★ THE GULF
Saudi Arabia Reports Massive Uranium Discovery After Nuclear Deal
Saudi Arabia announced the discovery of 110 million tonnes of uranium-bearing ore at the Jabal Sayed project, potentially the world’s largest uranium resource if verified. However, uranium concentration and extraction feasibility remain unclear. The discovery follows a recent U.S.-Saudi nuclear agreement allowing American firms to support nuclear power development while monitoring enrichment activities.
Houthis Escalate Saudi Attacks as Hormuz Talks Face Delays
Iran-aligned Houthis launched missile and drone attacks on Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif, wounding 13 civilians and damaging seven homes and two vehicles. Saudi and Yemeni forces responded with intensified airstrikes against Houthi positions, as the Saudi-led coalition vowed further measures to deter attacks and protect civilians.
Saudi Arabia Seeks U.S. and UK Support Against Houthi Escalation
Saudi Arabia is seeking U.S. and UK military support as Houthi attacks intensify. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met CENTCOM commander Brad Cooper in Riyadh, with Washington offering intelligence and targeting assistance. Riyadh is also requesting UK support, though Britain has so far approved only military advisors amid concerns over shipping disruptions and rising oil prices.
Qatar Discusses De-escalation and Regional Security With Turkey, UAE
Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held separate calls with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed to discuss regional developments, de-escalation efforts and security. Qatar reaffirmed support for diplomacy aimed at securing maritime navigation and a broader regional peace agreement.
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★ U.S.A
U.S. Sanctions Russia’s VTB Bank Over Iran Ties
The U.S. Treasury sanctioned Russia’s VTB Bank Monday for helping Iran evade sanctions, expanding its Operation Economic Outcast campaign against Tehran’s foreign financial channels. Treasury said VTB established correspondent relationships with sanctioned Iranian banks, sought to move billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets, and created a rial-ruble settlement system to facilitate Russia-Iran trade. VTB was already under extensive U.S. sanctions over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but the new Iran-specific designation increases secondary-sanctions risks for foreign financial institutions that continue doing business with the bank.
CENTCOM Rejects IRGC Account of Hormuz Tanker Incident
Iran’s IRGC Navy said Monday that the Panama-flagged tanker EL GAIA struck a naval mine while attempting to transit a restricted area south of the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM rejected the claim, saying Iran instead struck the already-disabled tanker with a drone over the weekend after an Iranian missile had hit it last month. The International Maritime Organization independently confirms that EL GAIA was damaged in the Strait of Hormuz on September 12, with pollution reported and two seafarers missing, but does not specify what caused the damage.
Pentagon Acknowledges Ammunition Shortages Resulting From Iran War
A Pentagon inspector general report acknowledged ammunition shortages caused by heavy consumption during the Iran war, exposing production bottlenecks that hinder replenishment. The report also documented extensive damage to U.S. facilities and aircraft across the region, including four destroyed F-15s, a damaged F-35, seven damaged or destroyed KC-135 tankers, and up to 30 MQ-9 drones lost.
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★ IRAN
IRGC Claims MQ-1 Drone Downed Over Hormuz
Iran’s IRGC said Monday it intercepted and destroyed an MQ-1 drone over the Strait of Hormuz using a new air-defense system. The IRGC did not identify the drone’s operator, and the United States has not publicly confirmed the reported loss. The claim follows a confirmed incident in May, when CENTCOM said Iran shot down a U.S. MQ-1 operating over international waters. U.S. forces subsequently struck Iranian air defenses, radar, and drone-control infrastructure in response.
Iran Faces Mounting Nuclear and Maritime Pressure from Washington
Iran faces mounting pressure as Washington blocks a nuclear official from an IAEA conference, while Tehran denies new activity at the Axe Mountain site near Natanz. Iran also threatens restrictions on 77 vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, while China rejects US allegations of providing satellite intelligence to Tehran.
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★ YEMEN
Houthis Expand Red Sea Reach by Seizing Hanish Islands
The Houthis seized Greater and Lesser Hanish islands in the southern Red Sea, expanding their presence near Bab el-Mandeb after capturing Mokha port and Mayyun Island. The move raises risks for shipping and Saudi oil exports, with higher insurance and freight costs and more vessels considering longer routes around the Cape of Good Hope.
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★ IRAQ
Rocket Attacks Target Iranian Kurdish Opposition Camps in Iraq
Rocket attacks targeted three camps belonging to Iranian Kurdish opposition groups east of Sulaymaniyah in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, with no casualties reported. The strikes follow months of attacks on opposition sites, including more than 108 reported rocket and drone attacks on Komala facilities since the Iran-US war began.
Iraqi Factions Retain Weapons Until 2028
Iraqi factions have reportedly secured a deal delaying weapons control until early 2028, after negotiations produced a pledge not to use arms while preserving them. Sources say Iranian support helped weaken the government’s disarmament plan, leaving Baghdad officials increasingly concerned as the US withdrawal from Iraq nears completion.
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★ LEBANON
Israel Escalates Strikes in Southern Lebanon, Vows Hezbollah Destruction
Israel carried out a blast in Qantara, southern Lebanon, as Netanyahu vowed to continue dismantling Hezbollah’s infrastructure. Israeli strikes on Kfar Rumman killed at least 13 people, including six children, according to Lebanese authorities. Hezbollah also launched two explosive drones, while Lebanese officials warned of continued Israeli escalation despite the June ceasefire.
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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.
