★ U.S.A
Trump Authorizes Fresh Iran Attack That Could Begin Weekend
President Donald Trump authorized a new U.S. attack plan against Iran that could begin this weekend and last several days, according to U.S. officials cited by The Wall Street Journal. Trump said Washington would hit Iran “very hard” to force renewed negotiations, but officials cautioned that diplomatic progress—or another presidential reversal—could still halt the operation.
Trump Announces Tentative Hamas Disarmament Framework Amid Major Obstacles
President Donald Trump announced a tentative framework for Hamas to begin disarming in Gaza in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal and other implementation steps. Hamas linked full disarmament to broader political conditions, Israel had not formally endorsed the announcement, and major sequencing disputes remained unresolved, making the agreement preliminary rather than final.
Pentagon Seeks Billions to Replenish Iran War Missile Stocks
The Pentagon has requested $67 billion to replenish weapons depleted during the Iran war, as new analysis estimates U.S. Patriot stocks have fallen about 65 percent and THAAD inventories about 38 percent. The drawdown is intensifying concern over Washington’s ability to sustain regional defenses while preserving readiness for other conflicts.
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★ IRAN
Russia Supplies Iran Intelligence Supporting Defense and Precision Attacks
Russia is providing Iran with electronic intelligence, including satellite surveillance and signals intelligence, that could improve Tehran’s defenses against U.S. strikes and increase the accuracy of Iranian attacks, according to U.S. and European officials cited by NBC News. The assistance reportedly helps Iran identify U.S. forces and potentially interfere with American weapons systems.
Iran Threatens Gulf Energy Sites and Additional Strategic Waterways
Iranian state-linked outlets and officials threatened retaliation against energy facilities across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Israel if Washington and Israel strike Iranian infrastructure. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council also warned that continued U.S. naval pressure could trigger closures beyond the Strait of Hormuz, expanding Tehran’s threatened retaliation to other strategic chokepoints.
Iran Claims Tanker Strikes as Hormuz Passage Remains Restricted
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it struck and halted two tankers attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz under U.S. escort and forced four others to turn back. Reuters reported that some vessels continued moving through the strait, leaving Iran’s account only partially verifiable as restrictions and route disputes continued disrupting regional shipping.
Iran Blames Israel for Damietta Strike Despite Contrary Evidence
Iranian state media alleged without evidence that Israel staged the July 29 drone attack on Egypt’s Damietta Port to implicate Tehran. Egyptian authorities reportedly suspect the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps after a drone struck the U.S.-owned Energos Winter gas vessel and ignited a second ship, although Egypt has not publicly released forensic proof and no group has claimed responsibility. The target and timing align more closely with Iran’s campaign to pressure U.S. assets and alternative regional energy routes than with Tasnim’s unsupported Israeli false-flag theory.
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★ GULF STATES
Kuwait Reports Renewed Iranian Attacks on Vital Military Facilities
Kuwait said Iranian drones targeted vital and military facilities, while its armed forces reported intercepting incoming aircraft and said falling debris caused material damage without casualties. Iranian military outlets separately claimed attacks on U.S.-used facilities at Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base; those specific target claims remain unverified by Kuwaiti authorities.
Unknown Projectile Damages Oil Tanker Off Oman’s Coast
A British maritime agency reported that an oil tanker was struck by an unknown projectile off the coast of Oman, damaging its engine room without causing any crew casualties. The incident occurred about 12.5 nautical miles off Lima on Oman’s coast, amid heightened tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has tightened control over shipping routes, requiring vessels to use lanes near its coastline and warning against alternative routes. Maritime analysts also reported a sharp decline in traffic through the strait as operators monitor security risks and potential diplomatic developments.
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★ YEMEN
Houthis Deny Red Sea Transit Fees, Maintain Selective Blockade
The Houthi-run Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center denied plans to charge commercial vessels crossing Bab el-Mandeb, stating that its optional safe-transit service remains free and warning shipping companies against unauthorized payment demands. The denial does not end the Houthis’ selective blockade or targeting policy against restricted vessels, which remains in force.
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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.
