★USA

1. US Strikes Iranian Targets After Hormuz Attack On Navy Destroyers

US forces launched retaliatory strikes on Iranian military sites after missiles, drones, and boats targeted three American destroyers transiting the Strait of Hormuz, according to CENTCOM. Washington said no US assets were damaged, and Iranian launch sites were destroyed. President Donald Trump warned Iran against pursuing nuclear weapons, while Iranian media claimed Tehran damaged US vessels and downed hostile drones near Bandar Abbas.

2. Trump Says Iran Ceasefire Still Holds After “Limited Strikes”

US President Donald Trump said the ceasefire with Iran remains in place despite recent military tensions, describing the latest strikes as “limited messages” rather than escalation. He added that the agreement is still valid, without providing further details on ongoing diplomatic contacts or the terms of the truce.

3. Rubio Approves $25.8B Arms Sales To Israel And Gulf States

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio approved $25.8 billion in missile interceptors and arms sales to Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE, tripling an earlier $8.6 billion package via emergency authority, bypassing review. The deal comes amid Iran’s conflict-driven missile attacks and interceptor shortages, with deliveries potentially taking two to three years.

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★IRAN

4. Iran Warns Escalation As Pakistan Mediation Continues 

Iran warned of retaliation as spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei cited a poem by Al-Mutanabbi signaling escalation after US-Iran exchanges of fire. Pakistan’s foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, contacted Abbas Araghchi to facilitate the transfer of Iranian and Pakistani seafarers. Both sides traded accusations over strikes near Hormuz, while Pakistan continues mediation as Iran reviews a US proposal

5. Iran Creates New Authority To Control Hormuz Shipping Traffic

Iran has established a government body to inspect vessels passing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz and impose transit fees, according to shipping data firms. The move has raised concerns over global maritime traffic as hundreds of commercial ships remain stranded in the Gulf. Meanwhile, Iran is reviewing US peace proposals via Pakistan-mediated talks amid cautious hopes for de-escalation.

6. 1,500 Ships and 22,000 Sailors are Stranded in the Strait of Hormuz.

Reports say 1,550–1,600 commercial vessels carrying over 22,000 sailors are stranded in the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict. Maritime traffic has dropped sharply as Iran’s threats and reported mining disrupted the key oil route, while US and UN officials warn of severe risks. Attempts to reopen the passage through military escort plans have largely stalled, leaving global shipping and energy flows under pressure.

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★LEBANON

7. Israel Intensifies Strikes On Southern Lebanon, Killing Twelve People

At least 12 people, including two children and a paramedic, were killed in Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon on Thursday, according to the health ministry. Strikes hit multiple villages, including Nabatieh, Doueir Harouf, and Majdal Selm, where an ambulance team was targeted. Israel issued evacuation warnings and reported Hezbollah fire while raids expanded across 27 towns amid rising cross-border escalation

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★THE GULF

8. UAE Air Defenses Intercept Iranian Missiles And Drones

The UAE said its air defenses are intercepting incoming Iranian missiles and drones following renewed exchanges between US and Iranian forces, threatening a fragile ceasefire in the region. The Defense Ministry reported earlier strikes attributed to Iran that injured civilians in Fujairah, as Gulf tensions escalate alongside continued cross-border attacks and maritime insecurity.

9. UAE Continues Oil Shipments Through Hormuz Despite Iranian Pressure

The UAE has continued transporting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz despite tensions and an Iranian blockade, according to reports. Ships operated by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company have reportedly used tactics such as switching off automatic identification systems to avoid detection. Industry data suggests some cargoes are transferred between vessels outside the Gulf to maintain export flows, even as ADNOC has cut production and shipments significantly. The strategy helps keep oil moving to Asian markets, while regional tensions and disrupted shipping routes have pushed global oil prices above $100 per barrel.

10. Kuwait And Türkiye Expand Defense Cooperation Through New Strategic Agreement

Kuwait and Türkiye signed a letter of intent in Ankara to strengthen cooperation in defense industries, logistics, and technical coordination. The agreement, signed by Kuwaiti Defense Minister Sheikh Abdullah Al Sabah and Turkish defense industries chief Haluk Gorgun, supports expertise exchange and joint capability development. The deal reflects expanding military ties and rising Gulf interest in Turkish defense technology and regional security partnerships.

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★IRAQ

11. US Sanctions Iraqi Official And Militias Over Iran Oil Smuggling

The United States sanctioned Iraqi Deputy Oil Minister Ali Maarij Al-Bahadly and leaders of Iran-aligned militias for allegedly helping Tehran smuggle Iranian oil through Iraq using forged documents and mixed exports. Washington accused the networks of funding terrorism, while Iraq’s oil ministry denied the allegations and offered cooperation in any investigation as US-Iran ceasefire talks continue.

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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.