★IRAN & ISRAEL

1. Israel and Iran say they’re Halting Attacks on Each Other, after Trump Pressure

Israel and Iran signaled a halt to direct attacks following pressure from US President Donald Trump and mediation efforts, with both sides indicating readiness for a ceasefire. However, Israel said operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon would continue, while Iran warned it could resume strikes if Israeli attacks in Lebanon persist.

2. Iran Says Talks Continue Despite Ongoing Regional Tensions

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran remains committed to diplomacy while maintaining military readiness, stressing that negotiations and defense go hand in hand. His remarks came after Iran and Israel announced a halt to direct attacks, with Tehran warning it could resume action if Israeli operations in Lebanon continue.

3. Netanyahu Warns Iran of Strong Response to Any New Fire

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that any renewed Iranian attacks would be met with a “strong and decisive” response, saying Israel has already disrupted Iran’s ability to strike. He stressed that Israel will continue acting against Iranian and Hezbollah targets in Lebanon and Iran, insisting Tehran will never obtain nuclear weapons and that Israel will defend itself as needed.

4. EU Sanctions Iran Over Hormuz Navigation Disruptions

The European Union imposed its first-ever freedom of navigation sanctions on Iranian officials and an IRGC naval unit over threats to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The measures include asset freezes and travel bans. Iran rejected the decision as political, insisting it will continue asserting control over the strategic waterway amid ongoing regional tensions.

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★USA

5. Trump Says Iran Nuclear Deal Nears Final Stages

US President Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran are nearing a final agreement, expressing hope for a “great deal” that would prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons. He described recent Iran-Israel exchanges as over, highlighted progress in talks, and suggested a major diplomatic breakthrough could be announced within weeks.

6. US Apache Helicopter Crashes Near Strait of Hormuz

A US Army Apache helicopter crashed near the Strait of Hormuz, with both crew members rescued safely. The cause remains unclear, including whether the aircraft was brought down by Iranian fire or suffered a technical failure. The incident marks the first reported Apache loss in the current conflict amid heightened regional tensions.

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★LEBANON

7. Lebanon’s President Rules Out Netanyahu Meeting Before Peace Deal

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said he will not meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before a formal peace agreement is reached, stressing that military solutions have failed to ensure security. Speaking to CNN, he said Lebanon continues diplomatic efforts toward a non-aggression deal aimed at reducing border tensions and achieving lasting regional stability.

8. Hezbollah Fires Rockets After Reported Israeli Strikes in Lebanon

Hezbollah launched three rockets toward Israeli military positions after Lebanese media reported Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, triggering sirens in northern Israel. No injuries were reported. The exchange came shortly after Iran signaled it would halt attacks if Israel stopped striking its territory, while Israel continued pressure on Hezbollah with a strike on Beirut’s Dahiyeh district.

9. Israeli Strikes in South Lebanon Kill 14, Including Paramedics

Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon killed at least 14 people, including four Red Cross paramedics and a child, according to the Lebanese health ministry. The attacks hit areas in Tyre, Marwanieh, and Zifta amid continued cross-border clashes involving Hezbollah, while Iran warned of renewed action if Israel’s strikes on Lebanon persist.

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★THE GULF

10. Iran Discusses Israeli Escalation with Saudi Arabia and Qatar

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi discussed escalating exchanges between Iran and Israel with his Saudi and Qatari counterparts, including mediation efforts, regional tensions, and developments in Lebanon. Qatar reaffirmed support for diplomatic initiatives to contain the crisis, as both sides continued exchanging strikes and missile attacks across the region.

11. Saudi-UAE Cooperation Foils Major Amphetamine Smuggling Attempt

Saudi authorities said intelligence shared with the UAE helped thwart an attempt to smuggle 267,300 amphetamine pills, highlighting close security cooperation between the two countries. Riyadh said it remains committed to combating cross-border drug trafficking networks through proactive operations and coordination with regional partners.

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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.