★ IRAN

1. US-Iran Nuclear Talks in Geneva Begin During Rising Tensions

The United States and Iran launched the second round of indirect nuclear negotiations in Geneva, mediated by Oman, with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner meeting Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. Iranian officials, including Majid Takht-Ravanchi, stressed they will negotiate only on the nuclear program, rejecting U.S. pressure on missiles or regional influence, while signaling readiness to limit enrichment if sanctions are lifted, amid ongoing U.S. military deployments in the region.

2. Iran Approves IAEA Inspections After Grossi Meeting

Following a Geneva meeting between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Rafael Grossi, Iran agreed to allow International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors to visit its nuclear facilities. Officials also released nonviolent protest detainees, while Tehran signals potential concessions in nuclear talks contingent on U.S. willingness to lift sanctions.

3. India Seizes Three Iran-linked US-Sanctioned Tankers

India intercepted three US-sanctioned oil tankers—Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star, and Al Jafzia—about 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai, increasing maritime surveillance to prevent illicit ship-to-ship oil transfers. Two vessels are linked to Iran, and the seizures follow improved US-India ties, including a tariff cut agreement and India’s halt of Russian oil imports.

4. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Conducts “Smart Control” Drill in Strait of Hormuz

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps carried out naval exercises titled “Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz,” led by General Mohammad Pakpour, to test readiness against potential threats. The drills, from Abu Musa Island through the Gulf and Gulf of Oman, involved missile and drone launches, operational simulations, and 24/7 surveillance of surface, air, and subsurface activity in the strategic oil passage.

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★ISRAEL

5. Netanyahu Aide: Hamas Gets 60 Days to Disarm

A senior aide to Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will give Hamas 60 days to fully disarm at the request of the Trump Administration. If the group fails, the Israel Defense Forces will resume operations in Gaza to “complete” its mission.

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★IRAQ

6. Iraq’s Financial Crisis Hits The Prime Minister’s Office

Iraq’s ongoing financial crisis reached the office of outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani, who ordered the termination of contracts for several advisers and experts as part of cost-cutting measures. The move follows earlier staff freezes and aims to streamline operations and reduce expenditures across the prime minister’s office.

7. Iraq-UAE Consortium Plans $700M WorldLink Data Cable

An Iraqi-Emirati consortium, including 964” Iraqi tech company”, DIL Technologiesish tech firm, and Breeze Investments, announced a $700 million subsea-and-terrestrial data cable connecting the United Arab Emirates to Turkey via Iraq. The five-year WorldLink project aims to boost AI infrastructure, reduce transit times, and enhance regional connectivity.

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★YEMEN

8. Yemen Seizes Massive Drug Shipment Near Bab al-Mandeb

Yemen’s Al-Amaliqa Forces intercepted a smuggling boat near the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait, arresting its four-member crew and seizing around 450,000 Captagon pills and additional narcotics. Authorities said the operation aims to secure the coastline and combat arms and drug trafficking.

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★LEBANON

9. Lebanon Says Hezbollah Disarmament Phase May Take Months

Lebanon’s government said the army needs about four months to complete the second phase of plans to disarm Hezbollah. Information Minister Paul Morcos noted the timeline could extend due to capabilities and Israeli strikes, as tensions persist despite the November 2024 ceasefire.

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★THE GULF

10. Saudi Arabia Signs Deal For Four Italian C-27J Aircraft

Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry signed a deal with Italy’s Leonardo to acquire four armed maritime patrol aircraft of the C-27J Spartan type, with deliveries starting in 2029 to boost maritime surveillance and coastal protection under Vision 2030.

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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.