★USA

1. Trump And Xi Hold High-Stakes Talks In Beijing Summit

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People for talks lasting over two hours, covering trade, technology, Taiwan, Iran-related tensions, and the Strait of Hormuz. Trump praised Xi and expressed optimism for stronger ties, while Xi stressed stability, partnership, and global benefits of cooperation. Xi also pledged expanded market access for US companies and deeper collaboration in trade, health, tourism, agriculture, and law enforcement.

2. US Energy Secretary Warns Iran Near Nuclear Weapon Capability

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright warned Iran is “alarmingly close” to producing weapons-grade nuclear material, saying it is only weeks away from enriching uranium to 90 percent. He noted Iran’s stocks include uranium enriched to 60 and 20 percent, calling the situation “deeply concerning.” He also suggested targeting all Iranian uranium stockpiles to halt its nuclear program.

3. Chinese Supertanker Breaks Through US-Iran War Blockade in Hormuz

A Chinese supertanker carrying two million barrels of Iraqi crude crossed the Strait of Hormuz after being stranded for over two months during the US-Iran war. The passage came before Trump-Xi talks and after Iran strengthened control over the waterway through regional energy agreements. Trump dismissed China’s role in resolving the conflict, while Tehran demanded compensation and an end to US pressure.

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★IRAN

4. Iran Threatens UAE Over Netanyahu’s Alleged Secret Abu Dhabi Visit

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi threatened the UAE after reports claimed Benjamin Netanyahu secretly visited Abu Dhabi during the US-Israeli campaign against Tehran. Araghchi said Iran’s intelligence services already knew about the visit and warned that cooperation with Israel against Iran was “unforgivable,” adding that countries helping sow regional division would eventually “be held to account.”

5. Two Explosive Drones Target Iranian Opposition Camp Kurdistan, Iraq

Two explosive drones struck a camp belonging to an Iranian opposition group north of Erbil in Iraq’s Kurdistan region, with no casualties reported, an Iraqi security source said. Reuters confirmed a drone strike in the area. No group claimed responsibility. The attack comes amid rising regional tensions and repeated cross-border strikes involving Iranian Kurdish opposition sites.

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★LEBANON

6. Lebanon Proposes Ceasefire Plus In Washington Talks With Israel

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is proposing a “ceasefire plus” framework in Washington talks with Israel, focused on security arrangements rather than a peace or normalization deal, modeled on the 1949 armistice to end hostility. Obstacles include Israel’s position and internal divisions with Hezbollah, while the US seeks guarantees on ceasefire compliance; Aoun has sent inquiries without response.

7. Hezbollah Launches Largest Coordinated Drone Swarm in Northern Israel

Hezbollah launched its largest coordinated drone swarm against northern Israel, Israeli media reported, with attacks in two waves on Tuesday near the Lebanese border. Drones hit and injured two soldiers, sparked fires, and evaded interceptions before a broader follow-up assault. Officials said the scale and coordination of swarm tactics raised growing Israeli concern.

8. Hezbollah Claims Ambush of Israeli Forces In Southern Lebanon Clash

Hezbollah announced it ambushed an Israeli force advancing from near the cultural complex in Rachaf toward Hadatha in southern Lebanon, detonating an explosive on a Namira vehicle and engaging in heavy gunfire. It said Israeli air and drone units supported the evacuation and a remote-controlled explosive vehicle, which was later disabled. The group also reported multiple additional attacks on Israeli troops and vehicles across the south despite a US-brokered ceasefire extended in April.

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★THE GULF

9. Netanyahu Claims Secret UAE Visit During Iran War Sparked Breakthrough

Benjamin Netanyahu said he secretly visited the UAE during the US-Israeli war with Iran and secured a “historic breakthrough” with President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, though Abu Dhabi denied the visit occurred. Reports revealed intensified Israeli-UAE intelligence and military coordination against Iran, which threatened the UAE over alleged cooperation with Israel during the regional conflict.

10. Saudi Warplanes Struck Iran-Backed Militias In Iraq 

Saudi Arabia launched airstrikes on Iran-linked militia targets inside Iraq during the recent war with Iran, according to Reuters, citing multiple officials. Strikes hit sites near the northern border used for drone and missile launches. Sources also reported rocket fire from Kuwait and attacks around the April 7 US-Iran ceasefire, including damage to Kataib Hezbollah facilities.

11. Saudi Arabia and Britain’s Defense Coordination Discusses Regional Security Challenges at Meeting

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman met UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell to review bilateral relations and discuss closer coordination on regional security challenges. Both sides emphasized de-escalation efforts and cooperation to maintain stability amid escalating regional developments and ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

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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.