★ THE GULF
Saudi Arabia Strikes Iran-Backed Militias After Repeated Oil Attacks
Iran Targets Jordan Base; U.S.-Saudi Jets Strike Iraqi Proxies
At 5:45 p.m. ET, IRGC forces launched multiple ballistic missiles toward a U.S. base in Jordan, the first such attack since President Trump paused U.S. strikes Friday; CENTCOM said all were intercepted. In a parallel but distinct response to more than 30 IRGC-directed drone attacks against U.S. forces and Saudi Eastern Province oil facilities, U.S. and Saudi aircraft struck militia logistics and weapons sites in eastern Iraq. Riyadh invoked Article 51 self-defense, said it did not seek escalation, and urged Baghdad to prevent its territory from serving as a launchpad. The Popular Mobilization Forces said coordinated U.S.-Saudi strikes hit several headquarters across Iraq, killing eight members and wounding four in Nineveh.
Kuwait Backs Saudi Arabia And Supports Right To Self-Defense Measures
Kuwait condemned continued drone attacks by Iran-backed militias in Iraq against Saudi Arabia, including the latest attempt to target oil facilities in the Eastern Province. Kuwait reaffirmed full support for Saudi Arabia, backing all measures to protect its security, sovereignty, and critical infrastructure, including its right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, while stressing that Saudi security is inseparable from Gulf security.
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★ IRAN
Iran Reports War Disabled 230 Million Cubic Meters Daily
Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said strikes removed 230 million cubic meters from Iran’s daily gas-production capacity. She also reported damage to 12 bridges, two tunnels, airports in Iranshahr, Semnan and Bandar Abbas, the Bandar Abbas railway branch, and Chabahar’s marine control tower. The tunnels were reopened and bypasses established around damaged bridges.
Iran Moves To Rebuild Air Defenses With Chinese Portable Missile Systems
Sources told Reuters Iran is preparing to receive 300 to 400 Chinese QW-12 and FN-16 portable air defense systems worth $60–70 million to strengthen short-range defenses after recent fighting. China and Pakistan denied reports about the deal and alleged transport routes, while sources said Tehran is also considering covert land routes to reduce supply disruption risks.
Jordan Neutralized 95 Iranian Missiles, Drones Across Sixteen Days
Jordan’s military said it intercepted 70 ballistic missiles and 25 explosive-laden drones launched from Iran between July 9 and July 25. Air defenses and fighter aircraft engaged the threats away from population centers, preventing casualties and damage to critical infrastructure.
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★ LEBANON
Hezbollah Communications Network Discovered Through International Infrastructure Project Beirut
Lebanese security agencies and U.S. intelligence are investigating reports that Hezbollah installed a private communications network in Beirut through an internationally funded infrastructure project. A contractor allegedly laid telecommunications cables alongside electrical lines, raising concerns about broader network expansion. Authorities are examining whether similar work occurred elsewhere, with the company facing potential Lebanese investigations and possible U.S. Treasury sanctions.
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★ ISRAEL
Trump, Netanyahu Reaffirm Unified Stance Against Iranian Nuclear Weapons Development
U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed that Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon during White House talks, declaring this must not happen under any circumstances. The leaders highlighted close strategic coordination on Iran, regional security, and expanding the Abraham Accords, while Israeli officials said no new intelligence on Iran was presented and denied any U.S. pressure to limit operations in Gaza or Lebanon.
Iran Threats Prompt Secret Netanyahu Departure And Heightened Israeli Security Measures
Iran has intensified efforts to target current and former senior Israeli officials, prompting Israel to strengthen security and alter Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s travel arrangements, according to Hebrew media reports. Netanyahu secretly departed for Washington from Nevatim Air Force Base and held a cabinet meeting in a secure underground facility. The reports followed Mossad’s announcement that it had foiled an Iranian network recruiting operatives through criminal organizations to attack senior Israeli figures.
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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.
