★LEBANON

1. Trump Announces Israel-Hezbollah Mutual Halt in Hostilities Agreement

US President Donald Trump said Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a mutual cessation of hostilities following talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and indirect communication with Hezbollah through intermediaries. Lebanese officials also confirmed a US-backed proposal for a reciprocal ceasefire, with further negotiations planned to expand the arrangement across Lebanon.

2. Hezbollah Accepts US-Backed Proposal for Reciprocal Ceasefire

Lebanon’s embassy in Washington said Hezbollah agreed to a US-backed proposal for a reciprocal halt in hostilities with Israel following talks involving Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The deal would pause Israeli strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs and Hezbollah attacks, with further talks planned to expand the ceasefire framework.

3. Israeli Strikes and Hezbollah Attacks Continue Despite Trump Ceasefire Claim

Hezbollah said it carried out multiple attacks on Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, while Israeli airstrikes hit several southern towns, according to Lebanese state media, despite US President Donald Trump announcing a mutual ceasefire. The Israeli military reported intercepting incoming projectiles from Lebanon, as both sides continued cross-border strikes and counterstrikes with no sign of an effective truce on the ground.

4. Israeli Soldier Killed in Hezbollah Drone Strike Near Beaufort

An Israeli soldier was killed and three others wounded in a Hezbollah drone attack near Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon,  a day after Israeli forces seized the strategic site. The incident came amid escalating cross-border hostilities, with Israel announcing renewed large-scale airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs following continued Hezbollah rocket and drone attacks.

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★USA

5. Trump Expects Iran Deal Within Next Week 

US President Donald Trump told ABC News he expects a US-Iran agreement next week to extend the ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, amid ongoing diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran to stabilize tensions.

6. US Says It Intercepted Iranian Ballistic Missiles Targeting Kuwait Base

US Central Command said it intercepted two Iranian ballistic missiles aimed at US forces in Kuwait, with no reported casualties, according to a statement on X. The announcement came amid renewed US-Iran tensions, including recent US defensive strikes in southern Iran and Iranian retaliatory claims against US-linked bases, despite an ongoing ceasefire and fragile diplomatic efforts.

7. US Congress Proposal Seeks Deeper Military Integration With Israel

A provision in the US House 2027 National Defense Authorization Act would expand US-Israel defense cooperation through joint R&D, co-production, AI, cyber, and other advanced technologies, according to reports. Critics argue the measure could significantly deepen military-industrial integration and reduce oversight, while raising concerns amid growing US public debate over military aid and support for Israel.

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★IRAN

8. Iran Halts US Messaging and Threatens Hormuz Closure Route

Iran’s Tasnim news agency said Tehran is stopping message exchanges with the United States through mediators amid Israeli operations in Lebanon, while warning of possible moves to block the Strait of Hormuz and activate other fronts, including Bab el Mandeb. Iranian officials linked any talks to cessation of Israeli actions and said violations would escalate regional consequences.

9. Iran’s President Pledges Easier Passage for Japanese Ships in Hormuz

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran will facilitate safe passage for Japanese vessels through the Strait of Hormuz during a phone call with Japan’s prime minister, while blaming US restrictions for disrupting maritime traffic. He stressed Iran’s commitment to diplomacy and stability in the strategic waterway, amid broader regional tensions and ongoing disputes over freedom of navigation.

10. Iran, Pakistan Discuss Ceasefire Efforts and Regional De-escalation

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held phone calls with Pakistan’s army chief and foreign minister to discuss regional developments and ceasefire efforts. The talks focused on stabilizing the situation, preventing escalation, and enhancing coordination amid rising Middle East tensions. Both sides emphasized continued diplomatic engagement, with Pakistan playing an increasing mediation role between regional and international actors.

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★IRAQ

11. US Rejects Armed Factions’ Role in Iraqi Government 

The United States has informed Iraq’s government that it opposes the inclusion of armed factions in the current administration, even if they declare disarmament, according to sources cited by Al Arabiya/Al Hadath. Washington reportedly demands strict monitoring of any groups before political participation, while Iraqi leaders stress dialogue and efforts to reduce tensions amid ongoing disputes over armed groups’ role in the state.

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★THE GULF

12. Qatar, Iran Discuss Pakistan Mediation Efforts and Lebanon Developments

Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi discussed Pakistan-mediated efforts between the United States and Iran, as well as developments in Lebanon. Qatar reaffirmed its support for a comprehensive agreement, stressing the importance of freedom of navigation and regional stability.

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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.