★LEBANON

1. Trump Extends Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire By Three Weeks After White House Talks

Donald Trump announced a three-week extension of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire following White House talks involving Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors. US, Israeli, and Lebanese officials discussed regional stability, with Washington stressing efforts to curb Hezbollah activity. Trump also said he may host Israeli and Lebanese leaders soon as part of broader diplomatic efforts.

2. Hezbollah And Israel Exchange Fire During Fragile Ceasefire

Hezbollah fired rockets at northern Israel, which were intercepted by the Israel Defense Forces, prompting Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon, including Khirbet Selm and Touline, targeting sites used for attacks against its forces. Both sides accused each other of ceasefire violations as cross-border escalation continued alongside US-brokered talks in Washington.

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★USA

3. Trump Orders Strikes On Iranian Boats During Hormuz Escalation

Donald Trump ordered US forces to target Iranian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, warning against mining activities and intensifying maritime pressure on Tehran. The US also seized an Iranian-linked oil tanker as part of expanded sanctions enforcement. Iran rejected claims of internal division, with officials insisting on national unity and warning of retaliation against further escalation.

4. US Military Prepares Contingency Strike Plans If Iran Ceasefire Collapses

The United States Department of Defense is drafting contingency plans to target Iranian maritime and military assets if the ceasefire with Iran collapses, according to reports. Options include strikes on fast attack boats, minelaying vessels, and coastal infrastructure around the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman. Officials said planning remains provisional, while coordination with allies continues amid rising regional tensions.

5. US Offers $10M Reward For Iraqi Militia Leader

The United States Department of State announced a $10 million reward for information leading to the arrest of a militia leader in Iraq linked to Iran-backed groups. The target, identified as a commander of Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada, is accused of attacks on US diplomatic facilities and personnel in Iraq and Syria as Washington intensifies pressure on armed groups in the region.

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★IRAN

6. US Deploys Three Aircraft Carriers Near Iran During Rising Tensions

The Donald Trump administration has deployed a third aircraft carrier, joining two others near Iran, in a major military buildup aimed at increasing pressure on Tehran amid stalled negotiations. The move enhances US strike and defense capabilities around the Strait of Hormuz while Washington continues its naval blockade and pushes Iran toward concessions in nuclear and maritime disputes.

7. Explosions In Tehran During Ceasefire Tensions And Denied Israeli Strikes

Explosions were reported in Tehran, with Iranian air defenses activated against what were described as hostile targets, according to local media. The Israel Defense Forces denied conducting any strikes in Iran, while officials confirmed no current Israeli operations. The incidents come amid stalled US-Iran talks and rising tensions despite a fragile ceasefire framework.

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★THE GULF

8. Saudi Arabia Tops Global Arms Importers List in 2025

Saudi Arabia ranked first among global arms importers in 2025 with 9.1% of total imports, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Qatar placed eighth and the United Arab Emirates ninth. The report highlights the continued concentration of the global arms trade among a small number of importing and exporting countries, led by the United States.

9. Zelensky Announces Drone Production Cooperation With Gulf States

Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country will co-produce low-cost drones with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, including software development and training. He also confirmed wider security talks with Gulf states and said Ukraine has deployed experts to the region to counter Iranian-made Shahed drones and strengthen air defence cooperation.

10. UAE Releases Syrian Commander Issam Bouidani After Detention

The UAE released Syrian military figure Issam Bouidani, who arrived in Damascus on Thursday and met President Ahmed al-Sharaa with senior officials. Adviser Ahmed Zidan credited Sharaa’s “quiet diplomacy” and thanked the UAE for cooperation. Bouidani, a former Jaish al-Islam leader, was detained in Dubai in April 2025 under an Interpol warrant before Syria formally requested his release.

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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.