★IRAN
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Iran Threatens Long Strikes On US Bases As Trump Reviews Options
Iran warned it would launch “long and painful strikes” on US regional bases if Washington resumes military action, as Trump received briefings on possible new operations. IRGC officials said any renewed attack would trigger retaliation, while Iran also threatened US warships. The warning comes amid US war powers deadlines, ceasefire tensions, and rising regional escalation risks.
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Iran Oil Storage Nears Capacity Under Intensifying US Blockade
Iran may exhaust its oil storage within 15 to 60 days under the US blockade, halting exports that once made up 85 percent. Tankers remain idle as crude fills onshore sites and vessels, with some evading sanctions. Experts warn Iran may shut wells, risking long-term damage, though recovery remains possible. Mounting pressure could push Tehran toward negotiations despite its high tolerance for economic strain.
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★USA
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Trump Says Iran Needs 20 Years To Rebuild Under Total Blockade
US President Donald Trump said Iran is militarily and economically weakened and would need about 20 years to rebuild, claiming Washington’s sanctions have been 100% effective. In a Newsmax interview, he said Iran must never obtain nuclear weapons and insisted the US is already winning the conflict. Israeli officials reportedly expect failed talks, with discussions of possible strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure if diplomacy collapses.
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★ISRAEL
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US Ships 6500 Tons Of Arms To Israel In One Day Operation
The United States delivered 6,500 tons of munitions and military equipment to Israel within 24 hours using ships and cargo aircraft. The shipment included air and ground munitions, vehicles, and tactical systems, docking in Ashdod and Haifa. Israeli officials said the logistics bridge has delivered over 115,600 tons since Operation Roaring Lion, strengthening military readiness amid escalating regional security demands.
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★LEBANON
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Lebanon Suffers Deadly Israeli Strikes In Worst Day Since Truce
At least 17 people were killed as Israeli airstrikes, artillery, and drone attacks hit 62 towns in southern Lebanon, marking the heaviest escalation since the ceasefire took effect on April 17. Lebanon and Israel continue exchanging attacks despite the truce, while President Joseph Aoun condemned the ongoing violations.
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Hezbollah Drone Strike In Shomera Wounds Israeli Soldiers
A Hezbollah suicide drone struck the northern Israeli border community of Shomera, moderately wounding two IDF soldiers and lightly injuring others, the military said. Additional drone and rocket attacks targeted Israeli forces in northern Israel and southern Lebanon, with several interceptions reported. The IDF responded with strikes on Hezbollah sites, while officials said the ceasefire remains under strain amid continued cross-border hostilities.
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US Urges Lebanon-Israel Talks Tied To IDF Withdrawal Proposal
The US is pushing Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to hold direct talks, suggesting a meeting could lead to an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. The US embassy said negotiations, backed by President Trump, could secure sovereignty, borders, and reconstruction support. Lebanon remains divided, with Hezbollah opposing normalization while Saudi Arabia warns against rapid diplomatic progress.
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★THE GULF
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Israel Supplies UAE Advanced Defense Systems Against Iran Threats
Financial Times reports Israel has deployed advanced defense systems in the UAE as part of unprecedented security cooperation against Iranian missile and drone threats. The systems include Spectro detection technology, Iron Beam laser interceptors, and Iron Dome units, alongside intelligence sharing on Iranian launch activity. The partnership marks a major expansion of post-Abraham Accords defense coordination amid rising regional tensions.
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UAE Bans Travel To Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon Over Security Risks
The UAE has banned its citizens from traveling to Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon due to rising regional security concerns. The Foreign Ministry urged Emiratis already in these countries to leave immediately. Officials said the decision is precautionary, aimed at ensuring citizen safety, as authorities continue closely monitoring escalating tensions and advising compliance with official travel warnings.
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Gulf States Reject Iran’s Plan To Share Hormuz Control
Gulf states rejected Iran’s proposal to share control of the Strait of Hormuz, with Oman refusing during talks with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Analysts say concerns over US relations drove the decision. Iran sought leverage to end the blockade and could earn $70–90 billion annually. Despite worsening economic strain, Tehran insists on maintaining control of the strategic waterway.
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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.
