★ THE GULF
Saudi Arabia Says Iranian Attack Killed Two Sailors in Hormuz
Saudi Arabia said an Iranian attack on the Saudi-owned Bahri tanker Sidr in the Strait of Hormuz killed two Filipino sailors. The vessel was one of two supertankers carrying Saudi oil hit near Oman on Monday. Riyadh urged an end to escalation and respect for maritime safety and global energy supplies.
Arab and Islamic Nations Condemn Iranian Attack on Saudi Tanker
Saudi Arabia, Gulf states, and Arab and Islamic organizations condemned Iran’s attack on the Saudi tanker Sidr while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, which caused crew deaths. They called the attack a serious violation of international law, threatening maritime security, global energy supplies, and international trade, while urging de-escalation and renewed diplomacy.
Saudi Crude Exports Hit Nine-Year Low During Hormuz Tensions
Saudi Arabia’s crude exports fell to about 3 million barrels per day in August, their lowest level since at least 2017, as tanker attacks and heightened risks in the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea disrupted shipping. Red Sea exports through Yanbu also declined sharply, while the figures remain provisional.
Qatar Maintains LNG Exports Through Rare Ship-to-Ship Transfers
Qatar continues exporting LNG despite Hormuz disruptions through rare ship-to-ship transfers outside the strait, Reuters reported. Three Qatar- and UAE-loaded cargoes were transferred offshore to reach India and Japan, allowing shipments to bypass direct Hormuz crossings. The measures highlight growing risks to Gulf energy flows and rising Asian LNG prices.
UAE, US Presidents Discuss Middle East Developments and Cooperation
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and US President Donald Trump discussed Middle East developments, diplomatic efforts and bilateral cooperation during a phone call on Thursday. They also explored ways to strengthen ties and advance their mutual interests.
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★ U.S.A
Bessent Says Allies Back Efforts to Economically Isolate Iran
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said US allies support efforts to economically isolate Iran, claiming Tehran is in “economic death throes” and may soon be ready for a deal. He said talks with China were productive, but Washington would block Iran from converting Chinese yuan into dollars to intensify economic pressure.
Trump Aides Seek Iran War Calm Before Elections
Senior Trump aides are seeking to contain the Iran war until November’s midterm elections, Reuters reported, amid political and logistical pressures. Officials may consider renewed military escalation afterward, though no decision has been made. Meanwhile, continued Iranian attacks, US retaliation, depleted weapons stocks and economic pressure could derail efforts to prevent wider conflict.
Oil tankers cross the Strait of Hormuz at night under U.S. protection
Oil tankers are increasingly crossing the Strait of Hormuz at night with transponders off, often under US Navy protection, as Gulf producers seek to maintain oil flows amid Iranian attacks. CNN reported that US forces escorted 40 vessels carrying 18 million barrels while striking Iranian military targets around the strait.
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★ IRAN
Iran Launches Missile and Drone Attacks Against Kuwait
Kuwait’s military said its air defenses were responding to Iranian missile and drone attacks early Thursday. The Kuwaiti army described the assault as Iranian aggression, as regional tensions continue to escalate. The attacks follow recent Iranian strikes targeting Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait amid renewed conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
Iran Adds More Ships to Blacklist Over Strait of Hormuz Rules
Iran has added 11 ships to its blacklist for allegedly violating navigation rules in the Strait of Hormuz, bringing the total to 56, according to a government website. The vessels face possible fines, detention or confiscation, while ships cooperating with blacklisted tankers through transfers could also be targeted.
Iran’s Money Printing Signals Deepening Inflation and Economic Crisis
Iran’s government acknowledged that budget deficits are driving money creation as sanctions and a US blockade sharply reduce oil exports and foreign trade. Food inflation reached 123%, while oil loadings plunged from about 2 million barrels per day in March to 220,000–255,000 in August, worsening Tehran’s economic crisis.
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★ ISRAEL
Netanyahu Says Israel Will Work to Overthrow Iranian Regime
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is working to overthrow Iran’s regime, warning that any Iranian attack on Israel could be among its “last decisions.” US President Donald Trump said Israel should not worry about renewed conflict, while Washington seeks to reduce Iranian attacks despite reports Tehran remains unwilling to de-escalate.
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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.
