★ IRAN

1. Iran may dilute 60% enriched uranium if sanctions are lifted

Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization head Mohammad Eslami said Tehran could agree to dilute uranium enriched up to 60% if all financial sanctions are removed, signaling its stance in indirect talks with the U.S. in Oman. Ali Larijani will visit Oman to discuss regional developments, while Iran insists on retaining nuclear enrichment rights and lifting sanctions for a fair resolution.

2. Iran Seals Isfahan Tunnels During US Strait of Hormuz Warning

Satellite imagery shows Iran has filled all three tunnel entrances at its Isfahan nuclear site, likely to protect against potential US or Israeli strikes, according to the Institute for Science and International Security. Meanwhile, the US warned American vessels to stay clear of Iran’s coast in the Strait of Hormuz as tensions rise amid ongoing nuclear negotiations.

3. Chinese Technologies Power Iran’s Expanding Digital Surveillance System

A UK-based Article 19 report says Iran’s internet surveillance relies heavily on Chinese technologies, including facial recognition and deep packet inspection. Developed through long-term cooperation under “cyber sovereignty,”  these tools enabled authorities to cut internet access for about 93 million people during the January protests, concealing serious human rights abuses.

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★ISRAEL

4. Netanyahu heads to Washington to press Trump on Iran

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to Washington to urge President Donald Trump to expand high-stakes nuclear talks with Iran, seeking what Israel views as a “last chance” to influence U.S. policy. Israel continues to demand a halt to Iran’s uranium enrichment, missile program limits, and a cut to regional armed groups, while U.S.-Iran negotiations resume amid rising military tensions.

5. Israel hints at possible strikes on Iran using F-35 jets

Israel signaled it could strike Iran “soon,” despite ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations, with Defense Minister Yisrael Katz citing the decisive role of F-35s in the June 2025 attack on Iran’s nuclear program. The statement coincided with Israel Aerospace Industries delivering its 350th F-35 wing, part of a long-term plan to expand Israel’s F-35 fleet to 50 aircraft by 2026.

6. IDF kills Hamas gunmen in Rafah amid ceasefire tensions

The IDF killed four Hamas fighters who emerged from a tunnel and fired on troops in southern Rafah, with no Israeli casualties, calling it a “blatant ceasefire violation.” Additional Palestinians were reportedly killed in Gaza City strikes. A Palestinian in northern Gaza was also shot, while NCAG entry remains uncertain, and Indonesia plans troop deployment.

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★IRAQ

7. Iraq receives 4,583 ISIS detainees from Syria

Iraq has taken custody of 4,583 ISIS members transferred from Syria by the U.S.-led coalition, part of up to 7,000 planned transfers to secure detention facilities. The operation, coordinated by the Iraqi military and the international coalition, includes Iraqis, Syrians, Europeans, and other nationals, with investigations and trials already underway for hundreds of detainees.

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★SYRIA

8. IDF destroys Jamaa Islamiya weapons depot in southern Syria

Israeli forces carried out an overnight raid in Beit Jinn, southern Syria, destroying a weapons depot belonging to the Jamaa Islamiya terrorist group. The IDF seized firearms, explosives, and communications equipment, aiming to prevent attacks on northern Israeli communities. The operation follows previous clashes and targeted raids against the group in Syria and Lebanon.

9. Damascus takes control of Syria’s second-largest oil field

The Syrian government began taking over the Rmelan oil field in Hasakah from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), following its recent takeover of Qamishli airport. Authorities conducted an inspection tour with the Syrian Petroleum Company, pledging to retain local workers, improve living conditions, secure the area with local guards, and soon start rehabilitating wells to boost oil and gas production.

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★TURKIYE

10. Türkiye hints at joining regional nuclear arms race

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned Ankara might be forced into a nuclear arms race if Iran’s growing capabilities threaten the regional power balance. Speaking to CNN Türk, he stressed Türkiye does not seek nuclear weapons but may need to match developments to maintain security, while noting that potential strikes on Iran are unlikely to change Tehran’s regime.

11. Roketsan unveils AI-powered Eren glide munition at WDS 2026

Turkish missile maker Roketsan showcased its new high-speed, multipurpose Eren munition for the first time internationally at WDS 2026 in Riyadh. Developed in under a year and tested on the Bayraktar Akıncı UAV, Eren features AI-guided flight, a range of over 100 km, and can engage air and ground targets from UAVs, helicopters, ground, and naval platforms, with mass production expected this year.

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★SUDAN

12. Ethiopia hosts secret camp to train Sudan RSF fighters

Ethiopia is reportedly running a covert training camp in its western Benishangul-Gumuz region for thousands of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), according to multiple sources and satellite imagery. The camp, financed and supported by the UAE, houses mainly Ethiopian recruits, along with some Sudanese and South Sudanese fighters. Trainees are expected to join RSF operations in Sudan’s Blue Nile region. Nearby Asosa airport is also being upgraded into a drone and logistics hub to support the RSF, raising concerns about regional security and infrastructure, including the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

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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.