★ IRAN
Iran, Oman Reach Agreements on Hormuz Revenue Sharing
Iran and Oman have reached an agreement on their respective shares of the Strait of Hormuz and its revenues, according to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. The spokesperson accused the U.S. of obstructing negotiations and delaying the finalization of arrangements for the strategic waterway.
Iran Says War-Damaged Weapons Systems Have Been Rebuilt
Iran’s military said all weapons systems damaged during its war with Israel and the US have been rebuilt, while new systems were also imported. Army spokesman Mohammad Akrami-Nia said the upgrades strengthened combat capabilities and indicated Iran has shifted its military doctrine from defensive to offensive.
Iran Labels Foreign Persian-Language Media Outlets Military Targets
Iran’s armed forces said BBC Persian, Iran International and Radio Farda are part of its “military target bank,” accusing them of ties to US and Israeli intelligence. Spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi said Iran does not consider the outlets media, but did not specify where they could be targeted.
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★ U.S.A
Iranian Attacks Cause Billions in Damage to US Intelligence Sites
Iranian missile and drone strikes during the recent war caused billions of dollars in damage to US intelligence sites and equipment across the Middle East, NBC reported. Targets included a CIA station in Riyadh, an eastern Iraq site, and radar systems, prompting Congress to fund repairs and raising concerns over US defenses.
Iran War Strains US Weapons Stocks, Alarming Asian Allies
The war with Iran has depleted and redirected US weapons stocks, raising concerns among Asian allies about Washington’s readiness for a potential conflict with China. Taiwan expects major Patriot delays, Japan faces possible Tomahawk delays, and more than 30 US ships were reportedly diverted from the Pacific to the Middle East.
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★ IRAQ
Basra Religious Representative Backs Iraq’s Armed Factions Disarmament
Basra religious authority representative Mazhar Al-Naji backed disarming armed factions, saying they lack religious or state mandates and popular authorization. The Iraqi government plans to begin gradually restricting weapons to state control on September 30, while Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi negotiates with five factions; three major groups have already surrendered their weapons.
Explosions and Drone Attack Target Kurdish Opposition Sites
An explosion was heard in Soran, Erbil, alongside attacks on Iranian Kurdish opposition sites. Iraqi authorities confirmed a drone crashed near Badliyan village, with no casualties reported. Iraqi Kurdistan has faced more than 1,000 attacks since late February, including Iranian strikes and attacks by Iran-backed Iraqi armed groups.
Iraq Summons Iranian Ambassador Over Controversial Maps
Iraq summoned Iran’s ambassador in Baghdad over maps posted by Iran’s envoy to Kenya, which Baghdad said contained remarks inconsistent with bilateral ties. The incident sparked debate over whether the move reflected deliberate provocation and Iranian influence in Iraq or was merely a diplomatic misunderstanding.
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★ THE GULF
Qatar PM Heads to Tehran to Revive Mediation Efforts
Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani will visit Tehran to revive mediation between Iran and the U.S., address Strait of Hormuz navigation and seek de-escalation. The visit comes as fighting remains largely paused, while disputes persist over Hormuz control, sanctions and Iran’s demands under the stalled interim ceasefire.
Kuwait Foils Record Drug Smuggling Operation Worth $487 Million
Kuwait foiled its largest-ever drug seizure, confiscating nearly five tons of raw “Prica” powder, four million ready-to-sell capsules and a complete production facility. Authorities valued the haul at about $487 million. Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef said the new drug law strengthened deterrence and pledged continued efforts against trafficking.
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★ YEMEN
Yemeni Navy Foils Houthi Attack After Intercepting Iranian Shipment
Yemen’s navy foiled a Houthi maritime attack after spotting five boats near Red Sea islands and forcing them north toward Hodeidah, while also downing a surveillance drone. Hours earlier, it seized an Iranian smuggling vessel carrying equipment for drone production. President Rashad Al-Alimi also ordered tougher measures to combat smuggling and cut Houthi funding.
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★ LEBANON
Israel Intensifies Strikes on Southern Lebanon
Israeli warplanes and artillery struck several southern Lebanese towns, while Israeli forces carried out demolitions and explosions in multiple areas. Low-flying Israeli drones were also reported over Beirut and southern suburbs. The escalation comes as Lebanon discusses security arrangements, UNIFIL’s future and the implementation of its framework agreement with Israel.
U.S. Opens Conditional Channel for Hezbollah Talks
The U.S. opened a conditional channel to Hezbollah, requiring it to give up its weapons. Ambassador Michel Issa said talks remain possible if Hezbollah has something to offer. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun backed negotiations with Israel, saying they are the only path to securing southern Lebanon, releasing prisoners, returning residents and enabling reconstruction.
Lebanese Army Seizes Rockets Smuggled From Syria
The Lebanese army arrested a Syrian national at the Lebanon-Syria border while he attempted to smuggle rocket-propelled munitions into Lebanon. A military unit seized the shipment in Aayha, Rashaya district, and handed it to the relevant authorities, while investigations into the smuggling operation continue under judicial supervision.
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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.
