★ IRAN

1. Trump Delays Strike on Iran, Gives Diplomacy Final Chance

Sources say Donald Trump postponed military action against Iran after Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan C. King warned of high risks and potential prolonged conflict. Trump convened a small advisory circle, weighing options while aides Jared Kushner and Steve Wittkoff push for diplomacy, hoping talks in Geneva can avert escalation.

2. Russia Offers Mediation Between The US and Iran

Russia urged the United States and its allies to abandon plans to strike Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities, with Deputy Foreign Minister Dmitry Lyubinsky offering Moscow’s mediation. As Donald Trump weighs military options, advisers push to give diplomacy another chance amid warnings of prolonged conflict.

3. Iranian Students Protest for Third Day During U.S. Pressure

Iranian students staged protests for a third consecutive day in Tehran, with demonstrations at Tehran University, al-Zahra University, and Amir Kabir University, defying authorities weeks after security forces crushed nationwide unrest. Students burned flags and chanted slogans, including “we’ll reclaim Iran,” highlighting growing domestic dissent.

4. Four killed in Military Helicopter Crash in Central Iran

A military helicopter of the Iranian Air Force crashed Tuesday in a fruit market in Isfahan Province, killing four, including the pilot, co-pilot, and two vendors, likely due to a technical malfunction. Iran has faced several aviation accidents recently, partly attributed to difficulties in maintaining its aging fleet.

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★ ISRAEL

5. Netanyahu Warns of Difficult Days During US-Iran Tensions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel faces “difficult and complex days” as tensions rise between the United States and Iran following threats by Donald Trump of potential strikes. Iran warned of broader escalation and vowed to repel any attack as nuclear talks continue and US military presence in the region increases.

6. U.S. Refueling Tankers Arrive at Israel’s Ben Gurion During Iran Tensions

United States refueling and cargo aircraft were spotted at Ben Gurion Airport as President Donald Trump considers military action against Iran. Open-source trackers report nearly 100 tankers and 170 cargo planes entering the Middle East this month, with over 40,000 personnel deployed across U.S. bases and naval assets.

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★IRAQ

7. Maliki Defies Washington, Vows to Remain in Iraqi Premiership Race

Former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, a candidate to form the next government, said he will not withdraw despite US opposition. Speaking amid Tom Barrack’s meetings in Baghdad, Maliki emphasized loyalty to Iraq’s sovereignty and stated the Shiite Coordination Framework backs his candidacy, asserting he will stay in the race “to the end.”

8. Iraq’s Maps Dispute Sparks Gulf Maritime Tensions

Iraq’s recent submission of maritime coordinates to the United Nations prompted objections from Kuwait, which said it infringed on its sovereignty near the Durra gas field shared with Saudi Arabia. Gulf states, including Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE, backed Kuwait, urging Iraq to respect agreements, international law, and dialogue to prevent regional conflict.

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★LEBANON

9. US Evacuates Dozens of Embassy Staff in Beirut During Regional Tensions

The United States Embassy in Lebanon evacuated dozens of staff through Beirut International Airport as a precaution due to rising regional tensions. The move precedes the third US-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva, where envoy Steve Wittkoff aims to reach a final nuclear agreement, while Washington weighs limited or broader military options.

10. Lebanon Considers Tapping $45B Central Bank Gold During Economic Collapse

Lebanon’s government and bankers are exploring using the $45 billion central bank gold reserves to stabilize the collapsing economy, now in its seventh year. While IMF officials have not opposed the plan, critics warn it would primarily benefit banks and wealthy depositors, leaving ordinary citizens at risk, amid a financial crisis that has devalued the Lebanese pound by over 90%.

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★THE GULF

11. Mohammed Bin Salman and Sisi Discuss Regional Developments

Mohammed bin Salman met with Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Jeddah to review Middle East developments and efforts to maintain regional security. The leaders reaffirmed historic Saudi-Egyptian ties, coordinated on reducing regional tensions, and emphasized political solutions, including ending the Sudan conflict, before Sisi returned to Cairo following the “brotherly visit.”

12. Gulf States Face Rising Deficits and Debt Pressures

Saudi Arabia posted a Q4 2025 budget deficit of 94.85 billion riyals ($25.28 billion), up from 88.5 billion in Q3, with expenditures climbing to 371 billion riyals and total debt reaching 1.52 trillion riyals amid Vision 2030 expansionary policies. Meanwhile, Bahrain saw its long-term foreign-currency rating downgraded to “B” by Fitch Ratings over high debt, fiscal deficits, and low reserves.

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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.