★ U.S.A
Trump Announces Landmark Deal for Hamas’ Complete Disarmament in Gaza
U.S. President Donald Trump announced a landmark agreement to fully disarm Hamas and all armed groups in Gaza, paving the way for a new Palestinian government to administer the territory alongside the Peace Council. The plan will be implemented in phases, followed by an Israeli military withdrawal and the deployment of an international stabilization force working with a new Palestinian police force. A U.S. source said Washington overcame Iranian efforts to derail the deal, while a draft agreement places heavy weapons under Palestinian administrative control and ties Israel’s withdrawal to verified completion of the disarmament process.
US Sanctions Global Network Supporting Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Operations
The United States imposed new sanctions on six entities and individuals in China, India, Russia, and Iran for allegedly supporting Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The measures target firms linked to Mahan Air, accused of transporting IRGC personnel and weapons, and a front company allegedly assisting Iranian military targeting. Washington said it will continue disrupting logistics and support networks tied to the IRGC.
US Redirects 24 Ships During Enforcement Of Iran Maritime Blockade
US Central Command said it has redirected 24 commercial vessels, disabled two ships, and boarded two others for inspections as part of efforts to enforce Washington’s maritime blockade on Iran. CENTCOM said P-8 Poseidon surveillance aircraft continue monitoring regional shipping lanes, while the United States says the measures aim to ensure compliance with sanctions and protect maritime security.
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★ IRAN
Iranian Strike Hits Chinese Company In Kuwait, Killing One Worker
An Iranian attack struck a building belonging to a Chinese company in northern Kuwait, killing one worker and causing significant damage, according to Kuwait’s Defense Ministry. Kuwait said its armed forces responded in coordination with relevant authorities to protect national security, while China called for an immediate halt to hostilities following the attack.
Drone Strike Targets Iranian Kurdish Opposition Camp Near Erbil
A drone struck a camp belonging to an Iranian Kurdish opposition group east of Erbil in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region on Friday, according to two security sources cited by Reuters. No immediate information was released on casualties or the party responsible for the attack.
Iran Faces Severe Winter Gas Shortage Following Energy Infrastructure Damage
Iran warned it could face a 100 million cubic meter daily gas shortage this winter after U.S. and Israeli strikes damaged key energy facilities. The government will introduce monthly provincial quotas for gas, electricity, and water to manage consumption while easing energy restrictions on industry. Iran currently produces 850 million cubic meters of gas daily and plans to allocate up to 120 million cubic meters to the industrial sector.
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★ THE GULF
Saudi Arabia Unveils Multinational Coalition To Protect Red Sea Shipping
Saudi Arabia announced plans for a multinational maritime defense coalition to protect shipping and energy routes in the Red Sea, with representatives from 43 countries and the European Union attending initial talks. Riyadh said 14 countries, including Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, Sudan, and Djibouti, backed the proposal after escalating Houthi attacks threatened navigation through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and Gulf of Aden.
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★ LEBANON
Israel Destroys Hezbollah Tunnel Network Beneath Beaufort Castle In Lebanon
Israel said it destroyed a major Hezbollah tunnel network beneath Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon using 700 tons of explosives, describing the site as a strategic underground command center built over two decades. The military said the tunnels supported attacks on northern Israel and were part of Hezbollah’s plans to infiltrate the Galilee, while reaffirming it will continue operations against threats despite the ceasefire.
Erdogan Says Turkey Seeks Role In Post-UNIFIL Lebanon Security Force
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkiye wants to join a new international security force in Lebanon after UNIFIL’s mandate ends later this year. Speaking alongside Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Ankara, Erdogan pledged continued support for Lebanon’s armed forces and post-war recovery, while urging closer Lebanon-Syria cooperation as discussions continue over a successor to the UN peacekeeping mission.
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★ IRAQ
Iraq, Turkiye Expand Strategic Partnership With Energy And Trade Agreements
Iraq and Turkiye agreed to deepen cooperation in energy, water, investment, and trade, while accelerating the Development Road project linking Iraq’s Al-Faw Port to Europe through Turkiye. Ankara announced a new agreement to replace the Kirkuk-Ceyhan oil pipeline deal, and Turkiye’s TPAO acquired a 15% stake in the BP-led Kirkuk oilfields project as both sides aim to increase bilateral trade from $20 billion to $30 billion.
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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.
