★USA
-
US Extends Iran Ceasefire But Keeps Hormuz Blockade In Place
Donald Trump extended the US-Iran ceasefire until Tehran submits a unified proposal, while insisting the naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz will remain. He said Iran is losing about $500 million daily due to the shutdown. Washington continues its “Economic Fury” pressure campaign despite Iran rejecting talks over the ongoing blockade.
-
US Expands Sanctions On Iranian Military Procurement Networks
The United States Department of the Treasury imposed new sanctions on 14 individuals and entities in Iran, Turkey, and the UAE linked to procurement networks supporting Tehran’s missile and drone programs. The measures target components for Shahed drones and aircraft operated by Mahan Air, as Washington intensifies economic pressure on Iran’s defense sector amid stalled ceasefire diplomacy.
-
US Faces Near-Term Missile Shortage Risk After Iran War
The US military faces a near-term missile shortage risk after expending large amounts of ammunition in Operation Epic Fury against Iran, CNN reported, citing CSIS. Stockpiles may take 3–5 years to replenish, while the Pentagon maintains it still has sufficient capability for ongoing operations.
-
After Trump’s Iran Truce Extension, Oil Prices Slightly Fall
Oil prices eased on Wednesday after markets reacted to Donald Trump extending the ceasefire with Iran to support peace talks. Brent fell 0.2% to $98.27 and WTI 0.3% to $89.39 after rising about 3% earlier. Investors weighed reduced geopolitical risk and continued US pressure on Iran.
===========
★IRAN
-
Iranian Gunboat Fires On Cargo Ship Off Oman Coast
A container ship 15 nautical miles northeast of Oman was struck by an IRGC gunboat, damaging its bridge with no injuries reported, according to UKMTO. The IRGC vowed readiness for retaliation. The incident follows Donald Trump extending a US-Iran ceasefire pending a unified Iranian proposal amid Strait of Hormuz tensions.
-
The Revolutionary Guard threatens to strike oil facilities in the Gulf
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned of crushing strikes on enemy resources, including Gulf oil facilities, while Majid Mousavi cautioned Gulf states against supporting U.S. attacks. The threat follows Donald Trump’s extension of a ceasefire to enable ongoing peace negotiations after weeks of regional conflict.
===========
★ISRAEL&LEBANON
-
Saudi Crown Prince And Lebanese President Discuss the Lebanon Situation
The Mohammed bin Salman and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun discussed the latest developments in Lebanon and the wider region in a phone call, focusing on stability and security efforts. The Saudi Crown Prince reaffirmed Riyadh’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, unity, and efforts to maintain stability amid regional tensions.
-
One Killed In Israeli Strike On Western Bekaa, Lebanon
One person was killed, and two were injured in an Israeli drone strike on the Western Bekaa region of Lebanon, according to state media, despite a ceasefire with Hezbollah. The incident follows ongoing cross-border exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah amid repeated violations of the truce.
-
Israel And Hezbollah Exchange Fire Despite Fragile Truce Continues
Israeli forces said they struck an Israeli border area in southern Lebanon after rockets were fired by Hezbollah, amid continued ceasefire violations. Israel also reported intercepting a drone from Lebanon. Despite the truce, both sides exchanged fire, while diplomatic talks are scheduled in Washington later this week.
===========
★IRAQ
-
US Halts Dollar Shipments To Iraq Over Militia Concerns
The US froze dollar shipments, military aid to Iraq, and suspended cooperation over Iranian-backed militias, WSJ reported. Treasury blocked a $500M oil revenue transfer. Washington also paused counterterrorism training after drone attacks on US sites. It intensified “Economic Fury” sanctions targeting militia leaders, including Kataib Hezbollah, amid escalating tensions.
===========
★ 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.
