★IRAN
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Iran Retains Major Missile And Drone Capability Despite War Losses Report
US intelligence estimates Iran still holds about 60% of its missile launchers and roughly 40% of its drone arsenal despite damage from the recent conflict. Officials warn these remaining capabilities could still threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, while recovery efforts may restore up to 70% of prewar missile strength.
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Qalibaf And Trump Cautiously Optimistic As Iran-US Talks Stall On Two Key Issues
Iranian negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and US President Donald Trump expressed cautious optimism over ongoing talks, but key disputes remain unresolved. The main sticking points are Iran’s uranium enrichment rights and the fate of 440kg of highly enriched uranium that Iran refuses to transfer. Additional US demands include missile limits and regional militias.
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Iran Revolutionary Guard Boosts Missile Readiness During Ceasefire Period
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said missile launch platforms are being rearmed faster during the current ceasefire than before the war, according to state media. A video showed underground missile facilities and drones. The announcement comes amid US warnings of renewed strikes if talks fail, while negotiations continue with mediation efforts and disputes over nuclear and Hormuz issues.
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India Summons Iran Envoy After Strait Of Hormuz Shooting Incident
India summoned Iran’s envoy after gunfire targeted two Indian-flagged ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The move follows Tehran’s reversal of plans to reopen the route amid US tensions, as New Delhi urged restoring safe passage and expressed concern over maritime security disruptions.
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★ISRAEL&LEBANON
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Netanyahu Says Israeli Strikes Prevented Iran’s Nuclear Weapons
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that operations “Rising Lion” and “Roar of the Lion” prevented Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, claiming Tehran was preparing nuclear bombs. He described the strikes as essential for Israel’s survival and said intelligence and military action changed the Middle East and averted an existential threat.
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IDF Strikes Hezbollah Targets Despite Ongoing Lebanon Ceasefire
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed strikes on Hezbollah operatives in southern Lebanon for ceasefire violations, marking the first action since the truce. Israel called them defensive amid US-backed terms, while tensions persist with remaining militants, ongoing operations, and uncertainty over the fragile ceasefire.
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IDF Reservist Killed And Nine Injured In Lebanon Ceasefire Explosion
An Israeli reservist was killed, and nine soldiers were injured when an explosive device detonated in southern Lebanon during the ongoing ceasefire, according to the IDF. The military said an engineering vehicle triggered a Hezbollah-planted bomb in cleared territory, prompting retaliatory strikes while investigations continue.
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Israel Announces Killing of Hezbollah Commander Ali Abbas
Israel said it killed more than 150 Hezbollah members, including Bent Jbeil sector commander Ali Rida Abbas, in airstrikes within 24 hours before a ceasefire took effect. The army also reported striking around 300 military targets, including launch sites and command centers, describing Abbas as a key figure in rebuilding operations.
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Syria Dismantles New Terror Cell Linked To Hezbollah Network
Syrian Interior Ministry forces carried out a security operation dismantling an active terrorist cell linked to Hezbollah, arresting five members. The cell was under surveillance and tied to a previously uncovered network. Authorities say suspects were involved in preparing explosives and mines, with reported foreign training. Investigations continue to determine full connections and support networks.
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★IRAQ
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Qaani Visits Baghdad During Iraq PM Deadlock And Regional Tensions
Iran’s Quds Force chief Esmail Qaani arrived in Baghdad to meet Iraqi political leaders and armed faction commanders, discussing regional de-escalation, Iraq’s government deadlock, and the impact of the Middle East conflict. The visit aims to coordinate Iran-aligned groups as Iraq’s ruling alliance remains divided over selecting a new prime minister.
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★GULF STATES
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French Military Chief Holds Defence Talks In Oman
France’s armed forces chief met senior Omani defence officials in Muscat to discuss bilateral military relations and regional developments, according to Omani media. The talks focused on strengthening security cooperation and reviewing tensions in the Middle East amid rising concerns about renewed escalation and disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz.
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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.
