★ GULF STATES
Houthis Claim Attacks On Saudi Airport And Oil Tanker
Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis claimed they struck a target at Saudi Arabia’s Najran Airport and launched a missile attack on a Saudi oil tanker near the Red Sea port of Yanbu. The group said the airport strike responded to alleged Saudi drone incursions over northwestern Yemen and maintained its Red Sea naval blockade. Saudi authorities did not immediately confirm either attack.
Pakistan’s Premier And Army Chief To Visit Saudi Arabia Thursday
Pakistani sources said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir will visit Saudi Arabia on Thursday as diplomatic efforts continue to ease US-Iran tensions. The visit comes amid conflicting statements over negotiations with Tehran, with Washington citing progress toward a Hormuz agreement while Iran insists its talks are limited to Oman.
Qatar Emir And Trump Discuss Efforts To Reduce Regional Tensions
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and US President Donald Trump discussed regional developments and efforts to ease tensions between Washington and Tehran. Trump praised Qatar’s mediation role, while the emir stressed continued diplomacy, adherence to the US-Iran memorandum of understanding and closer coordination to support regional stability and a lasting diplomatic solution.
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★ U.S.A
Trump Says Iran Deal Could Be Reached Within Two Days
President Donald Trump said the United States held all-day talks with Iran and suggested a Hormuz agreement could be reached within two days. Reports indicate the proposed 60-day deal would restore safe shipping through the strait without tolls, while negotiations continue over transit arrangements. Trump warned military action remains possible if Hormuz is not reopened soon.
US Depletes Long-Range Missile Stockpiles During Iran War
The United States has used nearly all of its long-range ATACMS and Precision Strike Missiles during the five-month war with Iran, according to sources, raising concerns about military readiness for future conflicts. Officials also said nearly half of US Tomahawk cruise missiles and significant numbers of Patriot and THAAD interceptors have been expended, although the Pentagon insists it retains sufficient capabilities and is replenishing stockpiles.
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★ IRAN
Iran Vies for Expanded Control Over Strait of Hormuz in Possible Deal with Oman
Iran and Oman are nearing an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz through temporary shipping arrangements that would expand Tehran’s role in managing inbound transit. Iran insists any deal must receive US approval, while Washington disputes claims of permanent Iranian control. Negotiations continue despite Iran denying direct US talks, with the strait remaining central to postwar diplomacy and global energy security.
Iran Seeks Pakistani Ports To Bypass US Blockade And Sustain Trade
Iran is exploring Pakistan’s Karachi and Gwadar ports to maintain trade despite the renewed US maritime blockade. Both countries aim to increase bilateral trade to $10 billion, advance a free trade agreement and remove customs barriers. The move follows severe restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz and reports that the United States and Israel are considering a land blockade to intensify economic pressure on Iran.
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★ ISRAEL
Netanyahu Rejects Gaza Withdrawal Until Hamas Fully Disarms
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the Board of Peace’s proposal for Israeli forces to withdraw to the Yellow Line, saying troops will remain in their current positions until Hamas is completely disarmed. He said Israel had not accepted the framework, despite Hamas approving it, and submitted its own comments on the proposal.
Israel Restricts Gaza Strikes As Ceasefire Efforts Gain Momentum
Israel has reduced airstrikes in Gaza and imposed new restrictions requiring the army chief’s approval for targeted attacks on Hamas leaders. The move follows efforts to avoid undermining potential ceasefire negotiations while maintaining pressure on Hamas. Israeli officials say military operations will continue against direct threats as talks advance on Gaza’s future security and governance.
Report Says Hamas Moves Covert Operations To Turkiye From Qatar
A report citing Palestinian sources says Hamas has begun relocating covert operations, including planning and cyber activities, to Turkiye while keeping its political leadership and public activities in Qatar. The move reportedly follows tighter Qatari restrictions on Hamas leaders’ meetings after Khalil al-Hayya was elected head of the group’s political bureau.
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★ LEBANON
IDF Destroys Hezbollah Tunnel Network And Weapons Site In Southern Lebanon
Israeli forces destroyed a Hezbollah tunnel network in southern Lebanon that the military said was used to store weapons, move fighters and plan attacks. Troops also uncovered a Hezbollah weapons facility containing rockets and launchers, along with dozens of additional weapons, including Kalashnikov rifles, rockets and other military equipment.
Lebanese Army Foils Cross-Border Grad Rocket Smuggling From Syria
The Lebanese army seized 122mm Grad rockets smuggled from Syria during an operation near Arsal, arresting two suspected traffickers and confiscating weapons, ammunition and a pickup truck. The operation coincided with a new round of Lebanon-Israel talks in Rome, where discussions focus on border security, implementing the framework agreement and efforts to ensure state control over all weapons.
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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.
