★UNITED STATES

1. Trump Gives Iran 48 Hours to Reach Deal Before “Hell Unleashed”

President Donald Trump announced a major strike in Tehran that reportedly killed several Iranian military leaders and renewed pressure on Iran, warning that they have 48 hours to reach a deal or face further consequences. He demanded the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, while Israel struck Iranian petrochemical and steel facilities, as regional mediators seek a temporary ceasefire for diplomatic talks.

2. US Forces Clash with Iranian Revolutionary Guard in Rescue Attempt

Reports from southwest Iran indicate clashes between US troops and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in mountainous areas of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, amid unconfirmed ground landing operations. Iranian forces reportedly used shoulder-fired missiles against military helicopters. Airstrikes targeted the presumed location of a downed US F-15E pilot, killing three, while Israel reportedly provides intelligence support to the US for the rescue.

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★IRAN

3. Iran Rejects Trump’s 48-Hour Ultimatum, Warns of “Hellish” Retaliation

Iran’s central military command dismissed President Trump’s 48-hour ultimatum as “desperate and unbalanced,” warning that any U.S.-Israeli strikes would trigger unrestricted attacks on their military and infrastructure. Trump had demanded Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face strikes on energy facilities. Israel also reportedly prepares targeted attacks on Iranian energy sites pending U.S. approval.

4. Five Killed in US-Israeli Strikes on Iranian Petrochemical Site

Five people were killed in US-Israeli airstrikes on a petrochemical complex in southwest Iran’s Mahshahr Special Economic Zone, according to a senior Iranian official. No further details were provided on the identities of the victims, as tensions continue amid ongoing military operations targeting Iran’s industrial and military infrastructure.

5. Iran Hints at Attacks on Strategic Waterways 

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf hinted at potential strikes on other strategic waterways, raising global shipping concerns after disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed Iran’s readiness for talks in Pakistan to seek a “final and lasting” solution. Regional mediators, including Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt, continue efforts to resume US-Iran negotiations and enable a temporary ceasefire.

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★ISRAEL

6. Iranian Cluster Munition Strikes Near Tel Aviv Headquarters

Two bomblets from an Iranian cluster munition struck near Tel Aviv’s Kirya military headquarters Saturday, lightly injuring four and damaging a vehicle and a school. Additional strikes hit central Israel, wounding others and damaging buildings. Iran and Hezbollah continued attacks, while Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian military sites, destroying missile infrastructure.

7. Houthis Launch Cross-Border Attack on Israel Coordinated With Iran, Hezbollah

The Houthis claimed a military operation targeting Tel Aviv airport and Israeli military sites, marking their fifth cross-border attack since March 28. The group said the strikes, involving ballistic missiles and drones, were coordinated with Iran and Hezbollah. Israel reported detecting a missile from Yemen and activated air defenses to intercept the threat.

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★IRAQ

8. US Airstrike Temporarily Halts Trade at Iraq-Iran Border, Hits Militias and Oil Sites

A US airstrike targeted the Shalamjah border crossing in southern Iraq, killing one and injuring five, halting trade and travel to Iran. The strike, part of broader operations against Iranian-backed militias, coincided with drone attacks on Basra oil facilities. In western Iraq, US strikes on Popular Mobilization sites killed one fighter and injured five, while Iraqi authorities restored civilian movement and assumed security responsibilities.

9. Iran Exempts Iraq From Any Strait of Hormuz Restrictions

Iran’s military announced that Iraq is excluded from restrictions on passage through the Strait of Hormuz, applying only to “hostile countries.” The statement emphasized respect for Iraqi sovereignty and highlighted Tehran’s view of Iraq as a partner against U.S. presence. The move comes amid rising tensions after U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and Iranian attacks on regional targets.

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★LEBANON 

10. IDF Strikes Quds Force And Hezbollah Targets In Lebanon

The Israeli military struck Quds Force infrastructure and Palestinian Islamic Jihad headquarters in Lebanon, targeting coordination hubs with Hezbollah. Naval forces hit a Hezbollah observation post, while broader operations destroyed launch sites and weapons facilities. The IDF reported over 3,500 strikes and about 1,000 Hezbollah fighters killed,  continuing efforts to dismantle threats.

11. Israel Bombs Tyre, Strikes South Lebanon During Conflict

Israel intensified its bombardment of southern Lebanon, striking Tyre after ordering tens of thousands to evacuate, destroying buildings—including an 11-storey tower, a five-storey block, and the Burj al-Shamali refugee camp—and hitting a mosque in Baraashit. Israeli troops advanced in the south, targeting Hezbollah and Palestinian Islamic Jihad sites, while the conflict displaced over a million people and killed 1,400.

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★GULF STATES

12. Iranian Drones Hit Kuwait Oil, Power, and Government Sites

Kuwait reported Iranian drone strikes on its Shuwaikh oil complex, government ministry offices, and two power and desalination plants, causing significant material damage but no casualties. Kuwait Petroleum Corporation confirmed a fire at its headquarters. The attacks come amid the sixth week of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, as Tehran targets Israel and Gulf states hosting U.S. forces.

13. UAE Air Defenses Intercept Iranian Missiles and Drones

The UAE announced that its air defenses intercepted multiple Iranian missiles and drones over the weekend. Since the start of Iranian attacks, the UAE has countered 498 ballistic missiles, 23 cruise missiles, and 2,141 drones, resulting in at least 13 deaths, including military personnel and foreign civilians, and 217 injuries. The Ministry of Defense affirmed its readiness to protect national security and sovereignty.

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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.