★ U.S.A
US Forces Strike Two Iranian Launchers On Larak Island
U.S. forces struck two Iranian launchers on Larak Island, marking Washington’s first known attack on targets inside Iran since late July. A U.S. official said Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces were preparing to launch rockets carrying sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command described the operation as a “limited, precise action” against Iranian minelaying forces posing an “imminent threat” to maritime traffic. Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported that a drone carried out the strike, while the Revolutionary Guards said several soldiers and civilians were killed or wounded. The strike followed a U.S. operation to clear sea mines from international shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz.
Oil Jumps More Than 2% After US Attack on Iran’s Larak Island
Oil prices rose more than 2% on Monday, with Brent crude reaching $90.31 per barrel and U.S. West Texas Intermediate hitting $85.23 per barrel. The gains followed renewed U.S.-Iran hostilities and growing concerns over disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
US Military Leaders Warn Prolonged Iran War Could Weaken Forces
Senior US commanders reportedly warned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that extending the six-month war with Iran is unsustainable and risks weakening US defenses elsewhere. A secret Pentagon assessment cited depleted naval readiness and missile stocks, prolonged deployments, and reduced capabilities across Europe, Asia and Latin America.
Bessent Warns of Weekly Secondary Sanctions Targeting Iran
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington will impose new weekly secondary sanctions on Iran, initially targeting banks. Following Friday’s sanctions on a Bank of Egypt UAE branch over alleged Iranian financial ties, Bessent warned institutions could be cut off from the dollar system and urged G20 officials to sever economic ties with Iran or face sanctions.
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★ IRAN
Iran Claims Retaliatory Strikes On U.S. Bases Across Region
Iran said it launched retaliatory strikes against U.S. bases in Jordan and the UAE, including King Hussein, Al Azraq and Al Minhad, using ballistic missiles and dozens of drones. Tehran said the attacks were self-defense following a U.S. strike on Larak Island, while claiming it also downed a U.S. MQ-9 drone. Jordan said it intercepted eight missiles entering its airspace.
IRGC-Linked Channel Claims Missile Strikes on US Warships
An IRGC-linked Telegram channel claimed Iran launched missiles and drones at “noncompliant vessels” in the Strait of Hormuz, including cruise missiles targeting US warships. The claims have not been independently verified, and US officials have not commented.
Khamenei Urges Gulf Leaders To Unite Against Iran’s Enemies
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei urged Gulf rulers to identify and confront their “real enemy,” calling for Muslim unity, cooperation and mutual defense. He warned that divisions serve adversaries and questioned whether Gulf territories would face threats if regional governments were united. His message comes as Tehran strikes U.S. facilities across the Gulf.
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★ IRAQ
Iraqi Iran-Linked Factions Reject Disarmament, Propose Weapons Freeze
Iran-linked Iraqi factions are rejecting demands to surrender their weapons, instead proposing a two-year freeze with arms stored in their own facilities. The factions reportedly condition the move on U.S. troop withdrawal and guarantees against targeting their leaders. Baghdad rejects the proposal, while Washington opposes compromises involving missiles and drones.
Washington Reconsiders Renewing Support for Iraqi Peshmerga
The Trump administration has reportedly told Kurdistan leaders it will not renew a security assistance agreement with the Peshmerga, set to expire September 30 alongside the US-led coalition withdrawal from Iraq. Washington is reviewing future aid, while Kurdish officials say the move will not end the strategic partnership or security cooperation.
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★ THE GULF
Saudi Arabia Seizes 1.95 Million Amphetamine Pills Hidden in Lentils
Saudi Arabia seized 1,950,581 amphetamine pills concealed in a shipment of lentils carried by trucks arriving through the Al-Haditha border crossing from Jordan. Customs officials said the drugs were discovered using security screening technologies and detection methods, as authorities reaffirmed efforts to combat smuggling and protect public safety.
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★ YEMEN
Yemen Intercepts Iranian Military Shipment Bound for Houthis
Yemen’s National Resistance said it intercepted a boat in the Red Sea carrying an Iranian military shipment bound for the Houthis on August 24, following intelligence on IRGC-linked smuggling networks. Seized equipment included drone guidance and control systems, video transmission gear, fuel-injection components, radios and other electronics. The crew allegedly provided details of the smuggling operation.
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★ ISRAEL
Netanyahu Vows to Prevent Iran From Developing Nuclear Weapons
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran’s regime is significantly weaker and vowed it will not develop nuclear weapons while he remains in office. Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen warned Israel could strike Iran if it resumes nuclear or ballistic-missile programs, while Israel and the US pursue alternative energy routes bypassing Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb.
Israel Signs Record $4.2 Billion Arms Deal With Greece
Israel is set to sign its largest-ever defense deal with Greece, worth €3.6 billion, amid escalating tensions with Turkiye. The agreement is expected to deepen Israeli-Greek-Cypriot military cooperation and includes defense systems and services, while potentially advancing alternative energy routes to Europe that bypass Turkiye.
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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.
