★USA

1. Trump says the US does not need a deal with Iran for enriched uranium

US President Donald Trump said Washington does not need a formal agreement with Iran to obtain enriched uranium, claiming it could be accessed without negotiations. He added he has no plans to meet Iran’s supreme leadership unless a broader deal is reached, but left open the possibility of future talks under a diplomatic agreement.

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★IRAN

2. IAEA warns of nuclear concerns over limited Iran access

The International Atomic Energy Agency warned that its inability to inspect Iran’s nuclear facilities and verify uranium stockpiles since the 2025 conflict raises proliferation concerns. The agency urged Tehran to cooperate fully, as questions persist over highly enriched uranium and the future of Iran’s nuclear program.

3. UK, France lead multinational Hormuz mine-clearing mission

Britain and France are preparing to lead a 15-nation operation to clear naval mines from the Strait of Hormuz and restore commercial shipping after recent regional tensions. The mission is expected to begin once the United States and Iran reach an agreement ensuring safe navigation through the vital energy corridor.

4. Iranian oil exports fall to a six-year low amid U.S. blockade

Iran’s crude and condensate exports dropped to their lowest level in at least six years in May, averaging about 209,000 barrels per day, according to shipping data cited by Reuters. The decline follows a U.S. naval blockade restricting tanker movements, sharply reducing shipments to China, and leaving large volumes of Iranian oil stranded in storage and at sea.

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★LEBANON

5. Iran, Hezbollah reject Washington-backed Lebanon ceasefire framework

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and Hezbollah rejected a Washington-backed ceasefire framework for Lebanon, insisting any regional truce must include a halt to fighting in Lebanon. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called the proposal a final opportunity for peace, while Tehran linked broader de-escalation efforts to ending hostilities on the Lebanese front.

6. EU allocates €100 million more to the Lebanese army

The European Union approved an additional €100 million aid package for the Lebanese Armed Forces, raising total military support to €182 million. The funding aims to strengthen border control, maritime security, and military infrastructure while supporting Lebanon’s efforts to extend state authority and enhance national stability.

7. Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon kill one and wound several

Israeli artillery and airstrikes hit multiple locations in southern Lebanon at dawn, killing one person and injuring others while causing widespread damage, including destruction near a hospital and residential areas. The escalation comes amid heightened political tensions in Lebanon over Hezbollah’s role and ongoing discussions around a ceasefire with Israel.

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★IRAQ

8. Sadr dissolves Saraya al-Salam into Iraqi state forces

Iraqi cleric Muqtada al-Sadr’s movement formally handed over its armed wing, Saraya al-Salam, to the Iraqi army in a symbolic ceremony in Samarra. Officials said fighters are now under the command of the prime minister, with a central committee launched to reorganize armed factions, integrate personnel into state security forces, and place all weapons under government control.

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★THE GULF

9. Oman suspends crude loading at Mina al Fahal after explosion

Sources reported that Oman’s Mina al Fahal oil terminal halted crude loading operations following an explosion near its offshore mooring berths. The blast, believed to be caused by a drone strike, occurred between two loading points, though no official confirmation has been provided regarding damage or casualties.

10. Qatar FM discusses Iran talks with regional counterparts

Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held calls with counterparts from Egypt, the Netherlands, Greece, Turkey, Kuwait, and France to discuss US-Iran mediation efforts, regional de-escalation, and security. He stressed support for diplomacy as indirect negotiations continue over frozen Iranian assets, the nuclear file, and Gulf maritime security.

11. Kuwait, US discuss partnership amid tensions with Iran

Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed strengthening strategic ties and regional security during talks in Washington. Both sides reaffirmed cooperation across key sectors and stressed coordination amid escalating tensions following recent attacks on Kuwait blamed on Iran.

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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.