★ GULF STATES
Renewed Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia Injure 11 Civilians
A Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia’s Najran province injured 11 civilians, including a four-year-old child, according to Saudi officials. The military said the Iran-aligned group targeted civilian areas, while Saudi forces vowed to take necessary measures to protect civilians and respond to the attack.
Saudi Arabia Prepares for Possible Iran-Backed Militia Attacks
Saudi Arabia is preparing for possible coordinated attacks by Iran-backed Iraqi militias and the Houthis targeting energy facilities, ports, and airports, CNN reported, citing a Saudi official. Intelligence indicates imminent threats linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, while Riyadh says it is ready to respond and will continue efforts to reduce regional tensions.
Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan Set to Finalize Defense Pact
Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan are reportedly set to sign a joint defense agreement in Jeddah, creating a framework for intelligence sharing, defense cooperation, and technological development. The pact aims to strengthen security ties between the three countries amid growing regional threats and follows existing Saudi-Pakistani defense arrangements.
Qatar, UK Expand Defense Cooperation
Qatari and British defense officials discussed expanding military cooperation and coordination amid regional security challenges. The talks included Qatar’s defense minister and senior UK officers, following a 2025 defense agreement aimed at improving interoperability. The two allies maintain strong security ties, alongside significant economic investments exceeding £40 billion from Qatar in the UK.
Gulf States Seek New Energy Routes as Iran Threatens Hormuz
Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz is pushing Gulf producers to develop alternative export routes through pipelines and new ports. The shift could reduce Tehran’s leverage over global energy markets and boost Israel’s role as a regional energy hub, though security risks and political obstacles remain.
=================
★ IRAN
Iran Expands Regional Trade to Bypass Sanctions Pressure
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran is expanding trade with neighboring countries and developing alternative economic routes to offset sanctions that have reduced oil revenue and foreign currency access. He said stronger regional ties and increased cooperation are helping Tehran lessen the impact of sanctions.
Iran Continues Protester Executions to Intimidate Future Uprisings
Iran has continued executing protesters arrested during January’s unrest, using public and secret hangings to suppress dissent and deter future challenges. Rights groups accuse authorities of torture, forced confessions, and unfair trials, while activists say the executions are part of a broader campaign to restore control through fear and repression.
=================
★ U.S.A
Trump Says Iran War Will End Soon, Hormuz May Reopen
US President Donald Trump said the war with Iran could end soon, claiming Tehran cannot continue for long. He said talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz are progressing, while acknowledging limits on some weapons supplies. Iran has demanded influence over the waterway, whose closure has disrupted global energy markets.
==============
★ ISRAEL
Former Israeli Navy Chief Warns of Missile Shortages Against Iran
Former Israeli Navy Commander Eli Marom warned that Israel faces interceptor missile shortages similar to those of the United States. He said Israel may have to strike Iran alone if Washington delays action, arguing Tehran is using the time to advance its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
Israel, US Successfully Test Next-Generation Arrow Defense System
Israel and the United States conducted a successful test of a new generation of the Arrow missile defense system, aimed at countering long-range ballistic threats. The trial supports ongoing upgrades to the interceptor system, which forms Israel’s top defense layer against missiles from Iran and Iran-backed groups.
Moroccan Military Base in Gaza Proposed Under Postwar Plans
The Gaza Board of Peace has issued its first construction contract for a planned military site in Gaza to host around 150 Moroccan soldiers, according to a British report. The facility, pending approval, would be built in an Israeli-controlled area and support proposed multinational security arrangements after the war.
==============
★ IRAQ
Iraq Boosts Security Measures Over Possible Saudi Attack Threat
Iraq’s armed forces announced a security plan to prevent a potential attack on Saudi Arabia, amid reports of coordination between Iraqi militias and Houthis allegedly backed by Iran’s IRGC. Baghdad raised military readiness, monitored armed groups, and deployed reinforcements as militias reportedly relocated weapons and personnel amid fears of regional escalation.
==============
★ 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.
