★IRAN 

1. US-Iran Technical Talks Set For Doha During Tensions

US and Iranian technical teams are expected in Doha on Tuesday for talks amid rising tensions and renewed focus on the Strait of Hormuz. Iran denies a fixed meeting schedule but confirms a technical delegation to follow a memorandum of understanding. Trump called the meeting important and said Iran requested it. Both sides exchange accusations over compliance, threatening the de-escalation process.

2. Pezechkian Says Iran and Qatar Agree to Unfreeze $6 billion in Assets

Iranian President Masoud Pezechkian announced that Iran has reached an agreement with Qatar to unfreeze $6 billion out of $12 billion in Iranian assets held in Doha. He said the funds will be returned to Iran, while efforts continue to recover the remaining portion, as technical talks with US involvement are expected to continue in Doha.

3. Iran Clerical Body Splits Over US Memorandum and Leadership Authority

A rare public dispute erupted inside Iran’s Assembly of Experts after more than 60 members stated a US–Iran memorandum, triggering a swift rebuke from the leadership over procedural violations. The exchange exposed deep divisions over negotiations with Washington, the Strait of Hormuz, and nuclear policy, highlighting widening political and clerical rifts at Iran’s highest institutional level.

4. Iran and France Discuss Islamabad Memorandum Implementation and Developments

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot held a phone call discussing implementation of the Islamabad memorandum, exchanging views on regional and international developments, and its provisions aimed at ending what Iran described as the US and Israeli war against Iran.

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★USA

5. US Strategic Petroleum Reserve Hits Lowest Level Since 1983

U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve crude stocks fell by 5.5 million barrels to 325.7 million, the lowest level since 1983. The decline follows a U.S. agreement to release 172 million barrels after the Iran war to stabilize global supplies and reduce fuel prices. Total U.S. inventories dropped by 111.4 million barrels since February to 743.3 million, the lowest since 1984, driven by strong exports and refinery demand.

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★LEBANON

6. Lebanese Army Tasked with Clearing Hezbollah from Southern Lebanon Zone

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said a pilot withdrawal plan would begin in southern Lebanon’s Yellow Line–Litani River area, conditioned on the Lebanese Armed Forces removing Hezbollah fighters. He outlined phased IDF withdrawals but insisted Israel would maintain security zones. Katz estimated 2,500 Hezbollah operatives remain in the south amid ongoing tensions over future deployment and disarmament.

7. CENTCOM Chief Discusses Security Annex Implementation in Beirut Talks

U.S. CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper met Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Army Chief Gen. Rodolphe Heikal in Beirut to discuss implementing the U.S.-brokered Lebanon–Israel framework and its security annex, including phased deployment in the south, Hezbollah disarmament, and coordination mechanisms amid continued ambiguity, Israeli violations, and ongoing cross-border clashes.

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★THE GULF

8. Pakistani Interior Minister Discusses Regional Developments in Saudi Visit

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Saudi Arabia for talks on regional developments within the framework of security coordination between the two countries, according to sources. The visit comes after recent US–Iran memorandum developments and follows high-level Saudi-Pakistani contacts focusing on regional stability and diplomatic efforts to support ongoing negotiations.

9. Oman and France Sign 12 Deals During Sultan Haitham Macron Meeting

Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and French President Emmanuel Macron oversaw the signing of 12 agreements and memoranda of understanding in Paris covering transport, investment, aviation, culture, education, water, and energy. The deals include major renewable energy projects such as a 500-megawatt solar plant and energy storage initiatives, alongside startup cooperation to expand Omani access to French and European markets.

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★IRAQ

10. Iraq Sets September 30 Deadline for Pro-Iran Militias to Disarm

Iraq’s government has ordered pro-Iran armed groups to disarm by September 30, coinciding with the end of the US-led anti-jihadist coalition’s mission, according to a government spokesman. The move comes under US pressure ahead of the prime minister’s visit to Washington, with Baghdad warning that any weapons outside state control after the deadline will face legal action.

11. Iraq Anti-Corruption Drive Nets $11 Million with Oil Ministry Official

Iraqi authorities said preliminary investigations led to the arrest of the Deputy Oil Minister for Distribution, with $11 million, 4 billion Iraqi dinars, and multiple properties seized as part of a widening anti-corruption campaign. The judiciary also reported prison sentences and asset confiscations in related money laundering cases, while officials prepare a new law to strengthen overseas asset recovery efforts.

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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.