★USA
-
Trump Warns Iran After China Visit, Urges Nuclear Deal
Donald Trump said after he visited China that U.S. patience with Iran is “running out” and urged Tehran to sign a nuclear agreement, warning that military pressure could continue while also discussing global energy security and trade issues with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
-
CENTCOM Says Iran Cut Off Weapons Flow to Regional Proxies
The United States Central Command said that Iran’s ability to support regional armed groups has been “considerably reduced,” claiming that weapons and support to Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis have been cut off following recent military pressure, significantly weakening Tehran’s regional influence, according to testimony to the U.S. Senate.
===========
★IRAN
-
Iran Says Talks Depend on U.S. Seriousness, Seeks to Preserve Ceasefire
Abbas Araghchi said Iran will not engage in negotiations unless the United States shows seriousness, stressing that Tehran does not trust Washington and is trying to maintain a fragile ceasefire while accusing it of sending contradictory signals on nuclear talks and sanctions relief.
===========
★LEBANON
-
Israel, Lebanon Discuss IDF Withdrawal Linked to Hezbollah Disarmament
Israel and Lebanon are reportedly discussing an IDF withdrawal from southern Lebanon in exchange for Hezbollah disarming under a CIA-backed plan. The talks, mediated by the US, come as Israeli forces continue strikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon following recent rocket fire.
-
Israel Issues Warnings and Intensifies Strikes in Southern Lebanon
The Israeli military carried out airstrikes and artillery attacks across multiple towns in southern Lebanon, while also issuing evacuation warnings to residents amid continued clashes with Hezbollah. Hezbollah said it responded with attacks on Israeli forces, as tensions escalated during ongoing US-mediated talks in Washington.
-
Israeli Soldier Killed as Hezbollah Attacks Continue Near Border
An Israeli soldier was killed by Hezbollah mortar fire in southern Lebanon as clashes with Israel continued despite ongoing US-backed talks. The fighting included rocket and drone attacks, while both sides debated Hezbollah’s disarmament and a possible Israeli withdrawal.
===========
★THE GULF
-
UAE Accelerates Strategic Oil Pipeline to Bypass Hormuz Tensions
The United Arab Emirates is accelerating a strategic oil pipeline project aimed at doubling export capacity through Fujairah by 2027 to reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz, amid heightened regional tensions and disruptions linked to Iran’s closure of the key shipping route. The move strengthens energy security and export resilience.
-
UAE Mediation Frees 410 Prisoners in Russia, Ukraine Swap
The United Arab Emirates announced a successful mediation between Russia and Ukraine that led to the exchange of 205 prisoners from each side, totaling 410. The UAE said this brings the total exchanged through its efforts to 7,101 prisoners across 23 mediations, and pledged to continue supporting humanitarian and peace initiatives.
-
Modi Arrives in UAE During Growing Energy Market Concerns
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Friday to discuss energy security and economic cooperation amid Gulf shipping disruptions and concerns over global oil and gas supplies.
===========
★IRAQ
-
Iraqi Prime Minister Al-Zaydi Wins Parliament Confidence Vote
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaydi has taken the oath of office and secured parliamentary confidence for most of his cabinet, as the Iraqi parliament approved 14 ministers while leaving key posts, including interior and defense, unresolved. He pledged reforms to “limit weapons to the state” amid pressure to rein in armed factions.
-
Iraq Seeks IMF and World Bank Aid After Oil Losses
Iraq has begun talks with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank for financial assistance after war-related disruptions and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz cut oil exports and government revenues, leaving Baghdad facing a major budget shortfall.
===========
★ 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.
