★ IRAN
Qaani Urges Iraqi Factions To Retain Arms And Resist Disarmament
IRGC Quds Force Commander Esmail Qaani urged Iran-backed Iraqi factions to retain their weapons and oppose disarmament efforts. Qaani criticized groups that agreed to surrender their arms, saying the weapons belonged to Iran. He urged Iraqi leaders to use the factions as leverage against Washington, warning Baghdad would lose any confrontation with them.
Iran Justifies Strait Of Hormuz Fees With Environmental Damage
Iran justified proposed fees on ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz by citing environmental damage from decades of maritime pollution. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Gulf pollution caused trillions of dollars in damage and called for beneficiaries to share responsibility. Tehran has also proposed transit fees with Oman, while Washington demands unrestricted passage.
Iran’s Economy Shifts Toward Survival Under U.S. Pressure
Iran is shifting toward a survival economy as U.S. sanctions and a naval blockade deepen inflation, poverty, and investment losses. Oil exports nearly collapsed in July, while inflation exceeded 80 percent and food prices surged. Tehran is rationing scarce goods, restricting foreign currency, cutting investment, and preserving strategic imports to sustain the economy and prolong the confrontation.
Iran Urges Six Muslim Powers To Advance Islamic Unity
Iran called on six major Muslim nations, including Türkiye, to strengthen Islamic unity and cooperation following the Mecca Defense Pact. Iranian official Mohsen Rezaei highlighted Pakistan’s regional role and urged stronger bilateral ties. Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised close relations with Iran and called for deeper cooperation on shared objectives and regional issues.
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★ IRAQ
Iraq Plans To Encircle Iran-Backed Factions After September
Iraq plans to deploy army and counterterrorism forces around positions controlled by Iran-backed factions after September 30. Checkpoints would monitor and seize weapons, particularly drones and missiles. The plan targets strongholds of Hezbollah Brigades and Harakat al-Nujaba south of Baghdad. Iranian officials reportedly oppose the timing and urge factions to retain their weapons.
Iraq’s Power And Water Shortages Raise Southern Crisis Fears
Severe electricity shortages are fueling protests and tensions across southern Iraq, where temperatures exceed 50°C. Residents in Dhi Qar threatened to block the Al-Badaa Canal supplying drinking water to Basra unless power supplies improve. Iraq produces about 25,000 megawatts against demand of nearly 60,000, while falling water levels are also worsening conditions in the Dhi Qar marshes.
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★ THE GULF
Iraqi Security Delegation Arrives in Riyadh To Discuss Drone Threats
A senior Iraqi security delegation arrived in Saudi Arabia to discuss attacks targeting the kingdom, drone threats, and stronger bilateral security coordination. The visit follows Iraq’s seizure of more than 20 locally made drones in Baghdad and the arrest of four suspects. Iraq recently disrupted a network planning drone attacks against unspecified targets.
Saudi Red Sea Oil Exports Disappear As Houthi Threats Intensify
Saudi crude exports from the Red Sea are increasingly disappearing from tracking systems as tankers disable AIS signals to avoid Houthi attacks. Analysts said all recent Yanbu loadings were conducted “dark,” causing major discrepancies in export estimates. Saudi crude shipments through Egypt’s Sidi Kerir reached a record 2.17 million bpd as tanker operators increasingly redirect cargoes northward.
Massive Oil Spill Reaches Oman Coast, Threatening Environmental Disaster
A massive oil slick from the sanctioned tanker Caroline Bezengi has reached Oman’s coastline, threatening 40 km of shore and Masirah Island. The spill covers more than 2,000 square km and has expanded rapidly since late July. The tanker carried 800,000 barrels of Russian oil, while cleanup faces funding and access obstacles as the vessel remains unstable.
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★ TURKIYE
Türkiye Unveils Joint Exercises And Defense Production Plans
Türkiye outlined mechanisms to implement the Mecca Defense Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, including regular consultations among defense and foreign ministers and military chiefs. The three countries plan joint military exercises, expanded defense-industry cooperation, joint production, and technology transfers. Türkiye also said other countries could join after the agreement’s mechanisms are established.
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★ LEBANON
Four Countries Set To Monitor Hezbollah Disarmament Under Deal
Israel and Lebanon reached a preliminary understanding on a mechanism involving Britain, Italy, Switzerland and Indonesia to monitor Hezbollah’s disarmament. US-mediated talks could lead to foreign troops conducting inspections and patrols. Israel links its withdrawal from southern Lebanon to disarmament progress, while disputes remain over home searches, operational authority and international oversight.
Israel Blows Up And Burns Homes Across Southern Lebanon
Israeli forces blew up and burned homes in Majdal Zoun, Mansouri, and nearby areas in southern Lebanon after overnight airstrikes. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned systematic destruction as a serious violation of international law. Israel says it is destroying underground infrastructure and homes, while Washington warned that permanent Israeli forces in southern Lebanon violate agreed commitments.
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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.
