★UNITED STATES

1. US Officials Report Increased Hormuz Traffic, Pressure Allies On Security

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has increased and urged allies to share security responsibilities. He said U.S. operations target Iran’s naval, missile, drone, and financing networks while monitoring Russian and Chinese support. Chairman Dan Caine said strikes continue degrading Iran’s production and launch capabilities, with attack frequency declining but ongoing.

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★IRAN

1. U.S. Targets Ammunition Depot in Isfahan with Bunker-Busting Bombs

A U.S. strike hit a large ammunition depot in Isfahan, Iran, using multiple 2,000-pound bunker-busting bombs, with explosions captured in a video shared by President Trump. Initial reports indicate damage to other military sites in central Iran, widespread power outages in Tehran, and three fatalities in Zanjan after a U.S.-Israeli airstrike on a religious complex. 

2. Iran Sets Oil Tanker Ablaze Off Dubai During Trump Warnings

Tehran struck the Kuwait-flagged Al-Salmi crude oil tanker off Dubai, igniting a fire that was quickly controlled with no injuries or oil leaks. The attack follows U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and Trump’s threats to obliterate Iranian energy infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz is not opened. The conflict has pushed oil prices above $113 per barrel, disrupted shipping, and drawn regional actors, including Pakistan and China, into mediation efforts.

3. NATO Intercepts Fourth Iranian Missile Targeting Türkiye

NATO and Turkish air defenses neutralized a ballistic missile launched from Iran that entered Turkish airspace, marking the fourth interception this month. The missiles reportedly targeted the İncirlik base and NATO radar sites, with no casualties reported. Türkiye and NATO remain vigilant, reinforcing air defenses with Patriot systems and pledging decisive action against any threats to national or allied security.

4. IRGC Claims Wave Eighty Eight Strikes Target US Regional Assets

Iranian state media reported the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy launched the 88th wave of Operation True Promise 4, describing “heavy” missile and drone attacks on US and Israeli targets. Claims included strikes on a commercial vessel in the Gulf, US positions in the UAE, systems near Bahrain, and radar sites in Kuwait, while asserting control over the Strait of Hormuz and continued retaliatory operations.

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★ISRAEL

5. Eight Wounded in Israel After Iranian Cluster Munition Strike

Eight people, including two 18-month-old babies, were lightly wounded in central Israel after fragments from an Iranian cluster munition struck multiple sites, igniting cars and triggering emergency responses; others were injured while seeking shelter or suffered panic attacks. Separately, a man in his 50s was moderately wounded in northern Israel by Hezbollah rocket shrapnel.

6. Israel Strikes 170 Iranian Military and Weapons Targets

The Israeli Air Force hit 170 Iranian targets over 24 hours using roughly 400 munitions, focusing on weapons production sites, missile and UAV facilities, and research complexes in Tehran and western Iran. The IDF said the strikes have heavily degraded Iran’s ability to produce ballistic missiles, drones, and advanced arms, marking the final stage of Israel’s campaign against the regime.

7. IDF Plans Destruction of Iran Targets Before Passover Deadline

The IDF said it will destroy all critical and essential pre-war targets in Iran by Wednesday, covering 100% of top-priority categories and 60–70% overall. Critical targets include missile and nuclear sites, while essential ones support military infrastructure. Despite progress, Iran is expected to continue limited ballistic missile fire.

8. Knesset Approves Death Penalty for West Bank Palestinians Convicted of Terror

The Knesset passed a law mandating death by hanging for West Bank Palestinians convicted of deadly terrorist acts, with judges allowed discretion for life imprisonment under “special circumstances.” The legislation, backed by far-right ministers, applies only to Palestinians tried in military courts, prompting domestic and international criticism over discrimination, legality, and potential escalation of violence.

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★IRAQ

9. Missile and Drone Strikes Target Kurdish and US-Linked Sites in Iraq

Amid the 32nd day of the Iran-U.S.-Israel conflict, multiple missile and drone attacks struck sites in Sulaymaniyah, targeting the Asayish security headquarters, Peshmerga forces, and a former UN office, with no reported casualties. Separately, Baghdad’s al-Shaheed Muhammad Alaa Airbase and US diplomatic support centers were hit, destroying an Iraqi Air Force Antonov-132 and causing minor injuries from intercepted projectiles.

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★LEBANON

10. Lebanon Declares Hezbollah’s Military Wing an Illegal Organization

Lebanon has informed the United Nations that it classifies Hezbollah’s military wing as an illegal organization, marking a formal shift in its legal and diplomatic stance toward the group while signaling alignment with international efforts to limit its armed activities.

11. Raids on a town in southern Lebanon… Israel announces the killing of 4 of its soldiers

Israeli air and ground operations targeted southern Lebanese towns, including Qulayleh, Bent Jbeil, and the Qasmiyeh-Kharayeb road, killing four Israeli soldiers and destroying Hezbollah positions, weapons caches, and tunnels. The IDF also destroyed over 100 Hezbollah-controlled towers in central Beirut used for command and control, significantly degrading the group’s operational capabilities. Over a million Lebanese have been displaced, with 1,100 injured amid ongoing attacks.

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★GULF STATES

12. Saudi Arabia Intercepts 8 Missiles and 10 Drones Targeting Riyadh

Saudi air defenses destroyed eight ballistic missiles—seven toward Riyadh and one toward the Eastern Province—and shot down 10 drones during ongoing attacks. In Al-Kharj, debris from intercepted drones damaged homes and vehicles, lightly injuring two people. Authorities confirmed full operational readiness to protect airspace and critical infrastructure against continued threats.

13. UAE Intercepts Iranian Missiles and Drones, Four Injured in Dubai

The UAE’s air defenses intercepted ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones from Iran, with sounds across several areas confirming interceptions. Four people sustained minor injuries in Dubai after debris struck homes, causing property damage. Authorities confirmed defenses remain fully operational amid rising regional tensions.

14. Bahrain Arrests Hezbollah-Linked Cell Planning Terror Attacks

Bahrain’s Interior Ministry announced the arrest of three individuals linked to Hezbollah who coordinated with foreign operatives, received weapons training in Lebanon, and raised funds under the cover of charity. The suspects planned attacks threatening national security, while Kuwait and the UAE condemned the plot and expressed full support for Bahrain.

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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.