★USA
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Final US-Iran Peace Deal Expected Within Hours, Reports
Pakistan-mediated draft US-Iran agreement reportedly finalised, expected to be announced within hours according to Al Arabiya. It calls for an immediate unconditional ceasefire across all domains, bans targeting of infrastructure, ensures Gulf maritime navigation establishes monitoring mechanisms, and launches phased talks within seven days. The US would gradually lift sanctions if compliance is verified.
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Reports Say US Weighs New Military Strikes Against Iran
US media reports said Washington is considering new strikes on Iran, with military preparations reportedly underway for possible weekend action. President Donald Trump remained in Washington for urgent state matters and met senior advisers to discuss the conflict, even as diplomatic mediation efforts involving Pakistan continue between Tehran and Washington.
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★IRAN
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Pakistan Army Chief Visits Tehran During US-Iran Mediation Efforts
Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir arrived in Tehran alongside intelligence chief Asim Malik as Islamabad intensified mediation between Washington and Tehran. Talks focused on uranium disputes, Strait of Hormuz tensions, and a possible preliminary “Islamabad Declaration” framework aimed at halting regional conflict, ensuring maritime security, and launching broader negotiations within days.
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Iran Expands Hormuz Control, Sparking Gulf and US Backlash
Iran declared expanded control over the Strait of Hormuz, requiring vessel coordination and discussing transit fees with Oman, triggering protests from Gulf states and condemnation from Washington. The move intensified tensions after the US-Israel war, while disputes over navigation rights, Iran’s nuclear program, and sanctions continue to hinder broader ceasefire and diplomatic negotiations.
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IRGC Shadow Economy Sustains Iran’s Expanding Nuclear Ambitions
Iran’s parallel economy, dominated by the IRGC, has helped sustain Tehran’s nuclear advances despite decades of sanctions and isolation. Western assessments said Iran amassed enough enriched uranium for nearly 11 nuclear bombs before Israel’s Rising Lion and Lion’s Roar operations, highlighting how covert financial networks continue funding the regime’s strategic programs.
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★LEBANON
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Israeli Strikes in Lebanon Kill Six Medics, Health Ministry Says
Lebanon’s health ministry said six paramedics were killed within 24 hours in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, including four in Hanaway and two in Deir Qanoun En-Nahr, alongside civilian casualties. Israel said it targeted Hezbollah operatives and infrastructure and is reviewing reports of unintended harm amid the ongoing cross-border escalation since March.
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Lebanon Warns Israel-Hezbollah War Could Cost $20 Billion
Lebanon’s finance minister, Yassine Jaber, said the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah war could shrink the economy by 7–10% in 2026 and cause up to $20 billion in damages. The conflict has deepened Lebanon’s financial crisis, displaced over one million people, reduced state revenues, and left the country increasingly dependent on loans amid limited international aid.
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★THE GULF
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The Qatari Negotiating Team Arrives in Iran to Help With the Mediation
Reuters reports that a Qatari negotiating team arrived in Tehran on Friday, in coordination with the US, to support Pakistan-led mediation aimed at securing a deal to end the war with Iran and resolve outstanding issues. Qatar says it plays a supportive role, previously distancing itself after attacks and denying any separate mediation channel.
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Gargash Warns Hormuz Conflict Risks Wider Regional Instability
UAE adviser Anwar Gargash warned that any Iranian control or politicization of the Strait of Hormuz would set a dangerous precedent with global economic consequences. He said renewed US-Iran fighting would deepen regional instability, stressed diplomacy over confrontation, and described Iran’s nuclear program as the UAE’s top security concern amid continued attacks threatening Gulf shipping and infrastructure.
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★IRAQ
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Iraq Urges De-escalation in Hormuz as Iran Briefs Baghdad on Talks Progress
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi informed Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein of progress in ongoing negotiations, including a new draft proposal, during a phone call. Baghdad welcomed diplomatic efforts and stressed the need to end military escalation in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, and Qatar continue coordinating amid regional tensions and ceasefire discussions.
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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.
