★ ISRAEL
U.S., Israel Plan Iran Strikes; Jets Approach Border
The United States and Israel have drafted plans for renewed strikes against Iran after the November 3 U.S. midterm elections, targeting nuclear facilities, energy infrastructure, and missile and drone arsenals, The New York Times reported. Israeli fighter jets flew over Syria and Iraq toward Iran’s border Monday in a maneuver American officials suspected was intended to provoke Iranian retaliation. Israel’s Channel 12 reported that senior Israeli security officials opposed strikes before Israel’s October 27 elections, warning that renewed war could postpone voting. President Trump has not authorized the proposed operation.
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★ IRAN
Iran Reports Khamenei–Ghalibaf Meeting on War and Economy
Iranian state media reported Wednesday that Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei met Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf to discuss the U.S.–Israeli conflict, economic pressures, national unity, and ties with strategic partners. The meeting has not been independently confirmed through public images; Khamenei has not appeared publicly since succeeding his father in March.
Putin Offers to Mediate U.S.–Iran Dispute During Witkoff Talks
Russian President Vladimir Putin offered Wednesday to help resolve the U.S.–Iran dispute during talks with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg, citing Moscow’s longstanding ties with Tehran. The meeting also covered Ukraine peace negotiations and renewed U.S.–Russia economic cooperation, including planned Russian diesel and fertilizer exports.
Two Tankers Struck Near Hormuz and Iraq; Crews Safe
Two tankers were struck by unidentified projectiles near Oman and Iraq within 24 hours, according to UK Maritime Trade Operations. The Kuwaiti-flagged Al Dasma caught fire Wednesday, 11 nautical miles west of Bukha, Oman, while the Liberian-flagged Soyia was struck Tuesday near Iraq’s al-Faw coast. Both crews were safe, and the fire was extinguished. Seatrade Maritime reported at least 28 vessel attacks across the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters in October.
IRGC Deploys Reinforcements Across Kurdistan Following Drone Strikes
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards deployed hundreds of special forces and heavy weapons across Kurdistan, including Sanandaj, Kamyaran, Marivan, Sarvabad, and Baneh, the Kurdistan Human Rights Network reported Wednesday. The deployments reportedly include Saberin special forces and artillery units near the Shaho Mountains, where the IRGC conducted drone and artillery strikes last week. Kurdish armed group PJAK warned it would retaliate if attacks continued.
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★ ARABIAN PENINSULA
Deadly Attack on Saudi Airport Kills Two, Injures Eight
An attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam killed two people, a Saudi citizen and an Indian national, and injured eight, while two others died in a drone strike near the Shaybah oilfield. Amid escalating Houthi attacks, the US ordered non-emergency diplomats and their families to leave Saudi Arabia and planned withdrawals from other Gulf missions.
Saudi Coalition Intercepts Five Drones
Yemen’s Saudi-led coalition intercepted and destroyed five drones launched toward Saudi Arabia, targeting Madinah and the Eastern Province, spokesman Turki Al-Maliki announced Wednesday.
Houthis Target Aden and Mukalla Airports
Yemen’s Houthi group targeted Aden International Airport and Al-Rayyan Airport in Mukalla with ballistic missiles and drones, while a missile landed near Aden airport. No casualties were reported at Al-Rayyan. The attacks coincided with intensified fighting in Taiz and western Lahj, as Yemeni officials accused the Houthis of targeting critical infrastructure and civilian livelihoods.
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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.