★ GULF STATES
Houthis Strike Saudi Tankers, Disrupt Second Maritime Chokepoint
Missiles and drones targeted the Encelia and Layla after the Houthis imposed a blockade on Saudi shipping. Maritime reporting confirmed the Encelia was struck and caught fire near Jizan, while damage to the Layla remained unconfirmed. Five tankers subsequently changed course after three Saudi crude carriers bound for China and India reversed course Tuesday, threatening the Red Sea export route Riyadh increasingly relies upon while Hormuz remains disrupted.
GCC Urges Firm International Action Against Iran And Houthi Threats
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi urged decisive international action against Iranian attacks and Houthi threats to close the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. Speaking at the UN Security Council, he called for protecting maritime security, energy infrastructure, and global supply chains, condemning attacks on Gulf states and shipping while reaffirming Gulf support for Saudi Arabia and international law.
Maritime Tensions Disrupt Global Trade And Drive Oil Prices Higher
Escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb disrupted global shipping, reduced vessel traffic, and increased transport costs. The instability pushed oil prices to six-week highs, prompted shipping companies to impose fuel surcharges, and forced more vessels to reroute around Africa, extending delivery times and raising concerns over global supply chains, energy markets, and inflation.
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★USA
Twelfth Iran Strike Night Expands Across Four Strategic Areas
CENTCOM launched strikes beginning at 5:30 p.m. ET across Khuzestan, Hormozgan, and Bushehr to reduce threats to commercial shipping. Iranian media reported strikes near Ahvaz, Bushehr, Sirik, and the Shalamcheh crossing, where two people were reportedly killed. A B-1 bomber operating from a British base struck IRGC targets, marking its first use since hostilities resumed twelve days ago and expanding U.S. long-range strike options. Meanwhile, Kuwait intercepted Iranian drones, Tehran threatened regional infrastructure if U.S. strikes target Iranian bridges or power plants, and the IRGC claimed the Strait of Hormuz remained closed after three tankers reportedly entered a minefield.
Trump Adopts One-for-One Hormuz Retaliation Policy
Hours before attending the dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base of four U.S. soldiers killed in recent Iranian attacks in Jordan and Iraq, President Trump established an explicit one-for-one retaliation policy: each Iranian missile, rocket, drone, or other attack on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz will trigger the destruction of one Iranian bridge or power plant, including targets in or near Tehran.
US Probes Possible Russian Role In Iranian CIA Site Attacks
U.S. intelligence is investigating whether Russia provided targeting data or advanced Shahed technology used in Iranian strikes against CIA facilities in Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Officials have not reached firm conclusions, but multiple intelligence sources cited the attacks’ precision and evidence of broader Russian technical support.
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★IRAN
IRGC Claims Strikes Damaged US Military Assets And Patriot In Kuwait
Iran’s IRGC claimed it damaged US military equipment, helicopters, drones, and a Patriot missile system at Kuwait’s Ali al-Salem Air Base in retaliation for alleged US actions in the Strait of Hormuz. It also said it mined the strait, causing an oil tanker fire, and vowed to keep it closed. CENTCOM rejected the claims, saying commercial shipping continues under US protection.
Iran Nears Hyperinflation As Officials Admit Deepening Economic Collapse
Iranian officials and economists warned the country is approaching hyperinflation, citing stagnant growth, contracting non-oil sectors, declining investment, and weaker oil exports. Official data showed 2025 economic growth at 0.2%, while non-oil output fell 0.3%. Authorities also acknowledged purchasing power has nearly halved since 2011,with 60% of Iranians unable to endure further economic hardship.
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★ IRAQ
Iraqi Prime Minister Visits Tehran For Talks On Regional Security Cooperation
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi arrived in Tehran for talks with senior Iranian officials on bilateral cooperation, regional developments, and security. The visit follows his US trip, where Iraq signed 48 economic agreements with American companies. Baghdad also plans to promote ending regional conflict, offer mediation between Tehran and Washington, and discuss broader diplomatic efforts.
Three Drones Intercepted Near US Consulate In Erbil
Air defenses downed three explosive drones near the U.S. Consulate without casualties or damage, temporarily disrupting airport operations. Separate missile and drone attacks targeted Iranian Kurdish opposition positions elsewhere in the Kurdistan Region, but casualty figures remained inconsistently reported.
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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.
