★UNITED STATES

1. US Begins Naval Blockade Of Iranian Ports at Strait of Hormuz

The United States announced it will begin a naval blockade of maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports starting April 13 at 10 am ET, according to CENTCOM and US statements. The move follows failed nuclear talks with Iran, with Washington saying it will target vessels linked to Iranian port activity while maintaining navigation through non-Iranian routes in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran warned it would respond strongly to any enforcement actions.

2. US Blockade of Strait of Hormuz Sparks Energy Surge

Oil and gas prices surged after the US announced a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian ports following failed US-Iran talks. Brent rose 9.1% near $104, while European gas jumped 18%. Asian LNG imports fell sharply, with disruptions across China, India, Japan, and Korea, as the US began enforcing restrictions on Monday.

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★ESRAEL

3. Erdogan Threatens Israel with Military Action, MK Calls Him a Dictator

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Israel of atrocities in Gaza and Lebanon and warned that Turkey could consider military action, referencing past interventions in Karabakh and Libya. He also condemned Israel’s conduct during a speech in Istanbul. Israeli MK Amichai Eliyahu responded by calling Erdogan a “megalomaniacal dictator,” accusing him of hypocrisy and imperial ambitions, and urging the Israeli government to sever diplomatic ties with Turkey amid escalating political and legal tensions.

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★IRAN

4. Iran Warns Gulf Ports Unsafe if Iranian Ports Blocked

Iran warned that Gulf ports would not be safe if its own ports are blockaded, calling a planned US naval blockade of Iranian shipping “piracy,”  after Washington announced restrictions on vessels entering or leaving Iran starting Monday amid rising tensions over the Strait of Hormuz and global oil supply concerns.

5. Putin Offers Mediation To Resolve Iran Conflict During Escalation

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin reiterated Moscow’s readiness to mediate a political and diplomatic settlement of the Iran conflict during a phone call with President Masoud Pezeshkian, following failed US-Iran talks in Islamabad. The Kremlin said Russia is maintaining contacts with all regional parties to support a balanced agreement, while Washington remains skeptical of the initiative.

6. Iran Records Highest Execution Surge Since 1989 Report Finds

Report says at least 1,639 executions were carried out in Iran in 2025, the highest since 1989, marking a 68% rise from 975 in 2024, including 48 women. Rights groups warn of escalating repression after protests and regional tensions, noting over four executions daily, with detainees still at risk of death sentences.

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★GULF STATES

7. Saudi Arabia Summons Iraqi Ambassador Over Cross-Border Drone Attacks

Saudi Arabia summoned Iraqi ambassador Safia al-Suhail over continued cross-border drone attacks allegedly launched from Iraqi territory toward the Kingdom and Gulf states. The Saudi Foreign Ministry delivered a protest note condemning the violations and urged Iraq to take responsibility. Riyadh warned it would take all necessary measures to protect its security and sovereignty.

8. Gulf Stocks Fall After Trump Announces Hormuz Blockade

Most Gulf stock markets fell after the US announced a naval blockade on Iranian shipping, with Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar indices declining amid regional tensions, while Saudi Arabia’s market edged slightly higher as oil prices surged above $100 per barrel and energy infrastructure resumed operations.

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★IRAQ

9. Kurdish Democratic Party Rejects New Iraqi President Election

The Kurdistan Democratic Party, led by Masoud Barzani, said it will not recognize the election of Nizar Amidi as Iraq’s president, calling the parliamentary vote procedurally flawed. The party ordered its representatives in Iraq’s government and parliament to return to Kurdistan for consultations, deepening political tensions after a two-thirds majority elected Amidi.

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★LEBANON

10. Thirteen Killed In Lebanon As Israel Threatens More Attacks

Israel continued airstrikes across southern Lebanon, killing at least 13 people in Tyre, Maaroub, and Qana, according to reports. PM Netanyahu threatened further escalation, saying war is not over and demanding Hezbollah disarmament and a lasting peace deal. Hezbollah rejected direct talks as strikes continued despite a reported truce.

11. Hezbollah Official Killed in Israel-Lebanon Escalation 

Hezbollah media said Muhammad Ma’niya, head of its liaison unit in southern Lebanon, died from wounds after an Israeli strike on a Sidon complex. PM Nawaf Salam said Lebanon seeks a ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal ahead of Tuesday’s Washington talks. Netanyahu said operations continue in a security zone, as Israeli leaders toured southern Lebanon.

12. IDF Nears Capture Of Hezbollah Stronghold Bint Jbeil 

Israel Defense Forces says it is close to capturing Bint Jbeil, a key Hezbollah stronghold, after killing over 100 militants and encircling the town. Operations by the 98th Division continue amid ongoing clashes and weapons seizures, ahead of upcoming Israel-Lebanon talks in Washington.

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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.