★IRAN

1. Trump Launches “Freedom Project” To Escort Ships Through Hormuz

US President Donald Trump announced the launch of a “Freedom Project” starting Monday to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, citing humanitarian support for stranded ships. He warned that any interference would be met with force. The move comes amid rising Gulf tensions and ongoing reports of indirect US-Iran communications on de-escalation.

2. Iran Warns US Navy Over Hormuz As Trump Plans Ship Aid

Iran’s military warned US forces to stay away from the Strait of Hormuz after President Donald Trump said Washington would help free stranded ships affected by the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran. Trump offered limited details on the operation, while tensions remain high in the vital waterway amid disrupted navigation and stalled nuclear talks.

3. Iran Revises Nuclear Deal Proposal Concessions On Enrichment

Iran has reportedly revised its latest 14-point proposal to the US, agreeing to include the nuclear file in talks and accept uranium enrichment at 3.5%, alongside gradual uranium reduction. Sources said the updated plan also supports a phased Hormuz reopening and international maritime mechanism, while dropping demands for full US troop withdrawal and seeking guarantees against renewed attacks. 

4. Iranian Tanker Breaks US Blockade, Reaches Far East Waters

Iranian tanker HUGE, operated by the National Iranian Tanker Company, breached the US blockade and reached Far East waters carrying 1.9 million barrels worth $220 million, per maritime data cited by Fars. The vessel disabled AIS near Sri Lanka on March 20, used concealment tactics, and transited the Lombok Strait as Iran maintains Hormuz closure and US naval pressure targets exports. 

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★ISRAEL

5. Israel Approves Purchase Of F-35I And F-15IA Fighter Squadrons

Israel has approved the purchase of two additional squadrons of F-35I and F-15IA fighter jets from the United States following lessons from the Iran conflict. The Defense Ministry said the deal aims to strengthen long-term air superiority, bringing Israel’s future fleet to 100 F-35Is and 50 F-15IAs, with deliveries expected over the next decade.

6. Israel Deploys New Anti-Drone System In South Lebanon

The Israeli army has deployed a new experimental system in southern Lebanon, using interceptor drones that fire nets to counter Hezbollah FPV drones carrying explosives. The system, called “Iron Drone Raider,” has shown limited success so far and remains under testing. Israel says it is working to address the growing drone threat as Hezbollah continues to use low-detectability aerial attacks. 

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★LEBANON

7. Israeli Airstrikes Hit South Lebanon Tunnel And Villages, Injure Civilians

Israeli airstrikes targeted several villages in southern Lebanon, including Frun, Safad al-Bateekh, Hariss, Srifa, Jmeijmeh, and Jouya, killing one and injuring multiple civilians, according to local reports. The Israeli army said it destroyed an 80-meter Hezbollah tunnel and seized weapons, including 20 rockets and over 100 arms, amid continued cross-border clashes despite a ceasefire agreement. 

8. Hezbollah Paid Heavy Price In Latest War With Israel Reports

Reports citing undisclosed internal estimates say Hezbollah suffered heavy losses in its latest war with Israel, including thousands of fighters killed and widespread displacement in southern Lebanon. The conflict also deepened Lebanon’s political crisis, prompted direct Beirut–Tel Aviv talks, and intensified calls to disarm Hezbollah, while both sides continue to accuse each other of violating ceasefires.

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★THE GULF

9. Oil Tanker Hit By Projectiles Near UAE Hormuz Waters

An oil tanker was struck by unidentified projectiles on Sunday in the Strait of Hormuz near UAE waters, about 145 kilometers north of Fujairah, the UK Maritime Trade Operations said. The crew remained safe with no environmental damage reported as investigations began. Authorities warned threat levels remain critical, urging caution, while the US plans naval escorts and Iran warned against intervention. 

10. Oman Discusses Gulf Maritime Security With Iran And Turkey

Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi held separate talks with Iran’s Abbas Araghchi and Turkey’s Hakan Fidan on Gulf security, focusing on maritime stability in the Strait of Hormuz. The discussions covered nuclear negotiations, de-escalation efforts, and ensuring freedom of navigation and uninterrupted global trade amid rising regional tensions. 

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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.