★USA
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Trump Gives Iran Two Days To Avoid Military Strike
Donald Trump gave Iran two to three days to avoid renewed US military strikes after delaying an attack for diplomacy. Tehran demanded sanctions relief, frozen asset releases, US withdrawal from nearby regions, and war compensation. Iran warned of new fronts if attacks resume, while US officials said most Iranian missile and drone capabilities were severely damaged.
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US Senate Advances Resolution To Limit Trump’s War Powers On Iran
The US Senate narrowly advanced a resolution that would restrict President Donald Trump’s authority to continue military operations against Iran without congressional approval. The vote passed 50–47, with several Republicans joining Democrats in support. The measure, still facing major legislative hurdles, seeks to end ongoing US military action unless formally authorized by Congress following 80 days of strikes against Iran.
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United States Sanctions Iranian Exchange Network And Shadow Fleet
The United States imposed new sanctions on Iran’s Amin Exchange and affiliated front companies across the UAE, Türkiye, Hong Kong, and China, accusing them of helping Tehran evade sanctions and finance illicit activities. Washington also blocked 19 vessels linked to Iranian petroleum shipments, expanding pressure on Iran’s financial and shipping networks under the Trump administration’s “Economic Fury” campaign.
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★IRAN
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Iran Threatens New Fronts While Strengthening Forces During Truce
Iran warned it would open new fronts if US attacks resume, saying its armed forces used the ceasefire period to strengthen combat readiness, reposition missile launchers, and develop new tactics. Iranian officials said Tehran maintains control over Hormuz security and rejected any US naval blockade, while military commanders stressed Iran remains capable of resisting further military pressure
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Iran in a Political and Economic “Liminal Phase” Amid Rising Internal Pressure
Iran is described as being in a “liminal” state, neither at peace nor in full war, as economic strain and political uncertainty intensify. Analysts say US and Israeli pressure may be shifting toward long-term attrition rather than confrontation. Meanwhile, sanctions, currency collapse, and inflation have deepened economic hardship, triggering protests, strikes, and rising public anger across multiple Iranian cities amid fears of further instability.
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★LEBANON
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Israeli Strikes Kill Nineteen As Hezbollah Battles Intensify
Israeli airstrikes killed 19 people, including women and children, in Tyre and Nabatieh despite the extended ceasefire. Hezbollah said its fighters destroyed a Merkava tank during clashes with Israeli forces near Hadatha. Israel accused Hezbollah of violating the truce, issued evacuation warnings across southern Lebanon, and confirmed intercepting a drone launched from Lebanese territory.
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Israel Targets Twenty-five Hezbollah Sites Across Southern Lebanon Areas
Israel said it struck 25 Hezbollah positions across southern Lebanon within 24 hours, targeting weapons depots, command centers, and launch sites despite the ceasefire. The Israeli army ordered evacuations in 12 Lebanese towns, while Lebanese authorities reported six deaths from airstrikes. Hezbollah claimed drone attacks on Israeli forces, and Israel confirmed intercepting a drone launched from Lebanon.
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★THE GULF
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UAE Intercepts Six Drones After Barakah Nuclear Facility Attack
The UAE said its air defenses intercepted six hostile drones targeting civilian and strategic sites within 48 hours without casualties or major damage. Abu Dhabi revealed that technical investigations showed drones involved in the May 17 Barakah nuclear facility attack originated from Iraq. One drone previously struck an external power generator, while the UAE vowed to take all measures to protect national security.
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Saudi Arabia Launches Red Sea Express Shipping Route Network
Saudi Ports Authority launched the Red Sea Express shipping line with Folk Maritime and SABIC, linking Jeddah Islamic Port, Yanbu Industrial Port, Egypt’s Ain Sokhna, and Jordan’s Aqaba ports. The 1,100-container route aims to accelerate cargo handling, reduce vessel waiting times, and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s role in regional and global logistics corridors connecting Europe and Asia.
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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.
