★ IRAN

1. US Military Signals Readiness for Potential Strikes on Iran

Senior US officials informed President Donald Trump that American forces could be ready to strike Iran as early as Saturday, though no final decision has been made. Preparations include repositioning personnel and assets in the Middle East, with options under review amid ongoing nuclear talks and diplomatic efforts.

2. US Imposes Visa Restrictions on Iranian Officials, Telecom Leaders

The U.S. State Department announced visa restrictions on 18 Iranian officials and telecommunications industry figures, marking the latest measure against Tehran. The move targets key individuals in Iran’s government and telecom sector amid ongoing tensions between the two countries.

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★ ISRAEL

3. Over 40 Nations Join Trump’s Board of Peace Summit

President Donald Trump will host representatives from more than 40 countries at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace to advance actions aimed at lasting Middle East peace. The summit builds on the October ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, highlighting humanitarian aid delivery, hostage returns, and growing international support for the Board of Peace.

4. American-Palestinian Committee to Coordinate Gaza Reconstruction and Promote National Unity

The US approved a coordination committee linking the Palestinian Authority with the Board of Peace overseeing Gaza reconstruction. PM Mohammed Mustafa and Nickolay Mladenov will represent each side. The PA seeks greater influence despite US-Israeli resistance, while hoping the move advances Gaza-West Bank reunification amid financial and reform pressures.

5. Hamas Consolidates Control in Gaza During Trump Peace Plan

Hamas is strengthening its grip on Gaza by placing loyalists in key government positions, collecting taxes, and paying salaries, according to an Israeli military assessment. The move raises doubts about US President Donald Trump’s peace plan, which requires Hamas to disarm for Israeli withdrawal, while the Trump-backed committee overseeing Gaza’s transition holds its first meeting in Washington.

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★IRAQ

6. US Urges Iraq to Integrate Militias, Curb Iranian Influence

Washington reportedly sent Iraq a message demanding the integration of Popular Mobilization Forces into the Defense Ministry, disarmament within 6–12 months, and anti-corruption and banking reforms. The US also warned against an Iran-influenced government and possible sanctions if Nouri al-Maliki is appointed, while his office denied any withdrawal of his nomination.

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★SYRIA

7. Canada Eases Economic Sanctions on Syria

Anita Anand announced that Canada has relaxed Syria sanctions, easing restrictions on trade, investment, and financial services. The move also removes 24 entities and one individual from the regulations, aiming to reduce barriers to economic activity and support Syria’s recovery in key state-affiliated sectors.

8. US Plans Full Troop Withdrawal From Syria Within Two Months

The United States will withdraw its remaining 1,000 troops from Syria over the next two months after the Syrian government regained control of former Kurdish-led SDF areas. The pullout is “conditions-based” to counter any ISIS resurgence, as Washington coordinates with Syria’s new authorities while maintaining regional military readiness near Iran.

9. Russia Negotiating to Maintain Military Presence in Syria

Sergey Lavrov said Russia is in talks with Syria’s new leadership to retain its key military sites, including Khmeimim and Tartus, partially repurposed for humanitarian aid. Lavrov stressed Moscow’s presence stabilizes the region amid US troop withdrawals from northeast Syria, ISIL threats, and growing Israeli influence in the south.

10. Syria and Iraq Foil Major Cross-Border Drug Smuggling

Syrian anti-narcotics units, in coordination with Iraq’s General Directorate for Combating Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, intercepted about 400,000 Captagon pills (≈65 kg) in Homs, arresting two suspects linked to an international trafficking network. The operation follows recent Iraqi-Syrian joint efforts to dismantle cross-border drug rings and reflects ongoing intelligence collaboration.

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★LEBANON

11. Israel Strikes Hezbollah Sites During Rising Regional Tensions

The Israel Defense Forces struck Hezbollah weapons depots and launchers across Southern Lebanon, citing ceasefire violations as Iran pressures its proxy to escalate. Despite a November 2024 truce, Israel continues limited operations to curb rearmament. Lebanon pledged to disarm Hezbollah, but leader Naim Qassem rejected the move, prompting Israeli warnings of severe retaliation.

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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.