★USA  

1. Trump Rejects Iran Hormuz Plan While Phone Talks Continue

Trump said talks with Iran continue by phone after rejecting Tehran’s proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lift the US blockade, while delaying nuclear talks. He insisted Iran must abandon nuclear ambitions.  while tensions keep oil prices surging and Iran threatens continued disruption.

2. Putin and Trump call to discuss Iran and Ukraine on the table

Trump escalated rhetoric on Iran after a call with Vladimir Putin discussing Iran and Ukraine, claiming Iran’s economy is collapsing, its currency worthless, demanding surrender, and denying nuclear weapons. Putin reportedly opposes nuclear Iran and offers mediation. Axios reports CENTCOM  prepared short, powerful strike plans and Hormuz options while Russia floated Ukraine ceasefire ideas amid rising tensions. 

3. US Pushes International Maritime Coalition To Counter Iran In Hormuz

The United States is advancing plans to form a “Maritime Freedom Construct” coalition to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports. The initiative would combine diplomacy, intelligence sharing, and sanctions enforcement with partner nations, under coordination between the State Department and US Central Command. It aims to protect global oil flows amid escalating tensions with Iran. 

4. US Iran War Costs $25 Billion as Pentagon Warns of Ongoing Conflict

A senior Pentagon official said the US war in Iran has cost about $25 billion so far, mainly on munitions, while lawmakers question the lack of detailed accounting. Defense leaders defended the spending as necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The conflict has raised oil prices, killed US troops, and strained political support ahead of upcoming elections. 

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★IRAN

5. Grossi Says Most Of Iran’s Uranium Remains In Isfahan Facility

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said most of Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile is likely still stored at the Isfahan nuclear complex, despite past US-Israeli strikes. He noted satellite images confirm damage assessments and ongoing monitoring. Grossi said removing or diluting the material requires political agreement or major intervention, as talks continue separately with the US, Iran, and Russia.

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★ISRAEL

6. Israel Intercepts Gaza Aid Flotilla With 175 Activists Aboard

Israel said its navy intercepted about 175 activists aboard more than 20 aid boats from a Gaza-bound flotilla that departed Europe in April, stating the passengers were being taken to Israel “safely and peacefully.” Organizers said Israeli forces surrounded vessels near Crete and called the operation “piracy” and unlawful detention at sea during the mission to break Gaza’s blockade. 

7. Israel Blocks Suspect Russian Grain Ship Under Ukraine Pressure

Israel prevented a Russian wheat vessel suspected of carrying grain from occupied Ukrainian territories from unloading, forcing importer Zenziper to redirect the shipment. The move followed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s warning that such trade is illegitimate and could trigger sanctions. Kyiv also summoned Israel’s envoy, citing risks to bilateral ties, as tensions grow over alleged Russian “shadow fleet” activities. 

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★IRAQ

8. Iraq Anti-Drone Deal Excludes Kurdistan Despite Ongoing Attacks

Iraq signed a contract to deploy advanced anti-drone systems protecting Interior Ministry sites in Baghdad, excluding the Kurdistan Region, despite over 800 drone and missile attacks since February 28, killing 20 and wounding 121. Iranian-backed militias drove nearly 1,000 attacks nationwide, while Baghdad blocks Kurdish defenses, leaving a critical security gap amid escalating tensions and leadership transition. 

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★LEBANON

9. Drone From Lebanon Sparks Fire In Northern Israel Vehicle

A drone launched from Lebanon fell in Shomera in Israel’s western Galilee, causing a vehicle to catch fire, according to Israeli media. The incident came despite a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that entered into force last month following weeks of Israeli airstrikes in response to Hezbollah attacks since early March.

10. IDF Chief Says No Ceasefire In South Lebanon As Fighting Continues

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said there is “no ceasefire”  in southern Lebanon as Israel and Hezbollah continue exchanging fire despite a US-mediated truce extended to mid-May. He said Israel will maintain its buffer zone and intensify operations, striking Hezbollah sites, while Washington pushes restraint and links Lebanon talks to wider regional negotiations. 

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★THE GULF

11. Saudi Crown Prince And Canadian PM Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney discussed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors during a phone call. Both leaders also reviewed regional developments and their security and economic impacts at the regional and international levels, according to official Saudi reports on Wednesday. 

12. Kuwait-Lebanon Coordination Foils Drug Smuggling Attempt

Kuwaiti security, in coordination with Lebanese authorities, thwarted an attempt to smuggle 500,000 captagon pills hidden in a shipment declared as food, involving a Gulf suspect. Lebanese anti-narcotics units arrested the sender while Kuwait detained the recipient after tracking the consignment through a maritime border point, reaffirming intensified regional cooperation against drug trafficking networks. 

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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.