over future US rate cuts also lifted silver and oil prices, while markets reacted cautiously to rising regional risks.

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★SYRIA

7. Syria Uncovers Multi-Billion Dollar Corruption Scandal in State Oil Company

Syria’s Central Financial Control Authority uncovered corruption worth six billion Syrian pounds at the state oil company, citing inflated prices and technical violations in a power generator contract in Homs under the former regime. Officials approved equipment up to 70% above market value and not meeting specifications, prompting arrests and judicial referrals.

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★ISRAEL

8. US Announces International Weapons Buyback Plan to Demilitarize Gaza

The United States announced an internationally funded weapons buyback program as part of Gaza’s demilitarization, with UN Ambassador Mike Waltz saying Hamas will have no role in governance. The plan includes destroying military infrastructure, international monitoring, and linking Israeli withdrawal to verified Hamas disarmament.

9. PA Accused of Continuing Terror Payments Abroad Despite Pledge

Palestinian Media Watch says the Palestinian Authority continues paying stipends to terrorists and “families of martyrs” in Lebanon and Jordan through a welfare framework, despite pledging to end pay-for-slay. PMW claims payments persist beyond Western monitoring, including to convicted attacker Ahlam Tamimi, even as the West Bank faces a severe economic crisis.

10. Hamas Says Ready to Transfer Gaza Governance to Committee

Hamas announced it is prepared for a complete transfer of governance in the Gaza Strip to a national committee, citing efforts to sustain the ceasefire under Phase Two of Trump’s Gaza plan. Spokesman Hazem Qassem said transition protocols and administrative files are finalized, with committees already overseeing the process. The group conditioned the handover on the full reopening of the Rafah crossing, allowing free movement for committee members without Israeli restrictions.

11. Israel’s $220 Billion 2026 Budget Passes First Knesset Vote

Israel’s 2026 state budget passed its first Knesset vote 62–55 after last-minute support from ultra-Orthodox Shas and Degel HaTorah, though dissent within United Torah Judaism exposed coalition rifts. The $220 billion plan now advances during internal tensions over fiscal and political priorities.

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★EGYPT

12. Egypt, Israel Disagree Over Rafah Crossing Numbers, Timing

Israel and Egypt remain at odds over the number of people entering and leaving Gaza via the Rafah crossing, Israeli sources say, as Cairo insists on equal flows while Israel prefers more departures. The dispute comes during uncertainty over the reopening date, as Gaza residents await aid entry and medical evacuations.

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★LEBANON

13. Saudi Intelligence Aids Lebanon in Busting Drug Manufacturing Lab

Lebanese authorities, aided by Saudi Interior Ministry intelligence, dismantled a drug manufacturing lab producing amphetamine and methamphetamine, seizing pills, hashish, precursor chemicals, and weapons. Saudi officials said the operation stemmed from proactive security monitoring and confirmed continued cooperation with Lebanon to combat cross-border drug trafficking networks.

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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.