★IRAN

1. Iran Submits Ceasefire Plan As Trump Rejects Concessions Offer

US President Donald Trump said he is “not satisfied” with a new Iranian ceasefire proposal and warned of possible military escalation if talks fail. Tehran reportedly offered phased negotiations on sanctions relief, nuclear limits, and the Strait of Hormuz, while both sides maintain competing blockades and prepare for renewed conflict.

2. US Blockade of Iranian Ports Costs Tehran Billions 

A report by Axios, citing Pentagon assessments, says the US blockade on Iranian ports has caused about $4.8 billion in lost oil revenues, with dozens of tankers and tens of millions of barrels stranded. The disruption has deepened economic pressure on Iran as Donald Trump reviews Tehran’s latest negotiation proposal amid ongoing war tensions.

3. Araghchi Lavrov Discuss Ceasefire Plans And Gulf Stability

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed proposals to end the Iran-US-Israel conflict, including ceasefire efforts, nuclear negotiations, and maritime security in the Gulf. Russia reaffirmed support for mediation and coordination on regional stability and Hormuz shipping routes.

4. Iran Crypto Exchange Linked To Sanctions Evasion Network

Iran’s largest crypto platform, Nobitex, tied to relatives of Mojtaba Khamenei, has processed millions for sanctioned entities, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Despite sanctions, it enables global transactions for state actors and citizens, sustaining financial flows during war and restrictions while obscuring fund origins.

5. US Imposes New Sanctions, Warns Iran Over Hormuz Fees

The United States Department of the Treasury imposed new sanctions on three Iranian exchange firms while warning Tehran against charging fees for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, threatening further penalties. The move comes as Iran, via Pakistan mediation, submits revised ceasefire proposals amid ongoing US-Iran negotiations over nuclear limits and sanctions relief.

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★USA  

6. U.S. to Withdraw Five Thousand Troops From Germany 

The United States Department of Defense announced the withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany, a move expected over 6–12 months, amid rising tensions between Washington and Europe over the Iran war. The decision follows a dispute between US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over negotiations and NATO burden sharing.

7. Iran Strikes Damage Sixteen US Bases Across the Middle East Report

At least 16 US military bases in eight Middle Eastern countries were damaged during Iran’s war, according to CNN. Sites in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan reportedly suffered losses of aircraft, radar, and communications systems, with Camp Arifjan and Camp Burling among the most affected, as Washington assesses the scale of coordinated Iranian strikes.

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★LEBANON

8. Hezbollah Drone Attacks Wound Soldiers As IDF Warns Evacuation

Four Israeli soldiers were wounded by Hezbollah drones, prompting the IDF to warn residents of Habboush to evacuate. Strikes in southern Lebanon killed at least four people, while Avichay Adraee confirmed operations against violations. Donald Trump-backed ceasefire continues to erode amid escalating clashes and tightened Israeli restrictions. 

9. Israeli Strikes Kill 12 In Lebanon Despite Ongoing Ceasefire

At least 12 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon, including children and women, according to the Lebanese health ministry, despite a ceasefire in place between Israel and Hezbollah. Donald Trump-backed diplomatic efforts continue, while Israel says it is responding to ceasefire violations and maintains operations against Hezbollah targets.

10. Israeli Military Says Forty Hezbollah Targets Destroyed in Lebanon

The Israeli military said it struck and destroyed over 40 Hezbollah-linked sites in southern Lebanon in the past 24 hours, including command centers and military infrastructure. It also reported intercepting at least four drones, one of which crossed into Israel and triggered alarms in Rosh Hanikra, while others were downed over Lebanon.

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★THE GULF

11. The United States bypasses Congress and approves $8.6 billion in arms deals for Gulf States.

The United States Department of State approved over $8.6 billion in arms sales to Israel, Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE without congressional review, citing emergency conditions. The move comes amid the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran, now in its ninth week, despite a fragile ceasefire in place.

12. Saudi EU Talks Address Regional Escalation and US-Iran Deal

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan discussed regional developments with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Talks coincide with Saudi, Gulf, and international efforts to contain escalation and secure a lasting US-Iran agreement. Reports indicate Donald Trump is advancing expanded military and economic measures in the Gulf. 

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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.