★ U.S.A
US-Iran 60-Day Deadline Ends As Sanctions And War Loom
The U.S.-Iran memorandum expires as Washington prepares renewed financial pressure and Tehran maintains its challenge over the Strait of Hormuz. Regional mediators continue backchannel efforts, but no formal negotiations have resumed. Analysts disagree over Iran’s internal decision-making and strategic position, while both sides retain options that could push the crisis toward renewed military confrontation.
Barzani Secretly Mediated Between Trump And Iran’s Guards
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani reportedly served as a secret channel between the Trump administration and Iran’s Revolutionary Guard leadership. Washington sought direct confirmation that Iranian negotiators had full authority, leading to a secure call with Guard commander Ahmad Vahidi. Secret talks in Erbil were later proposed but abandoned over security concerns, while mediation efforts remain stalled.
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★ IRAQ
Iraq PM Vows State Weapons Monopoly By September Deadline
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi pledged to enforce state control over weapons by September 30. He recently ordered legislation restricting weapons possession to the state, as Baghdad presses armed factions to disarm. Al-Zaidi vowed to continue the confrontation, saying he would do so even at the cost of his life.
Iraq Pursues Financial Reforms As Hormuz Closure Hits Economy
Iraq said the Strait of Hormuz closure has directly affected trade and oil flows, prompting renewed financial reforms. Finance Minister Faleh Sari said Baghdad will increase non-oil revenues and develop financial management tools. Iraq also plans its first performance-based budget, while Britain pledged continued technical support for economic and financial institutions.
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★ IRAN
Qalibaf Claims Iran Won War Militarily And Politically
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said Iran won the war militarily and politically. He claimed the United States and Israel failed to achieve any of their nine declared objectives. Qalibaf also called the U.S.-Iran memorandum a diplomatic victory and said Iranians should take greater pride in what he called a “glorious victory.”
Iran Used 60-Day Deal To Prepare For Wider War
Iran reportedly used the 60-day June memorandum with Washington to prepare for broader conflict, rather than de-escalate. Hardliners viewed the deal as a U.S.-Israeli effort to ease economic pressure and gain time. Tehran coordinated with allied groups in Yemen, Iraq and Lebanon while rebuilding damaged military infrastructure and restoring missile bases faster than Israel expected.
Iran Offers $30,000 Bounty For Captured Or Killed US Soldiers
Iranian Army Commander Amir Hatami announced a $30,000 reward for Iranian soldiers who kill or capture U.S. service members. Women who succeed would receive double the payment, while weapons used in attacks would be replaced. Hatami also rejected U.S. claims over the Strait of Hormuz and demanded American forces leave the region.
Hormuz Shipping Slows Sharply After Tanker Attacks
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz nearly stalled over the weekend following tanker attacks and stalled U.S.-Iran talks. Kpler recorded five commodity vessels crossing Saturday and none Sunday, versus 31 the previous weekend. The strait previously handled over 130 ships daily and one-fifth of global crude and LNG shipments. Bab el-Mandeb traffic also declined.
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★ YEMEN
IRGC Sends Commanders to the Houthis, Supplies Intelligence for Confrontation with Saudi Arabia
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard reportedly sent commanders to Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen to coordinate preparations for an expanded confrontation with Saudi Arabia. The commanders provided military guidance and intelligence, including information on Saudi ports and energy facilities. The deployment reportedly aims to strengthen Houthi capabilities and coordinate potential attacks with Iran-backed Iraqi militias.
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★ THE GULF
Qatar Presses Regional Diplomacy On Hormuz Shipping
Qatar’s prime minister and foreign minister discussed the expiring U.S.-Iran memorandum with senior diplomats from Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Syria. Each call addressed the memorandum’s approaching deadline and stressed ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The talks highlight continued regional diplomacy as Gulf shipping and Hormuz access remain central to preventing further escalation.
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★ LEBANON
Israel Strikes Southern Lebanon
Israeli airstrikes were reported in southern Lebanon after a Hezbollah drone seriously wounded three Israeli soldiers. The IDF said it killed senior Hezbollah commander Ali Muhammad Fakhr al-Din and another commander. Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed to defend Israeli forces and citizens. Lebanon’s president condemned the strikes ahead of U.S.-sponsored talks planned for Rome.
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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.
