★ GULF STATES
Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan Sign Mutual Defense Pact
Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed the Mecca Mutual Defense Agreement, declaring an armed attack on any member an attack on all. The pact strengthens collective deterrence, defense cooperation and counterterrorism efforts, while Riyadh and Ankara stressed it targets no country, seeks no military bloc or arms race, and aims to promote regional peace and stability.
Iraq, Saudi Arabia Discuss Regional Security and Preventing Escalation
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi met Saudi intelligence chief Khalid al-Humaidan to discuss regional security developments and coordination. Zaidi said Iraq would not allow its territory to be used for operations against other countries, reaffirming Baghdad’s commitment to protecting its sovereignty and preventing escalation amid concerns over potential attacks by Iran-backed militias.
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★ IRAN
U.S. Naval Blockade Halts Iranian Oil Exports From Kharg
Iran’s oil exports have effectively halted after a U.S. naval blockade stopped tanker loading at Kharg Island, where most Iranian crude is exported. Shipping and satellite data show no loaded tanker departures since July 12, while Tehran has reportedly reduced production as storage fills. Iran continues receiving revenue from earlier shipments, but that income may fade in coming weeks.
Pezeshkian Threatens Resignation As Iran Faces Deepening Economic Crisis
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reportedly threatened to resign to pressure Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei into an urgent meeting over the worsening economy. He sought a political agreement to ease sanctions and economic pressure. Iranian negotiators face limited influence, while the Revolutionary Guards reportedly threaten renewed attacks on shipping if economic demands are unmet. Talks now include sanctions relief, oil exports, and the release of frozen Iranian assets.
Iran Received Hundreds of Chinese and Russian MANPADS
Iran reportedly received hundreds of Chinese- and Russian-made shoulder-fired air-defense missiles during recent ceasefires to rebuild defenses damaged in war, Alhurra reported, citing Iranian opposition figures. The systems were deployed nationwide, with some allegedly transferred to Iran-backed groups in Iraq. The report’s claims and quantities could not be independently verified.
Iraqi Coordination Framework Delegation Arrives in Tehran
An Iraqi Coordination Framework delegation arrived in Tehran to discuss the disarmament of armed factions, as the bloc forms a committee to negotiate weapons handovers before September 30. Iraq’s government has pledged to place all weapons under state control, warning groups that refuse to comply could face prosecution under counterterrorism laws.
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★ U.S.A
U.S. Targets Secret Iranian Network Moving Hundreds of Millions
The U.S. Treasury sanctioned an Iranian financial network accused of secretly moving hundreds of millions of dollars through exchange firms and shell companies to evade sanctions and access oil revenues. The measures also target banks, crypto platforms and individuals linked to Iran’s shadow-banking system, as Washington intensifies its “maximum pressure” campaign.
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★ LEBANON
Lebanon, Israel Shortlist Countries to Verify Hezbollah Disarmament
Lebanon and Israel agreed on a shortlist of countries that could deploy troops to verify Hezbollah’s disarmament under a U.S.-brokered deal, with Washington set to choose one or more. Lebanon rejected private security firms for the role. Talks made no progress on Israel’s next withdrawal area, with another round scheduled for early September.
Hezbollah Launches Explosive Drone at Israeli Forces
Hezbollah launched another explosive drone at Israeli forces in southern Lebanon on Friday, two days after a Hezbollah bomb killed two Israeli soldiers and wounded four. Israel did not disclose the latest attack, while U.S. officials urged restraint after Israel called the earlier incident a serious ceasefire violation and responded with limited strikes.
Israeli Shelling Targets Areas in Southern Lebanon
Israeli artillery shelled areas across southern Lebanon overnight, striking Nabatieh, Mansouri, and surrounding areas. Several homes were damaged, while Israeli forces advanced toward Zawtar al-Gharbiya and erected a new earth barrier, reportedly violating the framework agreement. Israeli warplanes also flew at low altitude over central and western southern Lebanon.
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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.
