★ U.S.A
US Launches Massive Strikes Across Southern Iran After Missile Attack
US forces launched a two-hour wave of strikes from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET, targeting dozens of IRGC command centers, missile and drone facilities, coastal defense sites, and maritime assets across Iran in retaliation for Tehran’s attempted missile attacks on US forces. US officials said the operation was roughly twice the size of the previous bombardment. Explosions were reported in Bushehr, Qeshm, Kish, Abu Musa, Ahwaz, and Kazerun after President Donald Trump pledged a forceful response.
Drone Strike Hits US-Owned Gas Tanker At Egypt’s Damietta Port
A suspected drone strike hit the US-owned Energos Winter gas storage tanker at Egypt’s Damietta port, triggering a fire that spread to the Gaslog Salem vessel. Egyptian authorities confirmed the blaze was quickly contained with no casualties but did not identify the cause. Security sources and maritime firms said initial assessments pointed to a drone attack, raising fears of a broader regional escalation.
US Sanctions Iranian Hormuz Extortion Network And Shadow Fleet Tankers
The US Treasury imposed sanctions on Iranian entities accused of forcing commercial ships to buy IRGC-approved insurance to transit the Strait of Hormuz, calling it an extortion scheme. Washington also sanctioned eight shadow fleet tankers and their operators for transporting Iranian oil to China and the UAE. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the measures aim to block Iran from financing the IRGC through global shipping and sanctions evasion.
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★ IRAN
Iran Moved Centrifuges To Secret Mountain Nuclear Site
A senior Israeli official said Iran has transferred centrifuges to the secret “Pickaxe Mountain” facility, though there are no signs of active uranium enrichment there. The official also said Mojtaba Khamenei is “certainly alive” and claimed Iran retains about 1,500 missiles after Israeli strikes. He added Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump reviewed options on Iran, including diplomacy, sanctions, and renewed military action.
Jordan Intercepts Five Iranian Missiles Targeting Kingdom
Jordan’s armed forces said air defenses intercepted five missiles launched from Iran toward the kingdom, preventing them from reaching their targets. The military said the operation followed established rules of engagement to protect national security and civilians, adding that forces remain on high alert and ready to counter any threat as tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate.
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★ YEMEN
Yemeni Army Publicly Unveils Military Drones For First Time
The Yemeni army publicly displayed military drones for the first time during a defense inspection led by Defense Minister Taher al-Aqili. The exhibition included locally produced and acquired drones, vehicles, and other military equipment aimed at strengthening operational capabilities. The display comes as Yemen raises military readiness and advances efforts to reorganize and modernize its armed forces amid escalating regional tensions.
Houthis Plan Red Sea Transit Fees With Iranian Backing
Yemen’s Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani said the Houthis, in coordination with Iran, are preparing to impose transit fees on ships passing through the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab. He warned the move would turn one of the world’s most strategic waterways into a funding source for the group’s military activities. Reuters also reported the Houthis are studying the proposal while China has held talks to protect its shipping.
Senior Houthi Intelligence Commander Killed In Mysterious Sanaa Attack
A senior Houthi intelligence commander, known as Abu Hussein al-Arhabi, and one of his escorts were killed in a gun attack targeting their vehicle in Sanaa. The attackers escaped after a brief exchange of fire, while Houthi forces imposed a security lockdown. Local reports suggested the assassination may reflect escalating internal power struggles and growing instability within the group’s leadership.
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★ LEBANON
Hezbollah Drone Hits IDF Bulldozer
A Hezbollah explosive drone struck an Israeli armored bulldozer in the IDF’s buffer zone in southern Lebanon without causing injuries, marking the first reported violation of the ceasefire since late June. Israel is considering a response ahead of talks in Rome next week, while the IDF said it destroyed a Hezbollah underground command center, seized weapons, and reaffirmed it would not withdraw further until Hezbollah is disarmed.
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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.
