★USA
U.S. Punishes Iran After Americans Killed In Jordan
U.S. forces struck Iran for an eighth consecutive night after an Iranian missile and drone attack in Jordan killed two American service members and left another missing. Four additional troops were medically evacuated but later discharged. CENTCOM said President Trump ordered the new strikes to swiftly punish the IRGC and further degrade Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. and Iranian reporting indicated strikes around Sirik, Hajiabad, Bandar Abbas, and Qeshm, although CENTCOM has not released a complete target list. The latest deaths raise the reported U.S. military toll during the conflict to 16.
=============
★IRAN
Iran Suspends Islamabad Memorandum
Iran suspended all commitments under the Islamabad memorandum, accusing the United States of violating the agreement through military operations and actions in the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran said the deal, covering sanctions relief, nuclear limits, and maritime security, was no longer valid. Mojtaba Khamenei called President Donald Trump’s signature “worthless,” accused Washington of repeatedly breaking its promises, and warned that Iran and the “Axis of Resistance” would deliver “unforgettable lessons” to the United States.
Iran Advances Missile Tactics As US Suspects Russian Chinese Support
US officials said Iran has upgraded its missile tactics by using highly maneuverable hypersonic weapons capable of penetrating air defenses, raising concerns that Russia or China may be providing intelligence or technical support. The assessment followed an Iranian attack that killed two US troops in Jordan, while Washington reinforced its regional military presence with F-16s, F-35s, and aerial refueling aircraft.
=============
★ISRAEL
Netanyahu Vows Double Retaliation Against Any Attack From Tehran
Netanyahu issued a direct warning to Tehran: “If you attack us, it will not be a repeat performance. The response will be far, far more powerful. The days when someone could strike us without us striking back twice as hard are over.”
==========
★LEBANON
Israel Targets Hezbollah Drone Cell In South Lebanon
The IDF said it struck a Hezbollah cell operating drones near Kfar Tebnit after detecting an unmanned aircraft over an area where Israeli troops were deployed. According to the military, the operatives were hiding near Israel’s security zone and were targeted to eliminate an immediate threat, describing the incident as another violation of the ceasefire understandings. Separately, the Lebanese Army said one soldier was killed, and two others were wounded when a suspected explosive device detonated near an army vehicle in the Tyre district. Lebanese authorities said the cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
===========
★IRAQ
Air Defenses Down Six Drones Targeting US Sites Near Erbil Airport
Air defenses intercepted six drones targeting the US Consulate area and a logistics base near Erbil International Airport, with no casualties or damage reported. Fighter jets secured the airspace following the attack. The incident followed the interception of 13 drones over Erbil on Friday and renewed Iranian-linked strikes against Kurdish opposition positions as regional tensions escalated.
Kurdish Opposition Claims IRGC Reinforcing Iraq Border
IranWire reported that the IRGC deployed approximately 3,000 Saberin special-forces personnel, additional ground and aerospace units, and heavy weapons to Sardasht, Baneh, Piranshahr, and Marivan along Iran’s border with Iraqi Kurdistan. The reported equipment includes tanks, artillery, Katyusha launchers, and reconnaissance and attack drones. The buildup follows repeated Iranian strikes on Kurdish opposition groups in northern Iraq and recent clashes near the border. The precise troop figure has not been independently confirmed.
===========
★GULF STATES
Kuwaiti Air Defenses Intercept Iranian Missiles
Kuwait’s military said its air defenses intercepted Iranian missile and drone attacks after air raid sirens sounded across the country. Authorities said explosion sounds were caused by successful interceptions and urged residents to follow safety instructions. The attacks came a day after Iranian strikes damaged power and water facilities, causing fires, flight disruptions, and injuries.
Gulf States And European Union Condemn Iranian Attacks On Strait Shipping
The Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union jointly condemned Iran’s attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and regional sovereign territories, calling them unjustifiable violations of international law and UN Security Council Resolution 2817. They demanded an immediate halt to all attacks, rejected any Iranian control or transit restrictions in the strait, reaffirmed freedom of navigation, and pledged continued coordination to protect international shipping and regional security.
===========
★ 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.
