★ THE GULF
Mecca Alliance Moves From Pact to Command
Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan moved Monday to operationalize their defense pact, establishing a Saudi-based secretariat and appointing a Pakistani secretary-general for its first three-year term. Following the alliance’s inaugural Strategic Political and Defense Committee meeting in Istanbul, the three countries pledged closer military coordination, joint defense production and technology cooperation.
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★ U.S.A
Vance Calls Iran’s Leadership “Really, Really Crazy”
Vice President JD Vance said Iran’s campaign to disrupt Gulf energy flows may be turning against the regional partners Tehran needs. Speaking on Fox News’ Special Report, Vance portrayed Iran’s conduct as strategically self-defeating. “These guys are really, really … crazy,” Vance said, arguing that Iran’s leaders were acting “without a whole lot of strategic wisdom.”
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★ IRAN
Iran Pitches SCO Bank to Bypass Dollar
President Masoud Pezeshkian used the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Bishkek to propose a development bank funded in members’ national currencies and supported by independent payment systems. Tehran hopes the bank, alongside expanded energy and transport links through Bandar Abbas and Chabahar, will reduce its exposure to US sanctions and deepen its access to Eurasian markets.
Iran Blames US Sanctions as Rial Hits Record Low
Iran blamed US sanctions for pushing the dollar to 2.1 million rials, with government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani acknowledging mounting economic pressure. She said the government had prepared plans to secure fuel for power plants and strengthen the resilience of Iran’s gas network.
Iran Says It Has Enough Currency Despite US Sanctions
Iran’s central bank governor said Tehran has sufficient foreign currency reserves despite US sanctions and could inject up to $2 billion into markets to stabilize the rial. His comments sought to reassure markets as the currency hit record lows and inflation reached 66%, while Washington intensifies economic pressure on Tehran.
Three Projectiles Strike Tanker Leaving Hormuz
A tanker reported being struck by three unidentified projectiles while exiting the Strait of Hormuz, UKMTO said Monday. The attack occurred 17 nautical miles east of Khasab, Oman, with no casualties or environmental damage reported.
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★ IRAQ
Iraq Rejects Continued Coalition Presence After September 30
Iraq rejected a proposal to keep some international coalition forces in the country beyond September 30, saying the withdrawal and handover of positions to Iraqi forces are proceeding smoothly. Baghdad also reaffirmed efforts to place weapons under state control and stressed that Iraq will not become part of regional conflicts.
Iraq Seizes Assets Of US-Sanctioned Oil Smuggling Suspect
An Iraqi court ordered the seizure of movable and immovable assets belonging to fugitive businessman Omid Haji Ahmed, who was sanctioned by the US Treasury for allegedly selling Iranian oil as Iraqi crude using forged documents and bribes. Washington said his network generated billions for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force.
Iraq Sentences Militia Member to 15 Years for US Journalist Kidnapping
An Iraqi court sentenced Amir Rahim Jabbar Lazem to 15 years under the Anti-Terrorism Law for kidnapping American journalist Shelly Kittleson in Baghdad on March 31. The rare prosecution involved a suspect linked to Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah, highlighting growing pressure on Iraq to curb powerful militias.
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★ YEMEN
Houthis and Somalia’s al-Shabab Forge Growing Military Alliance
The Wall Street Journal reported that Yemen’s Houthis are providing Somalia’s al-Shabab with advanced weapons and training, including drones and explosives expertise. In return, al-Shabab may assist with maritime surveillance. The alliance, facilitated by slain Somali intermediary Jibril Yahya Ali, involves weapons transfers, smuggling routes and training exchanges, raising concerns over regional and global security.
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★ ISRAEL
Israel Launches Air, Sea and Ground Operation West of Gaza City
The Israeli military launched a coordinated air, sea and ground operation west of Gaza City on Tuesday, with more than 10 consecutive strikes reported. Israel said the attacks aim to thwart Hamas and other armed groups, while Hamas accused Israel of violating the October 2025 ceasefire and undermining efforts to end the war.
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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.
