★IRAN

1. Iran Proposes 14 Point Deal, One Month Hormuz Talks Window

Iran has submitted a revised 14-point proposal to the US via Pakistan, outlining a one-month negotiation window on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, ending the maritime blockade, and reaching a broader peace deal. US President Donald Trump is reviewing the plan but signaled possible rejection, while both sides continue to weigh military escalation and diplomacy.

2. Trump Threatens Renewed Iran Strikes Over Deal Doubts

US President Donald Trump said he will review Iran’s proposal to end the war but questioned its credibility, stating Tehran has “not paid a sufficient price.”  He warned military strikes could resume, saying it remains a possible option. The comments come as US forces maintain readiness in the region while diplomatic efforts continue to manage rising tensions.

3. Iran Says Ready For War, and Talks. Washington Decides

Iran says it is ready for both war and negotiations after submitting a revised 14-point proposal to the US via Pakistan, according to officials. Deputy FM Araghchi said Tehran remains distrustful but prefers diplomacy. The officials said the ball is in Washington’s court, while Trump is reviewing the plan but has signaled rejection. 

4. Iran Cuts Oil Production To Prevent Storage Capacity Crisis

Iran has begun reducing oil production to avoid exceeding storage limits under tightening sanctions, Bloomberg reported. Officials said current output can continue for only about a month, citing expertise in safely halting wells and strong economic resilience. The move reflects pressure management amid regional tensions, as OPEC+ considers increasing June production targets by 188,000 barrels daily. 

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★LEBANON

5. Hezbollah Fires Rockets As Israel Strikes Lebanon During Ceasefire

Hezbollah fired rockets and drones at Israeli troops in southern Lebanon, most of which were intercepted with no reported injuries, the IDF said. Israel responded with airstrikes on Hezbollah sites, killing at least seven people in Lebanon. Despite a declared ceasefire, both sides continue to exchange fire, with hundreds of Hezbollah targets struck and tensions persisting along the border.

6. Israel Says It Destroyed 70 Hezbollah Buildings In South Lebanon

Israel said it destroyed about 70 Hezbollah-used buildings and 50 infrastructure sites in southern Lebanon during airstrikes over the past 24 hours. The IDF reported targeting multiple areas after evacuation warnings, while Lebanon confirmed heavy raids and casualties. Despite a ceasefire since April 17, both sides continue mutual attacks and accuse each other of violations. 

7. IDF Admits Damage To Lebanese Convent Amid Hezbollah Operation

Israel’s military acknowledged damaging a Catholic convent in Yaroun, southern Lebanon, during operations against Hezbollah, but denied demolishing it. IDF said Hezbollah used the site for rocket launches, while the Church rejected military use claims. Israel’s Foreign Ministry said the convent remains intact and safe. 

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★THE GULF

8. MSC Launches New Europe Gulf Trade Route Bypassing Hormuz

MSC, the world’s largest container shipping company, has launched a new Europe–Gulf trade route designed to reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz. The hybrid sea-land corridor routes cargo via Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah and King Abdullah Port, then overland to Dammam before regional distribution. The move aims to boost logistics resilience amid recurring regional tensions. 

9. Kuwait Oil Exports Halt In April For First Time Since 1991

Kuwait recorded zero crude oil exports in April for the first time since 1991, according to TankerTrackers. The platform linked the disruption to regional tensions, Iran-related conflict, and the near closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Kuwait had declared force majeure on shipments, while previous exports averaged 2.6 million barrels daily through the strategic waterway. 

10. Qatar Warns Iran Against Using Hormuz As Pressure Tool

Qatar warned Iran against using the Strait of Hormuz as leverage, citing risks to regional stability and vital interests. During a call with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman reaffirmed support for mediation, stressing freedom of navigation as non-negotiable and warning that closure would deepen the crisis and disrupt global energy and food supplies.

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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.