★USA

1. US Carries Out New Strikes in Iran During Hormuz Tensions

A US official said American forces conducted new overnight strikes in Iran targeting a military site in Bandar Abbas and shot down four one-way attack drones near the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes, described as defensive, come amid fragile ceasefire talks and escalating tensions over control of the strategic waterway, as both sides exchange accusations of violations and prepare for further negotiations.

2. Trump Threatens to ‘Blow up’ Oman if They Interfere in the Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump told a cabinet meeting that the US would “blow up” Oman if it interfered in the Strait of Hormuz, insisting the waterway remain open and outside any control deal with Iran. He said talks show progress, while Rubio noted movement. Washington also denied Iranian claims of a draft agreement framework.

3. US Sanctions Iran’s New Hormuz Strait Authority Over Shipping Control

The US Treasury has sanctioned Iran’s newly created Persian Gulf Strait Authority, which is tasked with managing passage through the Strait of Hormuz, accusing it of supporting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and attempting to control global shipping. Washington warned that cooperation with the body could trigger further sanctions, as tensions rise over Iran’s efforts to regulate the key oil transit route.

4. Oil Rises After Iran and US Exchange Airstrikes Near Hormuz

Oil prices climbed more than 2% after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they targeted a US airbase in response to American strikes near Bandar Abbas, escalating tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude rose to $96.67 a barrel as renewed military exchanges, declining US inventories, and disrupted tanker traffic heightened fears over global supply risks.

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★IRAN

5. IRGC Says It Targeted US Airbase After Strike Near Bandar Abbas

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they targeted a US airbase at 04:50 local time following an earlier US strike near Bandar Abbas airport, according to Tasnim. The IRGC did not specify the base’s location but warned of a stronger response to any further attacks, saying responsibility for consequences lies with the “aggressor” amid rising US-Iran tensions in the Gulf.

6. Iran Uses Secret Maritime Network to Ship Oil to China

The Wall Street Journal reported that Iran is using covert maritime operations near Malaysia to bypass US sanctions and export oil to China. Tankers allegedly conceal their identities by covering names and painting over identification numbers while conducting ship-to-ship transfers at sea. The operations help Tehran maintain oil exports and secure foreign currency despite mounting economic pressure and sanctions.

7. Iran’s Foreign Currency Reserves May Last Only Three Months

An Iranian official told The Wall Street Journal that Iran’s foreign currency reserves may cover only three months of prewar spending levels, underscoring mounting economic pressure from US sanctions and ongoing conflict. Tehran continues negotiations with Washington while insisting on retaining uranium enrichment rights, control over Hormuz, and sanctions relief as key conditions for any agreement.

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★LEBANON

8. Israeli Strikes Kill 11 in Southern Lebanon 

Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon killed 11 people and wounded five, including a strike on civilians fleeing near Sidon and another targeting a motorcycle near Tyre, according to Lebanese media. The Lebanese army also reported the deaths of three soldiers in separate Israeli attacks, as cross-border clashes with Hezbollah continue despite a fragile US-mediated ceasefire in effect since April.

9. Israel Targets Hezbollah Infrastructure Across Southern Lebanon 

The Israeli military said it struck Hezbollah infrastructure near the southern Lebanese city of Tyre despite the ceasefire in effect since mid-April. Israel also reported intercepting a suspected drone near its forces in southern Lebanon. The escalation comes after Israel designated large areas south of the Zahrani River as combat zones ahead of renewed US-backed Lebanese-Israeli talks in Washington.

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★IRAQ

10. Sadr Integrates Armed Wing into Iraqi State Structure

Iraqi cleric Muqtada al-Sadr announced the full integration of his armed wing, Saraya al-Salam, into the Iraqi state, calling for all units to operate without weapons or independent bases. The move was welcomed by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and other political figures as a step toward strengthening state authority and consolidating arms under government control, with broader pressure on armed factions to follow suit.

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★THE GULF

11. Kuwait Intercepts Missile and Drone Attacks 

Kuwait said its air defenses were intercepting hostile missile and drone threats, with explosions caused by interception systems, though the origin was not specified. The announcement followed US strikes on an alleged Iranian drone operation near the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran reported retaliatory attacks on a US base. The Gulf region remains on alert amid ongoing cross-border drone activity despite a ceasefire.

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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.