★USA
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US Conducts Strikes on Iranian Military Sites
The United States said it carried out strikes on Iranian military sites, destroying air defenses, a ground control station, and two attack drones in response to the downing of a US drone, according to US Central Command.
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Trump Says Iran Wants a Deal With the US
US President Donald Trump said Iran “really wants to make a deal” with the United States and suggested an agreement would benefit Washington and its allies, while also noting that political pressure is complicating negotiations amid ongoing tensions and recent military exchanges between both sides.
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★IRAN
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Iran Says It Targeted Base Used by US Military
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it targeted a military base allegedly used by US forces to launch strikes against Iran, according to state media. The statement did not identify the base’s location and came shortly after Kuwait reported intercepting incoming missiles and drones.
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Iran Targets Kurdish Militant Sites in Northern Iraq
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it struck alleged separatist group positions in Iraq’s Kurdistan region, targeting armed opposition factions accused of threatening Iranian security. The operation marks the latest escalation along the Iran-Iraq border amid ongoing tensions over Kurdish militant activity.
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★LEBANON
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US Proposes Gradual De-escalation Plan Between Israel and Lebanon
The United States has proposed a plan for gradual de-escalation between Israel and Lebanon, calling for Hezbollah to stop attacks on Israel while Israel refrains from escalating strikes on Beirut, according to US officials following diplomatic talks with Lebanese and Israeli leaders.
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US Signals Support for Expanded Israeli Operations Near Beirut
A US official said Washington is effectively backing Israel’s expanded military operations toward Beirut after diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions between Israel and Hezbollah collapsed. The move follows failed negotiations involving US and Lebanese officials, with Washington stating that Israel should not continue absorbing attacks amid ongoing cross-border hostilities.
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Hezbollah Drone Attack Kills Israeli Soldier in Lebanon
An Israeli soldier, Staff Sgt. Adam Tzarfati, 20, was killed and three others wounded when a Hezbollah explosive drone struck Israeli forces operating near Yohmor in southern Lebanon overnight. One soldier was seriously injured, while two sustained light wounds and were evacuated to the hospital.
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★IRAQ
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Iraqi PM Alleges $200 Million Bribery Attempt
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi said a senior Oil Ministry official offered a $200 million bribe through an intermediary to conceal corruption, prompting arrests and the creation of a new anti-corruption council. The move sparked debate over corruption’s deep roots and the council’s legal legitimacy.
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★THE GULF
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Kuwait Air Defenses Intercept Missiles and Drones
Kuwaiti air defenses intercepted hostile missiles and drones on Monday, according to the state news agency. Air raid sirens sounded across the country during the incident, while authorities provided no further details on the attacks or any resulting damage.
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Macron Discusses Maritime Security With Oman, Saudi Leaders
French President Emmanuel Macron held separate calls with Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss regional developments, diplomatic efforts to enhance security and stability, and measures to safeguard maritime navigation and international trade amid ongoing regional tensions and US-Iran nuclear negotiations.
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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.
