★ U.S.A
Trump Gives Iran Final Chance To Reach An Agreement
US President Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran are continuing and expressed hope the Strait of Hormuz could fully reopen on Tuesday. He described the talks as Iran’s final opportunity to reach an agreement, while Tehran denied any negotiations with Washington and said discussions remain limited to Oman over Hormuz management.
US Naval Blockade Diverts Forty-Four Ships, Tightening Pressure On Iran
The United States said it diverted 44 commercial vessels and intercepted four others as part of its naval blockade on Iran through August 3, enforcing restrictions on Iranian ports while allowing humanitarian shipments. Washington said the campaign will continue until Iran reaches an agreement, while Tehran rejected the blockade as illegal and denied holding talks with the United States.
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★ IRAN
Iran Attacks US Base in Kuwait, Vessel Hit by Projectile Near Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards launched at least three drones at a US military base in Kuwait, while a cargo vessel was struck by an unknown projectile off Oman near the Strait of Hormuz. The incidents followed conflicting claims over renewed US-Iran talks, with President Donald Trump announcing negotiations while Tehran denied any planned meetings.
Pezeshkian Says Iran Does Not Seek Wider War
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran does not seek to expand or prolong the war, stressing that the country is acting only to defend its borders. He also called for greater national unity, warning that internal divisions could create opportunities for Iran’s enemies to undermine the country.
Iran Adviser Claims Hundreds Of US Troops Killed During July Strikes
A senior adviser to Mojtaba Khamenei claimed Iran killed hundreds of US soldiers and wounded hundreds more during July strikes, far exceeding official US casualty figures. The remarks came as Washington and Tehran exchanged conflicting claims over renewed negotiations, with Iran insisting no talks are currently planned.
Iranian Economic Crisis Forces Families To Sell Hair And Rent Laptops
Iran’s worsening economic crisis is driving households to sell personal belongings, including natural hair and empty perfume bottles, while renting laptops and financial documents for income, ILNA reported. The agency described the trend as a “survival economy,” fueled by soaring inflation and shrinking purchasing power as families struggle to cover basic expenses.
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★ GULF STATES
Saudi Crown Prince, Erdogan Discuss Regional Security And Bilateral Cooperation
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed regional developments and ways to strengthen bilateral relations during a phone call. Erdogan condemned Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, expressed full support for Saudi Arabia, and welcomed the Saudi-led multinational maritime defense coalition to protect freedom of navigation.
Red Sea Shipping Through Bab Al-Mandab Rises Despite Houthi Threats
Shipping traffic through the Bab al-Mandab Strait has increased despite Houthi threats against Saudi-linked vessels, with Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu port recording one of its busiest days since the warnings began. More tankers are transporting Saudi crude through the Red Sea, highlighting continued energy exports despite persistent regional security risks.
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★ LEBANON
Israel Says Hezbollah Tunnel Network Destroyed
Israel said it destroyed Hezbollah’s underground tunnel network in the Beaufort area, calling it a major strategic setback for the Iran-backed group. The IDF warned similar tunnel systems remain across southern Lebanon and claimed Hezbollah planned to use them for prolonged attacks on Israel despite the current ceasefire.
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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.
