★ U.S.A
Trump Closes the Door on Talks With Iran
US President Donald Trump said no talks with Iran are underway or planned, while reaffirming the naval blockade. Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until Washington lifts the blockade, oil sanctions and other measures. Tehran also rejected Trump’s claim that the strait is “new U.S. territory.”
Pentagon Weighs Major US Troop Pullback From Gulf
The Pentagon is reportedly considering a major US troop pullback from the Persian Gulf after Iranian attacks damaged American bases during the war. Options include relocating forces westward to Jordan and Israel or not fully rebuilding Gulf bases. Any withdrawal could benefit Iran and expose Gulf allies to greater risks, but major changes remain distant and require White House approval.
US Offers $10 Million Reward Over Iranian Hacking Network
The US Justice Department unsealed updated charges against 17 people linked to Iran-based Mabna Institute, accusing them of hacking universities, companies and government agencies on behalf of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and other entities. The alleged campaign targeted more than 100,000 academic accounts and stole about 31.5 terabytes of data. Washington is offering $10 million for information.
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★ IRAQ
Qalibaf Arrives in Baghdad to Bolster a New Regional Order
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf arrived in Baghdad for a three-day visit aimed at advancing a “new regional order” without foreign involvement, strengthening bilateral ties and collective security. He visited the site where Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis were killed in 2020 and is set to meet senior Iraqi officials.
Iraq Releases Nujaba Commander After Militia Pressure
Iraqi authorities released Nujaba Movement commander Abbas Hussein Ali al-Yaqoubi after transferring him to Popular Mobilization Forces security, following reported political and security pressure. He was arrested under a judicial warrant over alleged weapons trafficking from Iran. The case renewed questions over Baghdad’s ability to enforce its policy of placing all weapons under state control.
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★ IRAN
Iran Escalates Attacks on Shipping as US Avoids Direct Response
Iran’s attacks on shipping near the Strait of Hormuz are increasing without direct US retaliation, raising risks for commercial vessels and concerns that Washington’s restraint is emboldening Tehran. Two ballistic missiles were fired toward the strait, while a separate attack killed a bulk carrier’s chief engineer. The UAE says seven of its ships were attacked this month.
Khamenei’s Sons Attend Memorial as Mojtaba Remains Absent
Mustafa and Masoud Khamenei appeared at a Tehran ceremony marking 40 days since Ali Khamenei’s death, while his successor Mojtaba remained absent from public view. Mojtaba has not appeared at his father’s funeral or other major events since his death in February, fueling speculation over security concerns or a possible injury, neither officially confirmed.
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★ SYRIA
Israel Strikes Syrian Air Base, Sending Warning to Turkiye
Israel struck Syria’s Abu al-Duhur military air base with eight raids, targeting its runway and storage facilities, amid reports of Turkish involvement in rebuilding Syria’s military. Israel said the deployment of Turkish forces threatened its security, while analysts viewed the strikes as a warning to Damascus and Ankara. Both sides are expected to avoid direct confrontation.
IAEA Finds Tons of Nuclear Material at Undeclared Syrian Site
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said inspectors found several tons of nuclear material at an undeclared Syrian site dating to the Assad era. Damascus said it voluntarily reported the material and plans to retain it under IAEA safeguards for peaceful nuclear energy. Grossi also inspected Deir Ezzor, where the IAEA says a secret reactor was once being built.
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★ THE GULF
UAE Suspends Trade and Financial Transactions with Iran
The UAE announced the suspension of all trade activities, exchanges and financial transactions with Iran until further notice, citing regional escalation and threats to peace and security. The decision followed reports of two missiles launched from Iran, while Tehran denied targeting the UAE. Abu Dhabi reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue, regional cooperation and international financial standards.
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★ ISRAEL
IDF Strikes Hamas Commanders’ Meeting Near Gaza Port
The IDF said it struck a meeting of Hamas Nukhba commanders and operatives near Gaza City’s port, targeting figures allegedly planning attacks on Israeli troops. Gaza’s Hamas-run civil defense agency reported six killed, including a child, and 14 wounded. Hamas condemned the strike, citing ceasefire calls and ongoing US-backed efforts toward a Gaza disarmament deal.
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★LEBANON
Israeli Airstrikes and Blasts Hit Southern Lebanon
Israeli warplanes carried out strikes near Nabatieh, Kafr Rumman and Deir Seryan, while Israeli forces conducted explosions in Jdeidat and Mansouri and shelled Majdal Zoun. The attacks come despite a June 20 ceasefire, following months of Israeli strikes across southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley.
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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.
