★USA

1. Trump Signals Escalation Against Iran As Return To War Considered

Donald Trump is increasingly frustrated with stalled Iran negotiations and is “seriously considering” a return to military action, CNN reported. Sources said he views the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s response as unacceptable. Internal divisions remain within US leadership over whether to pursue diplomacy or targeted strikes as tensions continue to rise.

2. US Deploys Ohio-Class Nuclear Submarine Near the Middle East

The Pentagon confirmed the deployment of an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine to the Strait of Gibraltar as part of expanded US strategic positioning near the Middle East. The Navy said the move supports NATO commitments and strengthens deterrence amid rising tensions with Iran. The deployment comes alongside sharp rhetoric from President Trump and warnings from Tehran of potential retaliation if escalation continues.

3. US Sanctions Target Iran Oil Networks Shipping To China

The United States imposed sanctions on three individuals and nine companies across Hong Kong, the UAE, and Oman for facilitating Iranian oil shipments to China, the Treasury Department said. Washington accused the network of using front companies linked to the IRGC to move and sell oil. The measures aim to cut funding to Iran’s military and come ahead of Trump’s planned talks with Xi Jinping.

 ===========

★IRAN

4. Qalibaf Threatens Response After Trump Questions Iran Ceasefire Deal

Qalibaf vowed Iran would respond and “teach a lesson” if attacked after Trump said the ceasefire with Tehran is weak and “on life support”. Iran rejected the US proposal, insisting on its rights. Amid Pakistani-mediated talks, Trump held security meetings weighing possible military options as tensions escalated.

5. CBS Iran Secretly Moves Aircraft Abroad To Avoid Strikes

CBS News reported that Iran secretly relocated military and civilian aircraft to Pakistan and Afghanistan to shield them from potential US strikes, citing anonymous US officials. Pakistan allegedly hosted some aircraft at Nur Khan base, while Iran also moved assets to Afghanistan. Islamabad and the Taliban denied the claims.

6. Britain Sanctions Twelve Iran-Linked Figures Over Hostile Activities

Britain imposed sanctions on 12 individuals and entities linked to Iran, accusing them of hostile activities, including attack plots and financial support for destabilizing networks. The measures target alleged members of the Zindashti criminal network, exchange offices, and financiers. London cited rising security threats and ongoing counterterrorism investigations tied to suspected Iran-linked attacks on Jewish sites and foreign-backed hostile operations.

===========

★LEBANON

7. Lebanon Urges Washington To Stop Israeli Attacks And Demolitions

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun urged the United States to pressure Israel to halt strikes and home demolitions in south Lebanon after 74 people were killed in three days despite a ceasefire. Lebanon and Israel will hold new US-mediated talks in Washington this week as fighting with Hezbollah continues, displacing 1.2 million people and deepening divisions inside Lebanon over Hezbollah’s military role.

8. Israeli Airstrikes Hit Saghmar Village In Eastern Lebanon Today

Israel carried out two airstrikes on Saghmar in western Bekaa, eastern Lebanon, after a warning of evacuation 1000m. Israel ordered civilians to leave, accusing Hezbollah of violating the ceasefire. UN reported over 100 strikes in 24 hours and 87 deaths over the weekend, with the humanitarian situation worsening despite the April ceasefire.

===========

★THE GULF

9. The United Arab Emirates Launched a Secret Raid on Iran’s Lavan Refinery

The UAE secretly conducted strikes on Iran, including an attack on the Lavan Island oil refinery in the Persian Gulf, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The early April strike reportedly caused a major fire and halted much of the refinery’s output for months. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on the UAE and Kuwait during the escalation period.

10. Saudi Arabia And Pakistan Discuss Iran-US Mediation Efforts

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held a phone call with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, discussing Islamabad’s mediation efforts between Iran and the United States. Both sides stressed the importance of diplomatic solutions and expressed support for initiatives aimed at restoring regional stability.

11. UAE Builds Digital Cyber Shield With US Firm Partnership

The UAE Cybersecurity Council signed a strategic partnership with US-based Palo Alto Networks to develop an AI-driven cybersecurity system aimed at strengthening national digital defenses. The deal includes a national center of excellence, cyber simulation programs, and AI-based threat response tools. The initiative also focuses on training Emirati talent to enhance resilience against global cyber threats and protect critical infrastructure.

===========

★ 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.