★ YEMEN
Saudi Airstrikes Hit Five Yemeni Provinces
The Houthis reported 51 Saudi airstrikes across five Yemeni provinces, including Marib, Saada, Hodeidah, Taiz and Amran. The strikes reportedly caused civilian casualties, including deaths and injuries in Taiz. The attacks come as Saudi Arabia supports Yemeni government forces against the Houthis.
Yemeni Airstrikes Hit Houthi Positions And Weapons Depots
Yemeni warplanes launched heavy airstrikes against Houthi positions and reinforcements in Taiz and southern Yemen. The strikes targeted weapons depots in Al-Ahkoum and Al-Athawer, while additional raids destroyed large ammunition stockpiles in eastern Saada. The army said the attacks destroyed artillery shells and anti-tank missiles as fighting intensified across several Taiz fronts.
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★ IRAN
UK Links Iran to Suspected RAF Fairford Plot
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there are “strong indications” Iran played a role in the suspected plot near RAF Fairford, the British base used by U.S. bombers in operations against Iran. Five British men were arrested near the base on terrorism and explosives suspicions and later released on strict bail conditions. Police found petrol but no explosives, and Burnham declined to disclose the evidence behind the Iran assessment. Tehran denies involvement. Why it matters: Britain’s public attribution raises the possibility that the Iran conflict is extending into covert or proxy activity against U.S.-linked military infrastructure in Europe, although investigators have not established publicly how Iran was allegedly involved.
Iranian Oil Tankers Stranded Off Sri Lanka Face Supply Shortages
Around 20 empty Iranian oil tankers are stranded 15 miles off Sri Lanka, with food, fuel and fresh water running short. The Wall Street Journal said U.S. officials pressured Sri Lanka to stop supplying the vessels. Dozens of Iranian or Iran-linked tankers carrying sanctioned oil to China remain stranded near Asian countries.
Rubio Orders Iranian Delegation To Leave New York
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered Iran’s delegation, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, to leave New York after indirect talks stalled, Axios reported. The delegation flew to Doha hours later, while Qatari mediators continued contacts with both sides over a compromise proposal. A second source confirmed Washington had demanded their departure.
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★ GULF STATES
Cockpit Attack Forces Israel-Bound Flydubai Flight Into Saudi Landing
Flydubai Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after a cockpit “altercation.” Flight data show the Boeing 737 plunged from roughly 34,000 to below 17,000 feet before transmitting 7700, 7500—signaling unlawful interference—and 7700 again; who selected the codes is unknown. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the co-pilot stabbed Indian captain Smit Machchhar and apparently tried to crash the aircraft before passengers and other flydubai crew intervened. Passenger accounts support a violent cockpit struggle, but the alleged crash attempt and motive remain unconfirmed. Saudi authorities said both pilots were injured and hospitalized; flydubai said traveling on-duty crew secured and safely landed the aircraft. Saudi and UAE aviation authorities have opened investigations, with the UAE describing only a “security incident” and cautioning against speculation.
Netanyahu, UAE Leaders Vow Cooperation After Flydubai Attack
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed after a flydubai copilot allegedly tried to crash a Tel Aviv-bound flight, injuring the pilot. Foreign ministers Gideon Sa’ar and Abdullah bin Zayed also pledged cooperation against extremist threats. Flydubai suspended Tel Aviv flights, while Israel prepared to resume Dubai services through El Al.
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★ IRAQ
Iraq Factions Split Over Weapons As U.S. Mission Ends
Iraqi Hezbollah halted military and logistical operations and called for renewed government talks on weapons, while Muqtada al-Sadr dissolved the Promised Day Brigades and backed state control of arms. Meanwhile, Iran-aligned Ashab al-Kahf rejected disarmament and threatened foreign forces, highlighting divisions among Iraqi factions after the U.S.-led coalition ended its mission.
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★ ISRAEL
Israel Struck More Than 500 Targets Across Lebanon, Gaza
Israel struck more than 500 targets in southern Lebanon and Gaza over the past month, the military said Thursday. More than 370 Hezbollah targets were hit in southern Lebanon, while over 140 targets were struck in Gaza.
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★ SYRIA
U.S. Removes Syria From Blanket Arms Export Restrictions
The United States will remove Syria from its blanket arms export denial policy effective October 1, 2026. Under the new rules, Washington will review Syrian defense-license applications individually rather than automatically rejecting them. The change follows broader U.S. efforts to ease restrictions on Syria after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024.
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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.
