★ GULF STATES
Houthis Attack Saudi Aramco Refinery With Drone
Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis said they targeted Saudi Aramco’s Jazan refinery with a drone, causing a fire that Saudi authorities later extinguished without reported injuries. The group also claimed missile and drone strikes on Yemen’s Mocha port, where Yemeni officials said seven people were killed and infrastructure suffered severe damage.
Gulf Bloc Urges Firm International Action Over Houthi Attacks
The Gulf Cooperation Council urged the international community to take firm action against Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and commercial vessels, warning of risks to regional security and maritime navigation. The GCC expressed full solidarity with Riyadh and welcomed a UN Security Council statement condemning the attacks, calling for accountability and an end to escalation.
UAE Foils Cyberattacks Targeting Vital Sectors and Infrastructure
The UAE said it thwarted advanced, organized cyberattacks targeting aviation, energy and education sectors. National cybersecurity teams detected and contained attempts to breach systems, steal operational data and exploit users through phishing campaigns. Authorities said the attacks were neutralized before disrupting services, while monitoring and preparedness measures remain heightened against potential threats.
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★ IRAQ
Iraq Raids Iranian-Linked Drone Networks and Weapons Caches
Iraq’s Counter-Terrorism Service raided suspected Iranian-linked drone production networks and weapons caches in Baghdad, uncovering equipment and arms and arresting three armed operatives. The operation was reportedly based on intelligence and detailed maps provided by regional partners, marking a significant security move against armed networks in the capital.
Iraq Forms New Operations Command to Secure Al-Muthanna Desert
Iraq announced the formation of a new “Desert Operations Command” to strengthen security in Al-Muthanna’s desert region bordering Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The command will expand military deployment and coordination with other forces, aiming to enhance stability and border security in the strategic southwestern province.
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★ IRAN
Iran Releases Undated Fifteen-Second Video of Mojtaba
Iran’s Mehr News released an undated, under-15-second video appearing to show Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei speaking with men, his first public footage since succeeding his father. State media said President Masoud Pezeshkian met Khamenei in late July to discuss military and economic issues, while a Basij official promised more footage amid speculation over Khamenei’s health.
Iran Names New Security Chief Who’s Wanted by Interpol
Iran has appointed former IRGC commander Mohsen Rezaei as head of its Supreme National Security Council, replacing Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr. Rezaei, wanted by Interpol over his alleged role in the 1994 AMIA bombing that killed 85, takes the post amid wartime leadership changes and previously served as Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei’s military adviser.
$270 Billion In Losses For Iran After Months of War
Iran has suffered severe economic losses from the war, with Tehran estimating direct and indirect damage at $270 billion. Oil exports plunged, cutting billions in revenues, while the maritime blockade disrupted trade, production and investment. Inflation surged to 87.9%, the rial weakened sharply, and the economy is expected to contract 5.4% in 2026.
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★ SYRIA
Syria Regains Control of Two Key Russian Military Bases
Syria and Russia agreed to reorganize Moscow’s military presence, with Damascus taking control of Hmeimim air base and Tartus port’s commercial berth, while military facilities become joint training centers. The transition will be completed within three months, reshaping bilateral security ties and preserving Moscow’s strategic presence under new arrangements.
Israel Expands Southern Syria Presence, Plans Long-Term Control
Israel is expanding its military presence in southern Syria under “New East,” shifting from temporary incursions toward long-term control. The army has completed about 80% of a fortified trench network and established nine military posts from Mount Hermon to Jordan, while increasing raids, checkpoints, searches and arrests across Syrian villages.
Syria Arrests Nine-Member ISIS Cell Near Israel Border
Syrian security forces arrested a nine-member ISIS cell in Khan Arnabah, Quneitra, near the Israel-Syria demilitarized zone. Authorities said the cell collected weapons, transported explosives, and supported ISIS operations, with its leader linked to attacks across Syria. The arrests come amid a wider campaign that detained 235 ISIS members during Q2 2026.
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★ ISRAEL
Netanyahu Rejects Gaza Plan, Rules Out Palestinian State
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a 15-point Gaza proposal, saying the IDF will not withdraw until Hamas is disarmed. He also ruled out a Palestinian state, vowed Iran would not obtain nuclear weapons, and said Israel continues operations against Hezbollah while negotiating with Washington over Hamas disarmament.
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★ LEBANON
Israel Destroys Hezbollah Tunnel and Weapons Site in Southern Lebanon
The Israeli army said it destroyed a Hezbollah underground weapons site in southern Lebanon over the past week, uncovering rifles, rockets, anti-tank launchers and RPG shells. An Israeli airstrike also hit Mansouri as tensions continued. In other news, Hezbollah is reportedly suffering its worst financial crisis, disabling it from paying salaries to fighters.
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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.
