★USA
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US and Iran Reach Tentative Deal to Extend Ceasefire and Ease Hormuz Restrictions
The United States and Iran have reached a tentative agreement to extend their ceasefire for 60 days and ease restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, sources told Reuters, pending approval from US President Donald Trump. The deal, which is not yet finalized according to Iranian media, also comes amid ongoing negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program and continued regional tensions despite recent exchanges of attacks.
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US Escalates Sanctions on Iran’s Oil Trade and Airlines During Ongoing Tensions
The United States imposed new sanctions on Iran’s military-linked oil trade, targeting vessels and entities involved in crude exports, alongside additional measures against two Iranian airlines, including bans on landings, refueling, and ticket sales, according to the US Treasury. The moves come amid intensified pressure on Tehran, even as Washington and Iran reportedly discuss extending a ceasefire and easing shipping restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz.
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★IRAN
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Satellite Images Show Iran Restoring Large Missile Stockpiles After Ceasefire
Satellite imagery analyzed by CNN suggests Iran has rapidly restored access to large underground missile stockpiles during the ceasefire, reopening at least 50 entrances across 18 sites. The report indicates Tehran is clearing damaged facilities and repositioning missiles, despite US claims of significant destruction of its arsenal during the conflict.
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★LEBANON
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Lebanon-Israel Security Talks Begin During Escalating Strikes
Lebanese and Israeli military officials are set to hold security talks in Washington as Israeli strikes intensify across Lebanon despite a ceasefire. The Pentagon-hosted meeting, involving senior officers from both sides, comes amid renewed attacks on Beirut and southern Lebanon and growing tensions with Hezbollah.
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IDF Targets Senior IRGC Quds Force Missile Commander in Beirut Airstrike
The Israeli Air Force carried out a precision strike in Beirut’s southern suburb of Choueifat, reportedly targeting Ali al-Husseini, a senior commander in an Iran-linked militia within the IRGC Quds Force’s Imam Hussein Division. The fate of the target remains unclear, as Israel expanded simultaneous strikes in southern Lebanon amid escalating regional tensions.
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Israel Expands Ground Assault and Airstrikes in South Lebanon
Israeli forces intensified air and artillery strikes in southern Lebanon while attempting a ground advance toward the town of Dibbine in the Marjayoun district. Lebanese authorities said at least 17 people were killed as Israel expanded operations despite an existing ceasefire amid escalating tensions with Hezbollah.
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IDF Says One-Third of Hezbollah Fighters Eliminated Since 2023
The IDF said about one-third of Hezbollah’s prewar force has been killed since October 2023, including thousands of fighters and senior commanders. Despite the losses, Hezbollah continues FPV drone attacks, while Israel develops new countermeasures. The IDF also seeks to separate Hezbollah from ongoing US-Iran ceasefire negotiations.
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★THE GULF
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Qatar Emir, Trump Discuss Regional Stability and Mediation
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and US President Donald Trump discussed regional developments, de-escalation efforts, and Pakistan-mediated US-Iran talks. Trump praised Qatar’s mediation role, while Doha stressed diplomacy and dialogue to maintain regional stability and prevent further escalation.
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Qatar, Japan Discuss Pakistan’s Iran-US Mediation Efforts
Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi discussed Pakistan-led mediation between Washington and Tehran during a phone call, stressing dialogue and peaceful solutions to secure maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and prevent further regional escalation.
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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.
