★USA
CENTCOM Completes Sixth Night Of Strikes On Iran
U.S. Central Command said American forces completed a sixth consecutive night of strikes against Iran, using fighter aircraft, drones, and warships to hit dozens of military targets, including coastal air-defense and surveillance sites, military logistics infrastructure, and naval capabilities. CENTCOM said the operation aimed to further degrade Iran’s military capabilities. Iranian state media separately reported strikes on bridges, transportation infrastructure, and an airport in southern Iran, but those claims have not been confirmed by the U.S. military.
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★IRAN
Iran Expands Retaliatory Attacks Across Gulf States And US Base In Syria
Iran launched attacks targeting US-linked sites in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the US command center at al-Tanf in Syria after fresh American strikes on Iranian infrastructure. Qatar intercepted missiles, while a child was injured by interceptor debris. Iran also claimed full control of the Strait of Hormuz and warned oil and gas exports would remain halted while US attacks continue.
Iran Tells Houthis Prepare To Close Bab Al-Mandab
Iran asked Yemen’s Houthis to prepare to close the Bab al-Mandab Strait if the United States attacks Iranian power infrastructure, three unnamed sources told Reuters. Two senior Iranian sources and a regional official said Tehran’s leadership discussed the contingency and recently conveyed it to the group. A Houthi-linked source said missiles and drones had been deployed near the waterway and the group was awaiting orders to attack shipping.
Pakistan Says Mediation Faces Growing Pressure
Pakistani officials say recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have complicated Islamabad’s mediation between Washington and Tehran and increased concern that Pakistan could be drawn toward supporting Riyadh. Officials also believe the IRGC is gaining influence over Iranian decision-making. Despite the setbacks, Pakistan says it remains committed to diplomacy and has no plans to abandon mediation.
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★GULF STATES
Kuwait Says It Intercepted 32 Iranian Drones
Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense said its armed forces intercepted 32 hostile drones over the country’s airspace since dawn Thursday after Iranian attacks targeted vital facilities. The ministry said debris from the interceptions caused material damage in residential areas but no casualties.
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★IRAQ
Coalition Forces Intercept Eight Drones Over Erbil
Coalition forces intercepted and downed eight drones over Erbil after they entered the city’s airspace, Kurdish authorities said. No casualties or damage were reported, and the drones’ origin and intended targets remain unknown. Authorities are investigating the incident, which follows escalating US-Iran military exchanges and increased missile and drone attacks across the region.
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★SYRIA
Syria Seizes Hezbollah-Bound Arms; Iraq Investigates
Syrian authorities said they intercepted a shipment of long-range missiles, anti-tank guided missiles, and drones allegedly destined for Hezbollah after stopping a vehicle near the Iraqi border. Damascus said it will not allow Syrian territory to serve as a corridor for arms smuggling or activities threatening regional security. Iraq’s Joint Operations Command announced a high-level investigation and said it will coordinate with Syrian authorities to determine how the shipment crossed the border. Hezbollah denied the allegations, calling them fabricated.
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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.
