★USA  

1. Trump Says Iran Has Three Days Before Infrastructure Explosion

Trump said Iran has about three days before its oil infrastructure “explodes,” and claimed the US could negotiate the end of the war. He predicted US victory, criticized NATO, and commented on broader political issues, including White House security concerns after a shooting incident, which authorities say may have targeted Trump administration figures.

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★IRAN

2. Iran Proposes Hormuz Deal to US to End War

Iran, through Pakistani mediation, proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the war, with nuclear talks delayed, Axios reported. The US is reviewing the proposal as Trump considers maintaining pressure until a comprehensive agreement is reached, amid ongoing regional diplomacy and security concerns over global energy flows.

3. Iranian Minister Heads to Russia as Trump Calls Talks

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi travelled to Russia for talks with President Vladimir Putin amid stalled US-Iran negotiations over the war, nuclear issues, and the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump said Iran can “call us” to negotiate, while insisting key demands remain unchanged. Diplomatic efforts via regional mediators continue despite deep divisions.

4. Iran Steel Production Drops Thirty Percent After Israeli-US Strikes

Iran’s Etemad newspaper reports that steel production has declined by 25–30% (around 10 million tons annually) following Israeli and US attacks. The report says major plants, including Mobarakeh Isfahan and Khuzestan Steel, were hit during the conflict, significantly reducing the country’s industrial production capacity.

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★ISRAEL

5. Israel Appoints Somaliland Envoy, Sparks Legal and Diplomatic Backlash

Israel’s appointment of its first ambassador to Somaliland triggered strong Arab and African condemnation, with critics calling it a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and international law. Experts urged coordinated legal, diplomatic, and economic measures through the UN, African Union, and other bodies, arguing the move reflects broader geopolitical aims in the Horn of Africa and Red Sea region.

6. Israel is Suffering From Severe Interceptor Missile Shortage Despite Major Defense Deals

Walla reports a critical shortage of Israel’s Arrow interceptor missiles despite large procurement deals, driven by production delays and wartime depletion against Iranian and Yemeni threats. Slow funding decisions, complex manufacturing, and export commitments widen the gap between military needs and replenishment capacity.

7. Israel Closely Monitors Egyptian Military Drills Near Border

Israeli media report rising concern over Egyptian military exercises with live fire conducted about 100 meters from the border, amid regional tensions after the Gaza war. Officials warn of miscalculation risks, citing unusual troop movements and prolonged drills, while export pressures and security sensitivities heighten fears of escalation along the Sinai-Gaza frontier.

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★IRAQ

8. Iraq Faces Power Crisis Due to Severe Gas Shortage

Iraq’s Electricity Ministry warned that regional conflict has sharply reduced gas imports to about 15 million cubic meters daily, far below the 50 million needed to run power plants. The shortfall is straining electricity production ahead of peak summer demand, while broader disruptions, including risks to maritime supply routes, worsen the energy crisis.

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★LEBANON

9. Israeli Soldier Killed in Drone Attack in Lebanon Clash

The IDF said Sgt. Idan Fooks, 19, from Petah Tikva, was killed in southern Lebanon by an explosive drone attack, the first such fatality since the ceasefire. Several soldiers were also wounded. The incident followed renewed exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah, including drone interceptions and Israeli strikes on targets in Lebanon.

10. Israeli Strikes Kill 14 in Lebanon Amid Rising Border Clashes

Israeli strikes killed 14 people and wounded dozens in Lebanon, including women and children, as tensions with Hezbollah escalated despite a fragile ceasefire. Israel warned residents to evacuate several towns, while both sides exchanged fire and accused each other of violations, with continued military operations along the southern Lebanese border.

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★THE GULF

11. Israel Sent Iron Dome to The UAE During The Iran War

Israel reportedly deployed an Iron Dome air-defense system and IDF personnel to the UAE during its war with Iran, following coordination between Prime Minister Netanyahu and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed. The system intercepted Iranian missiles targeting the Gulf state, marking the first operational use of Iron Dome outside Israel amid expanded defense cooperation.

12. UAE and US Discuss Regional Escalation and Security Implications

UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed regional developments, including Iranian missile attacks and their impact on security, energy supplies, and global stability. Both sides stressed de-escalation, peace efforts, and strengthening bilateral ties, while reviewing ceasefire developments and supporting diplomatic solutions to ongoing regional crises.

13. Saudi and Iranian Foreign Ministers Discuss Regional De-escalation

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a phone call to discuss regional developments and efforts to reduce tensions. Both sides reviewed diplomatic tracks and the US-Iran ceasefire, while Saudi Arabia reiterated support for a comprehensive agreement, stability in the region, and keeping the Strait of Hormuz open to navigation.

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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.