★USA

1. Trump Weighs Iran Strike Options But Stays With Talks

The Wall Street Journal reported that President Trump discussed renewed large-scale strikes on Iran with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, but has decided for now to continue negotiations. U.S. officials said Trump believes another full escalation could damage efforts to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program, while remaining open to talks beyond the August 18 deadline. The report said Trump may still authorize limited strikes if Iran violates the memorandum of understanding. Talks are continuing indirectly through Qatar, with the Strait of Hormuz, transit fees, and Iran’s nuclear restrictions still central disputes. 

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★IRAN

2. Iran Says More Than 90 Countries Will Attend Khamenei Funeral

Iranian officials said more than 90 countries are prepared to attend Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral, with over 30 seeking high-level delegations. Ceremonies were delayed for a multi-day event overseen by Iran’s security and leadership institutions, with processions planned in Tehran, Qom, Mashhad, Najaf, and Karbala. Iraq formed a committee under the prime minister’s office, and Khamenei’s body is set to be transferred there July 8 before burial near Imam Reza’s shrine in Mashhad July 9. Tehran framed the funeral as a display of national strength, Islamic solidarity, and allegiance to Mojtaba Khamenei, while announcing public holidays, free transit, foreign media access, and no planned internet restrictions.

3. Iran Power Struggle Threatens U.S. Talks

The Wall Street Journal reported that divisions between Pezeshkian’s civilian government and the IRGC are threatening the U.S.-Iran talks. Pezeshkian seeks economic relief, including access to $6 billion frozen in Qatar, while the IRGC wants control over Hormuz and transit fees potentially worth $40 billion annually. The IRGC has reportedly threatened to close the strait unless Doha talks guarantee Iran’s control, with senior clerics backing a hard line.

4. Iran Warns Ceasefire Violations Will Draw Military Response

Iranian caretaker Defense Minister Majid Ebn al-Reza told Qatar’s defense minister that Tehran remains on full alert and will respond to any ceasefire violation. He thanked Doha for facilitating the truce but said the opposing side had already breached commitments. He cited U.S. mistrust, recent Iranian casualties, and said Iran’s “hands are on the trigger,” while warning that foreign forces in the Gulf increase instability and urging expanded defense cooperation with Qatar.

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★ISRAEL

5. Netanyahu Says Campaign Against Iran And Proxies “Never Ends”

Netanyahu said Israel’s pursuit of “total victory” against Iran and its proxies “never ends,” pledging to finish what remains of the “Iranian axis” and prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. He also hinted at regional peace contacts, including Lebanon, while backing a broad post-election coalition, judicial reforms, and opposition to a Palestinian state.

6. Eisenkot Launches Campaign To Unseat Netanyahu

Former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot launched his campaign to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling for an end to the “October 7 government” and promising “honest and respectable Zionist leadership.” A former member of Netanyahu’s wartime cabinet and now a leading critic of his Gaza policy, Eisenkot’s Yashar Party is projected in one recent poll to win 22 Knesset seats, just behind Likud’s 24.

7. Unprecedented Alliance in Northern Israel Aims To Replace Suez Canal Route

A coalition of 53 local authorities in northern Israel launched the “New Bay” initiative to develop the IMEC trade corridor, aiming to turn Haifa port into a global trade gateway between Asia and Europe. The project is presented as an alternative to the Suez Canal by reshaping shipping routes and reducing transit times through the Haifa Bay axis.

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★LEBANON

8. Iran Announces Committee Including US To Oversee Lebanon Ceasefire Process

Iranian Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf announced a committee including Iran, Lebanon, and the United States to oversee ending the Lebanon war. He said Iran exported over 40 million oil barrels after US restrictions were lifted, reaffirmed commitment to the US memorandum, insisted on Hormuz sovereignty, and said Tehran prioritizes diplomacy while remaining prepared for war.

9. US Imposes Broadest Sanctions Yet On Hezbollah Financial Network

The US Treasury sanctioned five financial entities and 16 individuals linked to Hezbollah’s financial network, including Al-Qard Al-Hassan and Bayt Al-Mal. Washington accused them of facilitating over $500 million in transactions and financing Hezbollah’s military and political activities, aiming to dismantle the group’s funding channels and reinforce pressure following the Israel-Lebanon framework agreement.

10. Israel Says Strike Killed Hezbollah Operative In Mansouri

The Israeli army said it killed a Hezbollah operative in an airstrike in Mansouri, southern Lebanon, after detecting activity near Israeli troop positions. The military said the operative posed a direct threat and that the strike was intended to “remove the threat.” Israel said it will continue operations against Hezbollah activity that endangers its forces or security.

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★THE GULF

11. Qatar Premier Meets US Envoys Over Iran Talks And Security

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Doha to discuss US-Iran negotiations, regional security, and Lebanon’s ceasefire. Qatar reaffirmed support for mediation, while the US praised Qatar and Pakistan’s facilitation efforts and pledged to continue negotiations toward a comprehensive agreement.

12. Iran Oman Advance Strait Of Hormuz Transit Fees Plan

Iran and Oman are moving forward with plans to charge vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz despite US objections. Oman proposed voluntary service fees, while Iran insists payments are mandatory. The US rejects any monetization under a framework keeping passage free for 60 days. Tehran may proceed independently as regional tensions continue over navigation rules.

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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.