★UNITED STATES
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Trump Sets Iran Wednesday Deadline Or Military Escalation Warning
US President Donald Trump expressed cautious optimism over Iran negotiations while warning the current window closes by Wednesday. He said a ceasefire extension may not be granted without a deal, despite reported progress in talks. Washington insists on dismantling Iran’s nuclear program and transferring enriched uranium to US control, with further rounds expected Monday.
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US Offers Iran $20bn Assets For Uranium Deal Talks
US negotiators reportedly offered Iran access to $20 billion in frozen assets in exchange for handing over its enriched uranium stockpile, according to reports. Tehran has neither accepted nor rejected the proposal, citing major differences on nuclear terms. Both sides continue talks, with possibility of an interim agreement amid ongoing tensions.
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Trump Greenlights Russian Oil Imports To Stabilize Markets Globally
US administration approved a 30-day emergency waiver allowing maritime imports of Russian oil, reversing previous restrictions to stabilize surging global energy prices following the Iran war. The Treasury said the license remains valid until May 16, 2026, aiming to ensure supply and ease market pressure amid geopolitical volatility.
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US Sanctions Seven Iran-Backed Iraqi Militia Commanders Designation
The US Treasury’s OFAC sanctioned seven Iran-backed Iraqi militia commanders for planning and carrying out attacks against US personnel and interests in Iraq under Executive Order 13224. Assets are frozen, and US transactions are prohibited with potential secondary sanctions. Secretary Scott Bessent said the move aims to curb threats and change behavior.
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★IRAN
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Iran Reimposes Strait Of Hormuz Restrictions During US Tensions
Iran said it reimposed strict control measures over the Strait of Hormuz, citing US violations and “maritime piracy,” while allowing limited transit under conditions. Military forces maintained tight oversight, warning restrictions depend on Washington’s compliance. Conflicting statements emerged from Iranian officials amid continued shipping activity and heightened regional tensions.
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Iran Rejects Second US Talks, Sets Conditions For Negotiations
Iran has rejected holding a second round of talks with the United States, conveying its position through Pakistani mediation,according to an Iranian source. Tehran said US demands are excessive and insists negotiations must avoid wasted time. Despite this, indirect communications continue as both sides remain divided over conditions for resuming dialogue.
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Iran Strikes Kurdish Opposition Sites In Iraq, Killing Three
Three people, including two women, were killed in Iranian missile and drone strikes on Iranian Kurdish opposition sites in northern Iraq’s Erbil province on Friday. The attacks targeted civilian camps and Peshmerga forces, wounding several fighters. The strikes occurred despite an Iran-US ceasefire since April 8, following a 40-day war that extended into Iraqi Kurdistan.
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★ISRAEL&LEBANON
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IDF “Yellow Line” Model in the South Lebanon Buffer Zone
Israeli media reports said the IDF is implementing a Gaza-style “yellow line” policy in southern Lebanon, creating a controlled buffer zone across 55 villages. The framework restricts civilian access while allowing continued operations against Hezbollah infrastructure despite a ceasefire. Officials said the aim is to prevent Hezbollah regrouping during the temporary pause in fighting.
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Israeli Strikes On Lebanon Kill 2294 Since March Two
Lebanon reported 2,294 killed and 7,544 injured from Israeli strikes since March 2, including 98 deaths in 24 hours. Casualties include 177 minors killed and 704 injured, alongside 100 health workers killed. Six hospitals closed and 129 rescue groups targeted. The strikes followed Hezbollah attacks near Haifa, ending with a ceasefire effective midnight Thursday-Friday.
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★GULF STATES
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Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan, and Egypt Hold Talks On Regional Developments
Saudi, Turkish, Pakistani, and Egyptian foreign ministers met in Antalya on Friday to discuss regional developments and rising tensions. The talks backed Pakistan’s mediation efforts to secure a permanent ceasefire between Iran and the United States. Officials emphasized reducing escalation and preventing severe security and economic consequences from a prolonged conflict.
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Saudi US Officials Discuss Hormuz Stability And Lebanon Ceasefire
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held a call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss regional developments, focusing on ensuring the Strait of Hormuz remains open and sustaining Lebanon’s ceasefire. Both sides stressed diplomacy and dialogue as key tools for regional security and stability.
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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.
