★TURKIYE
Turkiye Issues International Arrest Warrant for Netanyahu Over Gaza Flotilla
Turkiye issued an international arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and another Israeli over the interception of the Gaza-bound Freedom Flotilla in May. Netanyahu’s office condemned the move, calling President Recep Tayyip Erdogan an “antisemitic dictator” and vowing to counter Turkey’s efforts to destabilize the region.
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★ U.S.A
Trump Says Iran Is Not Ready For Right Deal
US President Donald Trump says Iran is not ready to make the “right deal” with Washington, while stressing that the US is monitoring developments and retains “total control” over the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding land areas. Trump says Iran would like a deal but has yet to accept the terms he considers right.
Over 750 U.S. Servicemen have Been Wounded in the Iran War
Pentagon figures show 774 US servicemen have been killed or wounded in the Iran war, including 18 deaths and 756 injuries. The total rose despite an ongoing lull in fighting, possibly reflecting reporting delays. Washington is considering reducing its Middle East military presence and cutting Persian Gulf defenses following Iranian attacks.
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★ IRAQ
Iran Grants Iraqi Oil Tankers Special Passage Through Hormuz
Iran granted special permission for several Iraqi oil tankers to cross the Strait of Hormuz after repeated requests from Baghdad. The passage was reportedly a key demand during Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf’s recent visit to Iraq.
Iran Urges Iraq to Reduce Dollar Dependence and Expand Trade
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf urged Iraq to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar and expand bilateral economic cooperation. He called for using local currencies in trade and developing a roadmap to overcome U.S. sanctions, declaring that the era of American global dominance had ended.
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★ IRAN
Iran Threatens Devastating Response to New US Sanctions
Iran warned that any new U.S. threats would trigger a “crushing, punishing and devastating” military response. Armed Forces Chief Ali Abdollahi said Tehran was prepared to respond across land, sea, air, air defense and cyberspace, signaling a broad escalation against Washington.
Pezeshkian Calls for Ending War While Iran Holds Strength
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for ending the war with the U.S. and Israel while Tehran remains in a position of strength. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf warned that military power alone cannot sustain Iran, stressing that economic growth and financial stability are essential to national security.
Iran Oil Exports Plunge To One-Seventh Under US Blockade
Iranian crude loadings have fallen to 287,000 bpd, one-seventh of pre-war levels, as a US naval blockade disrupts exports. Chinese purchases have dropped to 523,000 bpd, while fuel oil and LPG exports have also plunged. The decline threatens Iran’s foreign-exchange earnings, budget and ability to finance imports, as Trump threatens further economic isolation.
Iranian Families Struggle As US Economic Pressure Intensifies
Iranian families are struggling to afford basic goods as sanctions, war and a US naval blockade cripple the economy. Inflation could approach 70%, unemployment is rising, and over one million jobs have reportedly been lost. Trump has threatened tougher sanctions, while Tehran’s leaders remain divided over negotiations and seek concessions, including control of Hormuz.
Suspicious Iranian Maritime Activity Reported Near Yemen Tanker
A maritime security unit reported unusual activity around the floating “Yemen” tanker off Yemen’s Ras Issa, including sanctioned vessels and small boats. A report linked the movements to a possible Houthi and Iranian “shadow fleet” network, while stressing that independent evidence is still needed to confirm the nature of any cargo or transfers.
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★ THE GULF
Oman and Iran Discuss Resuming Dialogue and Hormuz Navigation
Oman and Iran discussed conditions for resuming dialogue and negotiations, as well as navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Both sides stressed restoring freedom of navigation, maritime security and regional stability, while Iran said talks with Oman remain ongoing to finalize a memorandum of understanding.
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★ LEBANON
Israeli Airstrikes and Shelling Hit Southern Lebanon
Israeli warplanes struck Kfar Rumman and the Ali al-Taher area in southern Lebanon, while heavy artillery fire hit several nearby towns. Israeli forces also carried out extensive demolitions in Mansouri, Majdal Zoun and Beit al-Siyad, with similar blasts reported in other southern villages.
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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.
