★ IRAQ
Iranian Drones Strike Kurdish Government Headquarters in Erbil
Two Iranian explosive drones targeted the office of Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and the residence of the region’s intelligence chief in Erbil. Barzani condemned the attacks as reckless and an unacceptable escalation, stressing that Kurdistan was not a party to the region’s ongoing conflicts.
Qalibaf Visits Iraq During Tensions Over Erbil Attack
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf is set to visit Iraq as tensions rise following a drone attack on the Kurdistan Regional Government headquarters in Erbil. Iranian officials, including President Pezeshkian’s Kurdish adviser, condemned the attack, while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he had no information confirming it originated from Iran.
Hezbollah Brigades warn Al-Zaydi and set 3 conditions regarding weapons
Iraqi Kataib Hezbollah warned Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi and set three conditions for regulating weapons: complete U.S. withdrawal, including from Kurdistan; no return of U.S. forces; and dissolving the Kurdish Peshmerga. The group’s demands come as Baghdad pushes to place all weapons under state control and negotiates with armed factions.
Iraq Tightens Border Security to Prevent Attacks
Iraq has tightened border security measures to prevent its territory from being used to launch attacks against neighboring countries, reinforcing controls along its borders amid heightened regional tensions.
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★ U.S.A
Trump Threatens Oman as Iran Talks Remain Stalled
Trump said Iran would not accept the deal needed to end the war and demanded surrender, stressing Tehran must not obtain a nuclear weapon. As the 60-day interim agreement expired, U.S.-Iran talks remained stalled. Trump also threatened to bomb Oman if it obstructed efforts to restore commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Erdogan Urges Trump to Continue Iran Talks, Offers Support
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged Donald Trump to continue U.S.-Iran talks and offered Ankara’s support for diplomatic efforts to ease tensions. Erdogan and Iran’s foreign minister also discussed reopening the Strait of Hormuz and maintaining the ceasefire. Erdogan criticized Israel’s Gaza operations and backed continued efforts toward regional peace and reconstruction.
Oil Surpasses $91 as Hopes for U.S.-Iran Peace Fade
Oil prices rose above $91 a barrel as hopes for a U.S.-Iran peace deal weakened and concerns over Strait of Hormuz disruptions grew. Brent reached $91.49 and WTI $85.25. Iran signaled a fully offensive military posture, while the U.S. ruled out extending the ceasefire, raising fears of prolonged supply disruptions.
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★ IRAN
Araghchi Says Iran Won War and Diplomacy Through Strength
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran continued fighting until the U.S. agreed to a ceasefire and negotiations on Iran’s terms, claiming Iran “won the war” and diplomacy. His remarks followed Trump’s call for Iran to surrender and a threat to bomb Oman if it obstructed U.S. efforts to control the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran Calls Missing Pilots Prisoners, Demands Qatar Investigation
Iran said three pilots missing after a March attack on the U.S. Al Udeid base would be considered prisoners in Qatar until their fate is clarified, and proposed a fact-finding committee. Qatar denied detaining them, saying its forces conducted searches and found remains of one pilot after the aircraft violated Qatari airspace.
War Deepens Iran’s Fuel Crisis, Raising Fears of Unrest
Iran is facing a worsening gasoline shortage as war damages production and halts imports, with the deficit estimated at up to 20 million liters daily. The government is considering three rationing options, while officials warn higher fuel prices could fuel inflation, strain household purchasing power and trigger renewed protests.
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★ SYRIA
Four Airstrikes Hit Abu al-Duhur Military Airport in Syria
Four airstrikes struck the runway of Abu al-Duhur military airport in eastern Idlib, causing material damage but no casualties. The attackers’ identity remains unclear, though some sources suspect Israel. The strike marks the airport’s first reported attack since Assad’s fall, amid growing Turkish-Israeli competition over influence in northern Syria.
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★ THE GULF
Kuwait Prepares for Possible Regional War with Iran
Kuwait is preparing for a potential wider conflict with Iran amid growing fears of regional escalation, according to a source close to Kuwait’s leadership. The source cited Tehran’s demands and hardline rhetoric, while Kuwait consults Gulf allies. Reports also indicate Iran and its allies may shift from defensive operations to attacks against regional adversaries.
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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.
