★USA

1. US Attacks Iranian Sites After Iran Launches Drones

Iran launched drones toward the Strait of Hormuz and later fired missiles at US bases in the Gulf, prompting US strikes on Iranian radar sites in Goruk and Qeshm in self-defense, according to US Central Command. Tehran also targeted Gulf shipping and demanded sanctions relief in any deal, amid rising regional tensions and stalled US–Iran talks.

2. Trump Says Iran Retains 21–22% Of Missile Stock Left

Trump told NBC Iran still has 21–22% of its missile stock after over three months of Middle East war, up from his earlier estimate of 18–19%. He claimed most drone factories, launch sites, and missile production facilities were destroyed. 

3. Washington Imposes New Sanctions Targeting Iranian Interests

The US imposed new sanctions to curb Iran’s oil and gas revenue, targeting LPG shipments to Asia, evading detection. Treasury blacklisted individuals and entities using UAE and China shell companies and a shadow fleet; 12 entities, including 6 tankers and an Iranian exchange firm. Measures freeze assets and ban US dealings to pressure Tehran.

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★IRAN

4. Iran Fired 7 Missiles at Kuwait and Bahrain 

Iran said it struck “enemy bases” in the Gulf after US attacks on its radar sites, while US Central Command said Tehran launched 7 ballistic missiles toward Kuwait and Bahrain, 6 of which were intercepted and one missed its target. Iran also warned of consequences over the Strait of Hormuz and denied US claims about the strikes.

5. Iran Raises Demands During Stalled Negotiations

Iran denied agreeing to transfer enriched uranium abroad, demanding the release of 50% of frozen funds for a temporary deal, while the IAEA said Iran still restricts inspectors’ access to nuclear sites. Amid Gulf tensions and reported US–IRGC encounters, Iran and the US dispute naval incidents, as Russia and Pakistan push stalled talks forward.

6. Pakistan and Iran Discuss Regional De-escalation and Nuclear Talks

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni discussed regional de-escalation and ongoing Iran-U.S. negotiations, including enriched uranium and frozen Iranian funds. Iran reportedly signaled preliminary approval to transfer part of its highly enriched uranium stockpile to a mutually agreed third country, while Pakistan continues mediating between Tehran and Washington.

7. OPEC Oil Output Falls to 37-Year Low, Iran Leads Decline

OPEC crude production dropped in May to its lowest level in 37 years, according to a Bloomberg survey, falling by 1.22 million barrels per day to 16.33 million. Iran recorded the largest decline, down 710,000 barrels to 2.34 million amid sanctions pressure, while Kuwait and Saudi Arabia also reduced output, and the UAE increased production.

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★LEBANON

8. Lebanon Blames Iran as Israel-Hezbollah Truce Unravels

Lebanese leaders intensified criticism of Iran, accusing Tehran of using Lebanon as leverage in regional conflicts, while clashes between Israel and Hezbollah continued to undermine a fragile U.S.-brokered ceasefire. Ongoing strikes and disagreements over withdrawal terms have cast doubt on prospects for a lasting truce.

9. IDF Kills Hezbollah Engineering Chief; Three Troops Hurt, Lebanon

The Israeli military said it killed Hezbollah engineering unit commander Abed Harb in a strike in southern Lebanon. Three Israeli officers were wounded in separate clashes with Hezbollah operatives, including one seriously. Fighting continued despite ongoing ceasefire efforts, while Israeli strikes and evacuation warnings persisted across southern Lebanon.

10. Israel Says 125 Hezbollah Fighters Killed in 650 Strikes

The Israeli military said it carried out more than 650 strikes against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon over the past week, killing over 125 fighters. Ground forces continued operations along the border, while Hezbollah claimed attacks on Israeli troops and vehicles, amid ongoing clashes despite a renewed ceasefire agreement.

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★THE GULF

11. Kuwait Air Defenses Intercept Hostile Missile And Drone Attack

Kuwait’s military said air defenses intercepted hostile missile and drone attacks early Saturday, with explosions from interceptions possibly heard. Statement on X urged the public to follow safety instructions. Earlier, the Kuwait News Agency reported that air raid sirens sounded nationwide.

12. UAE-Mediated Exchange Frees 370 Russian and Ukrainian Prisoners

The UAE announced a new successful mediation between Russia and Ukraine, resulting in the exchange of 370 prisoners, with 185 released from each side. The operation brings the total number of prisoners exchanged through UAE mediation to 7,471, underscoring the country’s continued diplomatic and humanitarian role in the conflict.

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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.