★ IRAN
Araghchi Meets Witkoff, Sets Iran’s Conditions For Reopening Hormuz
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff that Tehran requires an immediate end to the U.S. naval blockade, urgent release of frozen Iranian assets, and an end to the war across all resistance fronts before reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said U.S.-Iran talks lasted about three hours and would resume soon.
Iran Cancels Baghdad, Muscat Flights As U.S. Sanctions Take Effect
Iran canceled flights to Baghdad and Muscat from midnight Wednesday as new U.S. sanctions targeting its aviation sector took effect. Iranian authorities are negotiating with Iraq to redirect Baghdad flights to Najaf and with Oman for alternative arrangements. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Iranian airlines would effectively stop operating globally from September 23.
U.S. Plan Targets Iran’s Mountain Nuclear Site
U.S. officials are reportedly developing plans to isolate Iran’s fortified “Ax Mountain” nuclear facility near Natanz, aiming to disable enrichment infrastructure and force Tehran into negotiations. Options reportedly include airstrikes, an airborne special-forces operation, tunnel destruction, and prolonged military surveillance. Satellite imagery also indicates accelerated fortification, while U.S. weapons tests are reportedly assessing capabilities against deeply buried targets.
Iran Restores Half Of Damaged South Pars Gas Capacity
Iran has restored about 50% of damaged production capacity at the South Pars gas field, Deputy Oil Minister Ahmad Zareatkar said, according to Fars news agency. He said all planned repairs would be completed before winter. Zareatkar previously reported in late August that around 40% of the damaged capacity had been restored.
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★ GULF STATES
Saudi Arabia Boosts Oil Loadings Through Gulf Ports
Saudi Arabia loaded about 14 million barrels onto seven supertankers Monday from Gulf ports, increasing exports through the Strait of Hormuz after drone attacks disrupted its East-West pipeline and Yanbu shipments. Gulf port loadings averaged 3.7 million bpd, while Saudi oil flows through Hormuz reached 2.9 million bpd, up from 700,000 in August.
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★ YEMEN
Yemeni Forces Seize Strategic Mount Qarfan In Southern Taiz
Yemeni government forces and local resistance fighters seized Mount Qarfan in southern Taiz after clashes with Houthi forces, while airstrikes targeted positions in Al-Wazi’iyah, Al-Ahkoush, Mokha and Bayhan. Military officials reported more than five killed and about 20 wounded, while researcher Ibrahim Jalal estimated the campaign has killed about 2,000 Houthi fighters and destroyed dozens of vehicles and positions.
Houthi Presence Expands Across Iraq Through Joint Security Headquarters
Iraqi sources told Al Arabiya that the Houthis maintain an extensive security and political presence in Iraq, coordinated with Iraqi factions and Lebanese Hezbollah. IRGC official Haji Hamed reportedly oversees their activities, while Houthi figures operate from joint security headquarters in Jurf al-Sakhar.
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★ IRAQ
Iraq Oil Exports Exceed Three Million Barrels Daily
Iraq’s oil exports have exceeded 3 million barrels per day, Oil Minister Basem Khudair said, with shipments through Türkiye’s Ceyhan port reaching 600,000 bpd. August exports totaled about 70 million barrels. Baghdad is expanding northern routes as Strait of Hormuz disruptions continue, while a pipeline project could eventually raise northern export capacity above 1 million bpd.
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★ ISRAEL
Israel Says Hamas Financial Chief Killed In Khan Younis Strike
Israel said Hamas financial chief Mohammed Abu Alwan was killed in a strike in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. The Israeli military and Shin Bet said he managed the group’s financial resources. Hamas has not confirmed or denied the report. Israel said it would continue targeting Hamas leaders and infrastructure.
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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.
