★IRAN
Europe Expands Defensive Role After Intensifying Iran-Houthi Maritime Threats
Britain placed its forces on heightened readiness after Iran threatened bases supporting U.S. bomber operations, while defending American access as limited to countering threats to Hormuz shipping. Italy’s frigate Bergamini escorted merchant vessels through the Red Sea under the EU’s defensive ASPIDES mission. Germany, however, moved two naval vessels from Djibouti to the Mediterranean, citing regional volatility and delays to a proposed Hormuz mission, while keeping them available for future redeployment.
Iran Strikes Kuwait Border Crossing, Launches Broader Nationwide Barrage
Hostile drones twice struck Kuwait’s Abdali crossing with Iraq Thursday, causing material damage but no casualties. Later that night, warning sirens sounded nationwide as Kuwaiti air defenses responded to a broader wave of Iranian missiles and drones. Authorities said explosions heard by residents resulted from interceptions but had not immediately disclosed the number of incoming threats, interception results, or additional damage.
Jordan Intercepts Four Missiles, Six Iranian Drones Without Reported Casualties
Jordan’s military said it intercepted three Iranian missiles while a fourth landed in an uninhabited area, and separately shot down six Iranian drones over the previous 24 hours. Authorities reported no casualties or material damage, deployed engineering teams to secure debris sites, and said the armed forces remain on high alert to defend Jordanian airspace.
Iran Reinforces Houthis As Bab Al-Mandab Shipping Threats Intensify Further
Yemeni forces repelled a Houthi infiltration attempt near Bab Al-Mandab directed by Iranian Revolutionary Guard advisers. Reuters reported Iran flew IRGC commanders, military advisers, and missile and drone equipment to Yemen on July 13 to strengthen Houthi capabilities. Intelligence reports also said the Houthis deployed explosive unmanned vessels and reinforced launch sites for attacks on commercial and military shipping, while the group denied receiving Iranian military support.
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★ IRAQ
Iran Rejects Trump Ceasefire Proposal Delivered Through Iraqi Prime Minister
Iranian officials reportedly rejected a U.S. ceasefire proposal carried to Tehran by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, saying Tehran would not accept a temporary halt that leaves the future of the Strait of Hormuz unresolved. Iraqi mediation continued during Zaidi’s meetings with senior Iranian leaders, but no agreement was announced.
Al-Hadath Sources Attribute Regional Drone Attacks To Iraqi Militia
Unnamed Al-Hadath sources claimed that the Iraqi group Saraya Awliya al-Dam conducted attacks against Jordan, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia using drones launched from Iraq. The sources further alleged that the group includes IRGC advisers and operates small drone-launch cells. No claim from the militia itself, Iraqi authorities or Iran could be independently located, and AP and Reuters have not confirmed the group’s responsibility for these specific attacks.
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★ U.S.A.
Trump Threatens Retaliation, Iranian Asset Seizures Over Maritime Attacks
President Trump warned that any further Houthi attacks on commercial shipping would trigger severe U.S. military retaliation against both the Houthis and Iran, which he said would be held responsible. Following attacks on two Saudi tankers, Trump also said Iranian funds held or controlled by the United States would be used to compensate shipowners for future damage to vessels, cargo or related property. He did not identify the assets involved or the legal authority for transferring them, while Iran rejected the threat as unlawful.
U.S. Blockade Enforcement Expands As Thirteenth-Night Strikes Hit Iran
CENTCOM said U.S. forces redirected 12 commercial vessels and disabled one while enforcing the restored blockade of Iranian ports. During a separate two-hour operation, U.S. forces struck command centers, drone storage, communications networks, coastal surveillance sites and maritime capabilities across southern Iran. Iranian media reported explosions near Bandar Abbas, Ahvaz and Qeshm Island, while authorities activated air defenses in multiple areas.
House Votes To End Iran War; Senate Blocks Measure
The House passed a War Powers resolution 214–208 directing President Trump to remove U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran unless Congress authorizes them, with four Republicans joining Democrats. Hours later, the Senate voted 49–47 against discharging a separate Iran War Powers resolution from the committee, preventing it from advancing. The House measure does not itself end the war and would need Senate approval before reaching Trump, who could veto it.
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★ ISRAEL
Ben-Gvir Leads Thousands Into Al-Aqsa, Drawing Strong Palestinian Condemnation
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Likud lawmaker Amit Halevi joined thousands of Jewish visitors entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound during Tisha B’Av, which commemorates the destruction of the ancient Jewish temples. Israeli reporting confirmed that some visitors, including Ben-Gvir, prayed openly despite longstanding arrangements reserving worship at the site for Muslims. The Palestinian Presidency condemned the visit and prayers as a violation of the historical and legal status quo and warned that Israel was seeking to impose new conditions at the compound.
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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.
