★USA
US Completes Eleventh Consecutive Night Of Strikes Across Multiple Iranian Targets
The U.S. military said it launched and completed its eleventh consecutive night of strikes on Iran, with the 75-minute operation targeting military operations centers, maritime assets, aircraft hangars, drone storage facilities, and logistics infrastructure. CENTCOM said the campaign aims to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Tehran of attacking more than 30 commercial vessels over the past three months. Iranian media reported explosions in Ahvaz, Bushehr, Chabahar, Konarak, Tehran, and near the Parchin nuclear site as air defenses were activated.
US Iran War Costs Reach $37.5 Billion, Pentagon Seeks More Funding
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Congress the U.S. war with Iran has cost $37.5 billion and warned additional funding is urgently needed. The Pentagon is seeking nearly $90 billion for the conflict and a $1.5 trillion 2027 defense budget. Lawmakers criticized the administration’s handling of the war as casualties reached 18 U.S. troops killed and about 430 injured.
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★IRAN
Iran Drone Strikes Targeted US Bases Across Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait
Iran said Wednesday it launched drone attacks on what it described as U.S. military facilities in Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Tehran claimed the strikes targeted housing and equipment storage at Jordan’s Azraq Air Base, aircraft maintenance and storage hangars at Bahrain’s Isa Air Base, and ammunition and logistics facilities at Doha Camp in Kuwait. Iran said the attacks responded to renewed strikes on parts of the country. The claims remain unverified.
Iran Would Strike US Nuclear Sites If Attacked
Iran’s hardline Kayhan newspaper warned Wednesday that Tehran would strike U.S. nuclear facilities if Washington attacks the Peak Axe mountain nuclear site or other Iranian nuclear installations. The newspaper said Iran would launch devastating retaliatory strikes from undisclosed locations under its deterrence doctrine and “an eye for an eye” principle.
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★GULF STATES
US To Announce Landmark Saudi Civil Nuclear Agreement On Wednesday
The Trump administration plans to announce a civil nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia on Wednesday after signing the deal, according to U.S. media. The 30-year agreement is worth tens of billions of dollars and gives U.S. companies a leading role in Saudi nuclear infrastructure. Officials said the partnership ensures uranium enrichment remains strictly for peaceful purposes and will proceed even without congressional approval.
Houthis Force Saudi Oil Tankers To Reverse Course In Red Sea
Two Saudi oil tankers bound for China and India reversed course in the Red Sea after Yemen’s Houthis threatened to attack ships carrying Saudi crude. The disruption followed escalating U.S.-Iran strikes and renewed attacks across the Gulf. The Red Sea had become Saudi Arabia’s main export route after the Strait of Hormuz was disrupted, pushing oil prices above $91 per barrel.
Kuwait Protests Iran After Tanker Attack Near Strait Of Hormuz
Kuwait summoned Iran’s ambassador and delivered a formal protest after the Kuwaiti tanker Keifan was attacked while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, injuring several crew members. Kuwait condemned the strike as a violation of its sovereignty and international navigation, demanding Iran immediately halt unlawful attacks threatening maritime security.
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★ LEBANON
Trump Announces Lebanon Flights, Offers Hezbollah Talks During Aoun Meeting
President Donald Trump announced the resumption of direct U.S. flights to Lebanon for the first time in more than 40 years after meeting Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, pending U.S. security certification of Beirut airport. Trump also said he was willing to engage in dialogue with Hezbollah if requested by Aoun, reaffirmed U.S. support for Lebanon, discussed expanding the Abraham Accords, and warned Iran over its nuclear program. Aoun sought greater support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and a broader Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
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★IRAQ
Iraq Signs $200 Billion Energy Deals With U.S. Companies
Iraq’s oil minister said energy agreements signed with U.S. companies during Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi’s Washington visit are worth about $200 billion. The deals will expand oil production capacity and boost associated gas investments. Iraq currently produces 4.8 million barrels daily while seeking higher output despite OPEC+ production limits and investment challenges.
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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.
