★USA

1. Trump Rejects Iranian Response To Latest US Proposal Fully

Iran rejected the latest US proposal delivered via Pakistani mediation, calling it a surrender to excessive demands. Trump called the response “absolutely unacceptable.” Reports say Iran refused uranium enrichment limits and dismantling, while seeking sanctions relief,  partial Hormuz opening, and war-end guarantees. The US insists on uranium transfer, dismantling sites, and addressing missiles and proxies.

2. Oil Prices Surge After Trump Rejects Iranian Response Deal

Oil prices jumped over 4%, adding about $5 per barrel, after Trump rejected Iran’s response to a US peace proposal, stalling talks and keeping the Strait of Hormuz largely disrupted. Brent rose to $105.82 and WTI to $100.14, as geopolitical tensions continued to tighten global energy supply.

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★IRAN

3. Iran Escalates Against UAE And Israel Over Regional Axis

An Iranian parliamentary security spokesman intensified rhetoric against the UAE and Israel, saying Iran will not allow a UAE–Israeli axis in the region. He claimed Tehran has closed the Strait of Hormuz and can also shut Bab al-Mandeb. The official also accused Bahrain and the UAE of taking the wrong regional path and expressed doubt over any near-term agreement with the United States amid rising Gulf tensions. 

4. Russia Sends Iran Drone Parts Through Caspian Sea Trade Corridor

Russia is reportedly sending drone components to Iran across the Caspian Sea, helping Tehran rebuild capabilities damaged during the recent US-Israeli war. US officials said the route bypasses Hormuz disruptions and sanctions enforcement, while Moscow also supplies satellite imagery and upgraded drone technology. Israeli strikes in March reportedly targeted Iranian naval assets to disrupt the growing Russia-Iran military corridor.

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★LEBANON

5. Israeli Strikes Kill Dozens In Lebanon

Israeli strikes on Lebanon killed 36 people and wounded 74 in the past day, according to the health ministry, despite a declared ceasefire. Additional attacks across southern towns killed civilians in Qlailah, Deir Qanoun, Bdeyas, Nabatiyeh, and Sidon. Israel issued new displacement orders and said it struck 40 Hezbollah targets, killing 10 fighters. Hezbollah responded with drone and rocket attacks on Israeli forces. 

6. Hezbollah Targets Israel’s Iron Dome System with Drones

Hezbollah released footage allegedly showing a drone striking an Israeli Iron Dome battery near the Lebanon border, as clashes continued despite a US-backed ceasefire. The group said it also targeted military sites near Mount Meron, while Israel reported intercepting drones and rockets and striking Hezbollah positions across southern Lebanon ahead of new direct talks in Washington later this week.

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★THE GULF

7. Qatar Prime Minister Meets US Officials On Iran Deal

Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani met US officials Marco Rubio and Steve Witkoff  in Florida to discuss efforts to reach a deal ending the Iran conflict, as mediation continues over the Strait of Hormuz crisis amid pressure from Donald Trump and regional diplomatic involvement.

8. Bahrain Dismantles IRGC-Linked Cell

Bahrain said it dismantled an IRGC-linked network of 41 members, with 11 in Iran acting as liaisons between Iran’s IRGC and local operatives. Authorities said members included former clerical council affiliates, accused of forming a terrorist group, financing and espionage, receiving military training, infiltrating religious and social institutions, and influencing Shiite communities and sermons. Was under surveillance to protect security.

9. Drone Attacks Hit Three Gulf States With No Casualties

Drone attacks targeted Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE with no casualties reported. Kuwait intercepted hostile drones entering its airspace, while the UAE said its defenses downed two Iranian drones. Qatar reported a drone strike on a commercial vessel near Mesaieed, causing a small fire that was quickly contained. 

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★IRAQ

10. Iran Interference Disrupts Formation Of New Iraqi Government Coalition

Iranian interference has disrupted talks aimed at forming a new Iraqi government, with officials saying Tehran blocked efforts to exclude armed factions from the cabinet and instructed the Shia Coordination Framework not to support the US-backed PM-designate Ali al-Zaydi. IRGC Quds Force chief Esmail Qaani reportedly arrived in Baghdad as the US-Iran rivalry intensified over the shape of the cabinet.

11. Israel Secretly Built Iraqi Desert Base Supporting Iran Air Campaign

Israel reportedly established a secret base in Iraq’s western desert before launching strikes on Iran on February 28,  using it for logistics, special forces, and pilot rescue operations. The Wall Street Journal said Israeli troops launched airstrikes against Iraqi forces approaching the site, killing one soldier. Iraq condemned the operation as unauthorized, while US officials denied any involvement.

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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.