★USA
-
Trump Demands Iran Uranium Transfer, Rejects Hormuz Tolls
President Donald Trump said the US will not accept tolls in the Strait of Hormuz and insisted Washington will take custody of Iran’s highly enriched uranium, likely to be destroyed after seizure. He warned Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon, while Tehran said negotiations have narrowed gaps but rejected transferring its uranium abroad.
-
US Strains Missile Defenses as Iran Downs Drones in War
Reports say Iran destroyed more than 24 US MQ-9 Reaper drones—around 20% of Washington’s pre-war fleet—causing losses estimated at $1 billion. Meanwhile, Pentagon data indicates the US fired hundreds of interceptor missiles, including over 200 THAAD rounds, absorbing most of the missile defense burden while allowing Israel to conserve its stockpiles.
-
US Navy Says Taiwan Arms Sales Paused Due to Iran War Needs
The US Navy said arms sales to Taiwan have been temporarily suspended to ensure sufficient ammunition for American military operations linked to the Iran conflict. The decision has raised concerns in Taipei over Washington’s long-term commitment, as officials said the pause will be lifted once US operational needs are met.
===========
★IRAN
-
Iran Defies Trump by Keeping Enriched Uranium Stockpile
Iran’s leadership has ordered that its near-weapons-grade uranium remain inside the country, rejecting a key US demand in ongoing peace talks after the US-Israeli war. The move complicates negotiations as Israel insists any deal must include removing Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile.
-
Russia Reoffers Help on Iran’s Enriched Uranium Dispute
Russia renewed its offer to help resolve disputes over Iran’s highly enriched uranium, stressing that Tehran alone should decide the fate of its stockpile. The remarks come amid reports of possible US-Iran flexibility on transferring uranium to China as Pakistan continues mediating talks to end the conflict.
===========
★LEBANON
-
US Sanctions Lebanese Figures Accused of Aiding Hezbollah
The United States imposed sanctions on nine individuals, including Lebanese lawmakers and a former Iranian diplomat, accusing them of helping Hezbollah undermine Lebanon’s sovereignty and obstruct disarmament efforts. Washington said the measures aim to support Lebanon’s stability and warned that anyone assisting Hezbollah would be held accountable.
-
Israel Says It Killed Two Militants in Airstrike Near Lebanon Border
The Israeli army said it killed two armed individuals in southern Lebanon after detecting suspicious movement near the border and carrying out an airstrike. The strike came amid continued cross-border attacks and Israeli air raids across southern Lebanon, which have caused multiple casualties and damage to civilian facilities, according to Lebanese reports.
===========
★THE GULF
-
QatarEnergy, ExxonMobil, and Egypt Sign Deal on Cyprus Gas Development
QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil signed a memorandum of understanding with Egypt to study developing and marketing Cyprus gas discoveries using Egypt’s existing export and LNG infrastructure. The agreement aims to strengthen regional energy integration in the Eastern Mediterranean and optimize Egypt’s role as a potential gas hub despite recent regional disruptions.
===========
★IRAQ
-
Drone Crisis Pushes Iraq to Strengthen Air Defenses, Regional Coordination
Allegations that drone attacks on Saudi Arabia and the UAE originated from Iraq have prompted Baghdad to launch urgent security and political measures. The government says it will prevent Iraqi territory from being used for regional attacks, while boosting air defense systems and expanding intelligence cooperation with Gulf states.
-
US Plans Multi-Stage Move to Restructure Iraq’s PMF
Iraqi officials say the US has developed a phased plan to dismantle Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces, beginning with heavy disarmament, removing faction leaders, and appointing professional officers. The proposal, discussed during a Baghdad visit by David Petraeus, has faced Iranian opposition and increased political tensions in Iraq.
===========
★ 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.
