★IRAN
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US Completes New Iran Strikes Targeting More Than Eighty Military Sites
The US military said it completed a new wave of strikes on Iran, hitting more than 80 targets, including air defenses, command networks, coastal radar, anti-ship missile systems, and Revolutionary Guard boats near the Strait of Hormuz. Washington also revoked Iran’s oil sales license, while Tehran vowed a “crushing response” and warned against US interference in the strategic waterway.
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Iran Claims Strike On 85 US Military Sites In Gulf States
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it launched missiles and drones targeting 85 major US military facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain in response to US strikes. The Guard also claimed it shot down an MQ-9 drone, describing the operation as its initial retaliation against what it called American aggression.
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Oil Prices Hit Two-Week High After US-Iran Military Escalation
Oil prices climbed more than 2% to a two-week high after the United States and Iran exchanged strikes, and Washington reinstated sanctions on Iranian oil sales. The escalation renewed concerns over supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, pushing Brent crude near $76 a barrel and raising expectations of further price gains.
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Khamenei’s Coffin Arrives In Najaf For Official Iraqi Funeral Reception
The coffin of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei arrived in Iraq’s Najaf on Tuesday, where Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and senior Iraqi officials received it. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian joined the ceremony as mourners gathered under tight security. The funeral procession will continue to Karbala before the coffin returns to Iran for burial in Mashhad later this week.
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★ISRAEL
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US Defense Chief Pete Hegseth Visits Israel After Iran Strikes Escalation
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will visit Israel on Wednesday after attending the NATO summit in Ankara, where he is expected to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz. The visit follows overnight US strikes on Iran and signals closer US-Israeli coordination as tensions with Tehran continue to escalate.
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Israel and Jordan Move Towards a New Water Agreement Mediated by the UAE
Israel is considering a UAE-backed summit with Jordan and the United Arab Emirates to advance regional cooperation on water and energy. The proposed talks include supplying Jordan with an additional 50 million cubic meters of water annually and reviving the “Prosperity” initiative, aiming to ease bilateral tensions through economic and infrastructure cooperation.
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★THE GULF
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Qatar Summons Iranian Diplomat Over Tanker Attack Near Hormuz Strait
Qatar summoned Iran’s deputy ambassador and delivered a formal protest over the targeting of the tanker Al Rukayat near the Strait of Hormuz. Doha condemned the attack as a violation of international law, demanded an immediate halt to actions threatening maritime security, and called on Tehran to explain the incident and prevent any recurrence.
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Kuwait Budget Deficit Reaches $23.1 Billion As Oil Revenue Falls
Kuwait’s 2025–2026 budget deficit widened to 7.1 billion dinars ($23.1 billion), up 13.2% from a year earlier, as lower oil revenue outweighed gains in non-oil income. Total revenue missed forecasts while spending came below budget. The results underscore Kuwait’s continued reliance on oil despite ongoing efforts to diversify government revenue.
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★TURKIYE
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US Lifts Turkiye Sanctions, F-35 Decision Expected At NATO Summit
Trump said the US will lift sanctions on Türkiye and decide on F-35 sales during the NATO summit in Ankara. Erdoğan said Trump promised five jets and they will discuss KAAN engines. Trump also expressed hope for a Russia-Ukraine peace deal. Reports said he supports Türkiye’s return to the F-35 program despite Israeli objections.
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★SYRIA
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France Begins Returning €51 Million In Seized Assad Family Assets To Syria
France and Syria launched the process to return €51 million seized from Rifaat al-Assad to Syria, alongside French technical support for Syria’s central bank. During President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Damascus, both sides signed investment agreements, including a partnership with CMA CGM, while Macron pledged French support for Syria’s reconstruction and deeper economic cooperation.
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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.
