★ IRAN
Iran Challenges US Financial Offensive, Calls It Sign of Failure
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi challenged Washington’s threatened “largest financial war” against Tehran, questioning whether it reflected victory or failure. His remarks came as the US prepares tougher sanctions aimed at cutting Iran’s economic lifelines, amid stalled negotiations over sanctions, the nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz.
Pakistan Army Chief Visits Tehran Carrying US Messages
Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir will visit Tehran with a delegation, carrying US messages aimed at breaking diplomatic deadlock and reviving Iran-US negotiations, according to sources cited by Al Arabiya. The visit comes amid escalating tensions, stalled nuclear talks and disputes over the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran Announces Major Gas Discovery
Iran announced the discovery of more than 200 billion cubic meters of natural gas in southern Fars province, with over 160 billion recoverable, potentially producing 280 million cubic meters daily for 15 years. The discovery comes as war damage and looming US sanctions continue to disrupt Iran’s energy sector.
Iran Claims Billions in Oil Sales Despite US Blockade
Iranian security official Mohsen Rezaee claimed Tehran earned billions and sold 70 million barrels of oil in recent months despite US sanctions and a naval blockade. He threatened countries joining Washington’s economic pressure, warned of strikes on US interests, and said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until US obligations are met.
Iran Oil Exports Near Zero as Hormuz Traffic Plummets
Iran’s oil exports have fallen to near zero during a US naval blockade, with little activity reported at Kharg Island, the New York Post said. Kpler data showed fewer than 20 vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz early this week, down from about 130 daily before the war, while Oman seeks to reopen transit routes.
Iranian Rial Falls to Record Low as Dollar Reaches 2 Million
Iran’s rial hit a record low of 2 million per US dollar, down nearly 7% in a week and more than 50% from a year earlier. The collapse comes amid war and economic pressure, as officials warn of severe vulnerabilities and President Masoud Pezeshkian pledges to tackle inflation and unemployment.
Hormuz Traffic Plunges 90% as Iran-US Blockades Restrict Shipments
Fewer than 20 commodity vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend, with UKMTO reporting traffic about 90% below pre-conflict levels. Kpler data showed just four crossings Sunday, while attacks and blockades have disrupted energy shipments, forcing vessels to abort plans or reroute through the strait’s northern passage.
=================
★ U.S.A
US Sets Deadline for Major Financial Offensive Against Iran
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington would launch its largest financial offensive against Iran on Monday, targeting revenue channels and countries supporting Tehran. Vice President JD Vance said preventing an Iranian nuclear weapon remains the core US objective, amid continued tensions over oil flows and the Strait of Hormuz.
US Forces Divert 70 Commercial Ships During Iran Blockade
US Central Command said American forces have rerouted 70 commercial vessels since the Iran blockade was imposed, while disabling three ships and boarding two to verify compliance. The latest figures reflect intensified US maritime enforcement near Iran, though CENTCOM provided no details on the vessels or incidents.
=================
★ IRAQ
Iraq Proposes Joint Saudi-Iran Security Council to Ease Tensions
Iraq proposed a joint security coordination council between Saudi Arabia and Iran to address mistrust and contain regional tensions, National Security Adviser Qasim Al-Araji said. The initiative follows Saudi accusations that Iran-linked Iraqi groups launched drones at targets in the kingdom, while Baghdad also seeks to curb weapons outside state control.
Iranian Delegation Meets Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Chief in Baghdad
An Iranian delegation sent by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei met Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces chief Faleh al-Fayyadh in Baghdad, thanking Iraq for its support following Ali Khamenei’s funeral. The visit followed Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf’s trip and came amid Iraq’s efforts to regulate weapons held by armed factions.
==============
★ LEBANON
Lebanese Clans in Hezbollah Stronghold Weigh Breaking Away
Clans in eastern Lebanon’s Baalbek-Hermel region, a key Hezbollah recruitment base, are reportedly forming a coalition to distance themselves from the group. They seek stronger state authority, tighter arms control and regional security cooperation, citing concerns over Hezbollah’s role in worsening instability and burdening local communities.
===========
★ SYRIA
Syria, Israel Hold US-Mediated Talks in Jordan to Ease Tensions
Syrian and Israeli officials met in Jordan under US mediation to ease tensions following Israeli strikes and escalating unrest in southern Syria. Talks focused on halting attacks, arrests and assassinations, reviving security negotiations, supporting regional stability, and ensuring any agreement respects Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
===========
★ 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.
