★ IRAQ
U.S. Pressure Delays Iraq Government Formation After Qaani Visit
U.S. objections to several ministerial candidates have delayed Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s efforts to fill nine vacant portfolios, including defense and interior. The move follows Iranian Quds Force commander Ismail Qaani’s Baghdad visit, where he reportedly urged factions to retain their weapons while avoiding confrontation. Washington links government support to measurable disarmament steps before the September deadline.
Iraq, Jordan And Syria Boost Military Coordination At Amman Meeting
Iraqi, Jordanian and Syrian military leaders agreed in Amman to strengthen coordination, intelligence sharing, and joint readiness to address regional security threats. Discussions focused on border protection and cross-border threats, while Iraq’s army chief also met the U.S. Central Command commander to discuss military cooperation and regional security developments.
Four Drones Strike Iranian Kurdish Opposition Camps Near Erbil
Four drones struck three camps belonging to Iranian Kurdish opposition groups near Erbil in northern Iraq, security sources told Reuters. No casualties were reported. The attacks followed a missile strike on a Kurdish opposition training camp Tuesday, which sources attributed to Iran. Kurdish groups’ bases in northern Iraq remain frequent targets amid tensions with Tehran.
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★ YEMEN
Houthis Claim Attack On Saudi Military Equipment Vessel
Houthi-run Saba news agency reported that the group targeted a Saudi vessel carrying military equipment in the Bab Al-Mandab Strait. Saudi Arabia has not confirmed the claim. The Houthis said in July they would impose a maritime blockade on Saudi shipping in the Red Sea, citing what they described as a Saudi blockade of Yemen, an accusation Riyadh denies.
Pakistan Condemns Houthi Attack On Commercial Ship
Pakistan condemned the Houthi attack on a commercial vessel in the Bab Al-Mandab Strait, calling it a violation of international law and a threat to maritime freedom. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said three Pakistani nationals were killed and another injured. Yemeni coast guards reported seven deaths and 11 injuries in the attack, while rescuers evacuated casualties and saved crew members.
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★ IRAN
Pakistan Interior Minister Visits Iran To Discuss Regional Developments
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is visiting Iran to discuss bilateral ties, regional security, stability, and diplomatic engagement among regional parties. The visit comes as Pakistan mediates between Washington and Tehran, with Defense Minister Khawaja Asif saying the two sides appear closer to reaching an arrangement to resolve their conflict.
Araghchi And Talabani Discuss Border Security Cooperation With Iran
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Kurdish leader Bafel Talabani discussed strengthening border security, counterterrorism, and economic ties with Iran. The talks come as Iranian Kurdish opposition groups face repeated attacks in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region. Tehran and Baghdad are also working to implement a security agreement preventing Iraqi territory from being used for attacks against Iran.
Iran Plans BRICS Bank Membership To Boost Trade Cooperation
Iran plans to join the BRICS New Development Bank, seeking greater monetary, banking, and trade cooperation. Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati said Iran expects expanded use of national currencies and bilateral and trilateral financial ties with BRICS members. The move comes as Iran faces severe economic pressures following war, sanctions, infrastructure damage, and widespread job losses.
Hormuz Shipping Traffic Hits One-Week Low As Hostilities Continue
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz fell to a one-week low, with eight vessels tracked Tuesday as operators avoided the waterway. Kpler data showed seven vessels entered via Iran’s route, while LSEG recorded 11 transits. Iran says the strait will remain closed unless Washington accepts its conditions, while Bab al-Mandab traffic rose above its 10-day average.
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★ THE GULF
Saudi Arabia And Türkiye Discuss De-escalation And Maritime Security
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed regional developments and bilateral cooperation. They addressed diplomatic efforts to reduce escalation and safeguard maritime routes in the Gulf and Red Sea, emphasizing freedom of navigation. The talks also focused on supporting regional security and stability.
Houthi Blockade Redirects Gulf Oil Exports Toward Mediterranean
Houthi attacks on Saudi shipping are reshaping Gulf oil routes, pushing exports toward the eastern Mediterranean. Saudi shipments increasingly use the SUMED pipeline after reaching Egypt’s Ain Sokhna, while VLCCs avoid the Red Sea through alternative routes. Four workarounds include rerouting around Africa, partial SUMED transfers, hiding maritime identities, and changing destinations. Further escalation could halt loading at Yanbu.
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★ LEBANON
Lebanon Abolishes Death Penalty In Landmark Parliamentary Vote
Lebanon’s parliament abolished the death penalty, replacing it with life imprisonment and aggravated hard labor, becoming the first Arab country to do so. Most lawmakers supported the measure, while Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc opposed it. The vote formalizes a moratorium observed since 2004, but questions remain over enforcing hard labor amid prison overcrowding and limited resources.
Lebanese Army Seizes 1.2 Million Captagon Pills Destined For Smuggling
Lebanon’s army seized about 1.2 million Captagon pills during a security raid in Sarba, Keserwan, arresting two Lebanese nationals allegedly preparing the drugs for overseas smuggling. The army said the operation followed surveillance and monitoring, while the seized drugs were handed over to authorities. Investigations are continuing under judicial supervision.
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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.
