★USA  

1. Trump Links Iran Proposal, Hormuz And Sanctions To Nuclear Deal

US President Donald Trump is reportedly skeptical of Iran’s latest proposal to end the conflict, with officials saying he is unlikely to accept it. Washington insists that any deal must first address uranium enrichment before discussing lifting the blockade or reopening the Strait of Hormuz, warning that concessions would weaken US leverage, while mediation efforts continue.

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★IRAN

2. US-Iran Clash At UN Over Nuclear Role Tensions

US and Iran clashed at the UN over Tehran’s selection as vice president of a Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty review conference, with Washington calling it an affront and Iran rejecting accusations as political hypocrisy. Amid wider nuclear tensions, Iran proposed delaying talks until the war and Gulf shipping disputes are resolved, while Trump reaffirmed strict red lines.

3. Putin Praises Iranian Resistance And Reaffirms Support In Talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the Iranian people for resisting US and Israeli pressure during talks with Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in St. Petersburg, pledging continued Russian support and calling for peace. He reaffirmed strategic ties, while Moscow urged continued diplomacy and offered mediation efforts to reduce tensions and prevent renewed military escalation in the region.

4. Iran Tries Exporting Oil To China By Rail Route

Iran seeks to transport oil by rail to China, according to Iran Oil Exporters Union spokesman Hamid Hosseini. The Wall Street Journal notes the option is inefficient and rarely used globally compared to maritime shipping. The move reflects mounting pressure from US sanctions, port restrictions, storage shortages, and reliance on floating tankers and improvised storage facilities.

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★ISRAEL

5. Herzog Visit In Astana Marks Kazakhstan Abraham Accords Entry

Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited Astana for a state visit with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, during which both sides held formal talks to strengthen bilateral relations. Discussions focused on expanding diplomatic, economic, and strategic cooperation. Herzog welcomed Kazakhstan’s intention to join the Abraham Accords, describing it as a step toward regional stability and deeper Middle East engagement.

6. US And Israel Discuss Land Oil Pipeline Bypassing Hormuz Strait

Israel and the United States are reportedly considering a strategic transcontinental oil pipeline project to bypass the Strait of Hormuz by transporting crude overland from the UAE through Saudi Arabia and Jordan to Israel’s Haifa port, according to i24NEWS. The plan is linked to broader regional infrastructure initiatives and aims to reduce reliance on vulnerable maritime routes while boosting energy and trade connectivity.

7. Ukraine Summons Israeli Envoy Over Grain Ship Dispute

Ukraine summoned Israel’s ambassador over allegations that ships carrying grain from Russian-occupied territory are being allowed into Israeli ports, while Israel denies receiving evidence of theft. The EU warned of possible sanctions against the involved parties. Kyiv protested a second vessel in Haifa, saying it would escalate diplomatic and legal measures if shipments continue.

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★IRAQ

8. Ali Al-Zaydi Appointed To Form New Iraqi Government Officially

Iraq’s presidency has appointed businessman Ali Al-Zaydi as prime minister-designate after backing from the main Shiite bloc and withdrawal of Nouri al-Maliki’s nomination. The move opens a new phase of political negotiations to form a government, amid external pressure and Iraq’s ongoing economic, security, and institutional challenges, all of which require a coalition agreement for parliamentary approval.

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★LEBANON

9. Four Killed, Fifty-One Injured In Israeli-Lebanon Strikes Ceasefire

Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon killed four people and injured 51 others, including children, despite an ongoing ceasefire. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported continued casualties since the truce began, while Israel said it targeted Hezbollah infrastructure. 

10. IDF Destroys Hezbollah Sites, Seizes Weapons In Lebanon

The IDF said its 91st Division destroyed over 1,000 Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon, including booby-trapped buildings used to plan attacks, and seized hundreds of weapons. The Israeli Air Force also struck targets on Tuesday. Fighting has intensified since an April 17 ceasefire, with Israel claiming it applies only north of the Litani River and reporting at least 40 Hezbollah fighters killed.

11. Hezbollah Operations Decline As Israel Escalates Strikes In Lebanon

Israeli airstrikes expanded north of the Litani River, hitting Bekaa and southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah responded with limited drone attacks on Israeli positions. Analysts say Hezbollah’s operations are declining due to the closure of the Iran–Syria–Lebanon supply route, tighter Lebanese army controls, and heavy damage to infrastructure, forcing a shift to reduced hit-and-run tactics.

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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.