★USA
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The US Sets 5 Conditions For Tehran to Halt the Conflict
Sources reported that the United States has presented Iran with five conditions to continue negotiations, including limiting uranium enrichment, transferring 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium abroad, restricting nuclear facilities, and blocking full release of frozen Iranian funds. Washington also rejected compensation demands and insisted that broader regional conflicts be addressed through talks, while Iran continues to demand sanctions relief and asset recovery.
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US Debt Surpasses National Economy For First Time Since WWII
US public debt has exceeded 100% of GDP for the first time since World War II, reaching about $31.27 trillion, slightly above the country’s $31.22 trillion economic output. Rising interest rates, military spending, and persistent deficits have intensified concerns over long-term fiscal stability. Analysts warn that growing debt and higher borrowing costs could sustain elevated interest rates, pressure growth, and deepen financial risks.
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★IRAN
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Iran Appoints Qalibaf China Envoy During Rising Global Realignment Tensions
Iran appointed parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf as special envoy for China affairs and supervisor of ties with Beijing, replacing the late Ali Larijani. Qalibaf said the world is entering a new global order led by the Global South. The move followed Donald Trump’s Beijing visit, where he sought Chinese pressure on Tehran over Hormuz tensions.
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Pakistan Interior Minister Visits Tehran To Revive US-Iran Talks
Pakistan’s interior minister arrived in Tehran for talks aimed at reviving stalled US-Iran negotiations and supporting regional stability amid a fragile ceasefire. Pakistani and Iranian officials discussed restarting diplomacy, while sources said Washington requested responses on key proposals. Islamabad believes a phased agreement remains the only viable path, with progress reported on Hormuz-related tensions.
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Iran Sets Seven Conditions For Any Future Talks With Washington
Iranian lawmaker Mohammad Saleh Jokar said Tehran set seven non-negotiable conditions for future talks with Washington, including lifting sanctions, releasing frozen assets, recognizing uranium enrichment rights, withdrawing US forces from the region, and ending attacks on Iran-backed groups. He stressed Iran distrusts the United States as Pakistan continues mediation efforts between both sides.
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★LEBANON
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Lebanon-Israel Talks Advance Toward US-Supervised Military Coordination Mechanism
Lebanon and Israel agreed during Washington talks to extend their ceasefire by 45 days and discuss a US-supervised military coordination mechanism involving intelligence cooperation. Israel will continue targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon under limits imposed by President Donald Trump. Hezbollah rejected direct negotiations, while new American-led political and military meetings are scheduled for late May and early June.
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Israeli Airstrikes Hit Lebanon Despite Extended Ceasefire Agreement
Israeli warplanes launched strikes across southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley despite a 45-day ceasefire extension agreed during US-mediated talks in Washington. The conflict has killed over 2,900 people in Lebanon and displaced more than one million residents.
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Israeli Army Says Golani Officer Killed In Hezbollah Drone Strike In South Lebanon
The Israeli military announced the death of 24-year-old Golani Brigade officer Ma’oz Israel Rekanati after a Hezbollah drone detonated in southern Lebanon. He becomes the seventh Israeli soldier killed in Lebanon since the ceasefire began and the twentieth since the broader escalation linked to the Iran-Israel conflict. Despite the truce extension, Israel says Hezbollah violations continue.
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★THE GULF
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UAE And Russia Discuss Regional Escalation And Global Security Risks
UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed Middle East tensions and their impact on global security, energy markets, and international shipping during a phone call. The leaders reviewed strategic cooperation between both countries, while Putin praised the UAE’s mediation efforts in Russia-Ukraine prisoner exchanges and their humanitarian impact.
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★IRAQ
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Iraqi Premier Al-Zaydi Formally Assumes Office, Vows Stability And Reform
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaydi officially assumed office in Baghdad after parliament approved his government. He pledged economic and financial reforms, anti-corruption measures, stronger infrastructure projects, and reduced dependence on oil revenues. Zaydi also vowed to strengthen security, protect Iraq’s sovereignty, and expand regional and international relations based on mutual respect.
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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.
