★ THE GULF
Saudi Pipeline Shutdown Threatens 4% of Global Oil Supply
Brent crude rose 3.1% to $107.82 a barrel after Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, Iranian attacks on Gulf vessels, and a drone strike shut Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline. The outage threatens up to 4% of global oil supplies, while Yanbu holds only five to seven days of export stocks and repairs could take six weeks.
Pakistan Backs Saudi Arabia During Houthi Escalation
Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi civilian, economic and oil infrastructure, reaffirming full solidarity with Riyadh and warning the attacks threaten regional security and global energy supplies. At the BRICS summit, Saudi FM Faisal bin Farhan declared the Kingdom’s security, territory and resources “inviolable,” while calling for de-escalation and diplomatic solutions. Pakistan says no military response under its collective-defense Mecca Pact with Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye has been discussed.
Hormuz Talks Postponed Over Gulf Concerns With Iran-Oman Plan
Oman postponed Monday’s Iran-Gulf meeting on proposed Strait of Hormuz shipping arrangements, citing the need for consensus. Iran said regional states requested the delay, while AP reported Saudi Arabia sought amendments over the plan’s implications for GCC states. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the Oman understanding alone would not reopen Hormuz, linking normal transit to Washington meeting Tehran’s demands under the June agreement.
Saudi Arabia Seeks Israeli Support Against Houthi Threats
Saudi Arabia has sought regional and indirect Israeli support to counter Houthi threats and protect Bab al-Mandab shipping, as Iran threatens Hormuz. Riyadh also requested U.S. assistance, but President Donald Trump rejected direct military intervention. Gulf states are pursuing temporary arrangements with Tehran through Oman to reduce maritime risks.
Iran, UAE Seek New Chapter As Pezeshkian Meets Abu Dhabi, Crown Prince
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said he agreed with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to set aside past disputes and pursue a shared future. Their meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in New Delhi focused on strengthening bilateral ties. Iran and the UAE also backed a BRICS statement calling for restraint, de-escalation, civilian protection, and stable international trade and navigation.
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★ YEMEN
Yemen Expands Counteroffensive Against Houthis
Yemeni government forces expanded their counteroffensive Sunday, retaking positions in western Taiz and advancing toward new areas as airstrikes pounded Houthi forces for a fourth consecutive day. Aircraft struck Houthi concentrations, vehicles, weapons depots and ammunition across Taiz and the military-designated “kill box” around Mokha and Dhubab. Strikes also hit Al-Wazi’iyah, Hayfan and Jabal Habshi, reportedly killing at least 10 fighters, while government forces seized military equipment during their ground advance.
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★ IRAN
Mystery Strike Kills Crewman on Iranian Ship in Hormuz
An unidentified projectile struck an Iranian commercial vessel near Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz Sunday, killing one crew member and wounding four, Iranian authorities said. UKMTO separately reported a vessel struck by a projectile in the strait, causing a severe fire. The attacker remains unidentified; asked whether the U.S. carried out the strike, President Trump said, “I don’t want to say.”
Iran Expands Death Sentences Against January Protest Detainees
At least eight women are facing execution in Iran, including four sentenced in cases linked to January’s nationwide protests. The group separately reported that a Mashhad court sentenced protest detainee Hossein Rasouli-Nasab to death. Human Rights Watch says Iran has already executed 29 people detained in connection with the December-January protests, several of them teenagers.
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★ IRAQ
Iraq Seizes Platform Linked to Attack on Saudi Pipeline
Iraq seized a launch platform allegedly used to attack Saudi Arabia’s East-West Pipeline. At the same time, unverified reports say a small Iranian Revolutionary Guard cell, working with Iraq’s Hezbollah Brigades, launched the drones from Iraqi territory. Baghdad is investigating, coordinating with Riyadh, tightening border controls, and vowing to prevent further attacks.
Iraq Opens Seven New International Transit Routes
Iraq opened seven new international transit routes within eight months, expanding links with Türkiye, Gulf states, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Central Asia. The Transport Ministry said the expansion, supported by the TIR system, digitalization and streamlined customs procedures, aims to strengthen Iraq as a regional logistics hub connecting Asia, the Gulf, Türkiye and Europe.
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★ LEBANON
Israel Destroys Hezbollah Tunnels, Vows Control Of Ali Al-Taher
Israel destroyed a major Hezbollah tunnel network at Ali al-Taher, containing missiles, drones, and ammunition, in a blast that triggered a 4.1-magnitude tremor. Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed to retain control until Hezbollah is disarmed, while Israel’s army reportedly made a limited withdrawal after completing the demolition.
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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.
