★ IRAN
Iran Ready to End Enrichment but Seeks Face-Saving Exit
A senior Iranian diplomat told IranWire that Iran’s leadership is prepared to abandon uranium enrichment to preserve regime survival, but seeks a face-saving exit. He warned the war risks collapsing Iran’s military and government, urging a Trump-brokered deal as the only viable path. While there are indications that Iran is seeking to de-escalate the conflict and resume nuclear talks, conflicting statements from Iranian officials create uncertainty about Tehran’s true intentions. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing hostilities and diplomatic efforts occurring simultaneously. Meanwhile, the Kremlin announced its willingness to mediate and proposed storing Iran’s uranium on Russian soil.
Iran Claims Mossad Agent Executed, Drone Cell Busted, Threatens to Exit Nuclear Pact
Iran says it executed a man tied to Mossad, and dismantled a drone workshop in Isfahan, arresting four suspects linked to Israel. State media also reported dozens detained nationwide for incitement and cyber activity favoring Israel. The claims, pushed by Al Mayadeen and Tasnim, remain unverified by neutral outlets. Tehran also confirmed parliament is drafting a bill to quit the nuclear non-proliferation treaty in response to Israeli strikes and a recent IAEA censure. Iran is also threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz, spiking global energy prices and disrupting trade.
Blast and Earthquake Strike Near Iran’s Fordow Nuclear Facility
A 2.5 magnitude earthquake struck Iran’s city of Qom early Monday, just 35 km from the Fordow nuclear facility, shortly after a massive explosion was seen along the Tehran-Qom road. The seismic activity and visible blast come days after Israeli strikes targeted Fordow and Natanz, killing six nuclear scientists and destroying key enrichment infrastructure, including Natanz’s above-ground pilot plant. The timing has fueled speculation over potential structural fallout at one of Iran’s most sensitive nuclear sites.
Iranian Command Structure Demonstrates Resilience Despite Leadership Losses
Iran’s continued missile strikes show Iranian forces can regroup after Israel eliminated multiple military commanders, indicating Israeli assessments of disrupted Iranian command and control may have been premature. Iranian missiles penetrated multiple layers of Israel’s air defense systems.
Iran Launches Hypersonic Strikes on Israel, Five Dead, 100 Wounded
Iran fired a wave of hypersonic precision and ballistic missiles into Israel on day four of the war, marking its most aggressive barrage yet. Targets included Tel Aviv, Haifa, Nevatim Air Base, Haifa’s power station, and areas near its port-side ammonia plant. Iranian forces struck an Israeli oil refinery and damaged central Israel’s electrical grid. The salvo caused five confirmed fatalities and over 100 injuries. The Israeli military warned civilians against sharing footage, citing Iranian use of such media to refine strike accuracy. Iran says the drone attack complements eight prior waves of ballistic missile strikes launched since Friday.
Israeli Forces Eliminate Iranian Revolutionary Guard Intelligence Chief
Israel killed IRGC intelligence chief General Mohammad Kazemi and two other senior generals in Sunday strikes. Israeli forces targeted Iran’s Defense Ministry, missile launch sites and air defense component factories, claiming to operate freely in Iranian airspace.
Khamenei and Family Moved to Underground Bunker During Israeli Strikes
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his family were moved to an underground bunker in northeast Tehran during continued Israeli attacks. Two internal sources confirmed the relocation to Lavizan. U.S. officials revealed that Trump opposed an Israeli plan to assassinate Khamenei, despite heightened regional tensions.
Five Car Bombs Target Tehran Government Infrastructure
Five bombs exploded simultaneously near government facilities in Tehran, with footage showing thick black smoke rising from impact sites. The bombings occurred as Israeli forces launched intense strikes on Tehran and four other Iranian cities Sunday, with Israeli forces having earlier struck Tehran’s police headquarters, wounding staff.
Israel Warns Iranian Civilians to Evacuate Areas Near Military Sites
Israeli spokesperson Colonel Avichay Adraee issued Persian warnings on X urging Iranians near weapons facilities to evacuate immediately. Defense Minister Israel Katz said forces “will strike these sites and continue to peel away the Iranian snake’s skin in Tehran”. Iranians lined up for fuel and stocked food supplies, with gas stations limiting purchases to 25 liters. As mass departures from the capital intensified, Iranian police denied an exodus, claiming traffic was caused by broken-down cars. Authorities restricted the main northern highway to one-way outbound traffic.
Casualty Assessment Shows Civilian Impact Escalating
The Iranian health ministry reported 224 killed and over 1,200 injured since Friday, and claims 90% of these are civilians. Israeli casualties stand at 17 dead and 380 wounded. Iranians sources claimed sixty people died Saturday when a 14-story apartment block collapsed in Tehran, half of them children.
Iranian Rial Plummets During Ongoing Conflict With Israel
The Iranian rial has dropped nearly 12% against the euro since fighting with Israel erupted Friday, with black-market rates exceeding one million rials per euro. While currency platforms are under government control, and traders report state intervention to avoid further economic chaos.
Shamkhani Loses Leg in Strike, Tehran Silent on Power Vacuum
Ali Shamkhani, senior advisor to Supreme Leader Khamenei and former head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, was initially reported killed but Iranian sources now say he underwent a full leg amputation after being critically wounded in Israeli strikes on June 13. Despite state media insisting his condition is “relatively stable,” doctors warn internal complications remain life-threatening. Tehran has yet to officially acknowledge the attack that disabled one of the regime’s most influential power brokers—long central to Iran’s internal security, nuclear posture, and Gulf relations. The silence suggests concern over signaling weakness, as the regime absorbs unprecedented decapitation strikes across its command structure.
============
★ ISRAEL
Iranian Missile Damages US Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv
US Ambassador Mike Huckabee confirmed Iranian missile concussions caused damage to the Embassy branch office in Tel Aviv with no American personnel injured. The Embassy and Jerusalem consulate remain closed Monday with shelter-in-place orders still in effect. The strike blew out windows of hotels and homes near the Embassy branch in a densely populated Tel Aviv neighborhood. The Embassy offered employees living near the Ministry of Defense the option to relocate to accommodations further away.
U.S. Military Provides Active Missile Defense Support
U.S. forces are actively intercepting Iranian missiles and drones targeting Israel. President Trump confirmed advance knowledge of Israeli strike plans while pursuing nuclear negotiations with Tehran.
Netanyahu: Iran Attempted Trump Assassination Twice in 2024
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu told Fox News he alerted President Trump in advance of Israel’s recent strikes on Iran. Trump confirmed prior knowledge and hinted Iranian leaders would not survive. Netanyahu also claimed Iran orchestrated two failed 2024 assassination attempts on Trump, calling him “enemy number one” for obstructing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
Iranian Hajj Qassem Missile Kills Eight Israelis; Herzog Urges G7
An Iranian Hajj Qassem ballistic missile with 500-kilogram warhead directly struck a shelter wall in Petach Tikvah, killing four civilians including three elderly sheltering inside. The 1,400-kilometer range missile penetrated defenses designed for shrapnel, not direct hits. Four additional deaths occurred in Bnei Brak and Haifa as Iranian missiles wounded 300 across Israel. President Herzog visited the Petach Tikvah strike site, calling attacks “pure evil” and urging G7 leaders to block Iran’s nuclear ambitions and secure Gaza hostage releases. The solid-fuel missile reaches Mach 12 atmospheric entry speed, making interception extremely difficult.
Israel Claims Full Control of Tehran’s Skies, Destroys Missile Platforms
Israel announced it now commands Tehran’s airspace following deep strikes on Iranian missile launch sites and air defense systems. IDF officials said over 120 launch platforms—one-third of Iran’s arsenal—were destroyed, with Mossad-led sabotage clearing the path for unchallenged aerial operations. Israeli jets struck multiple Quds Force sites in Tehran, while Iran launched retaliatory barrages into Israeli cities. Despite Iranian missile fire, Israel maintains air superiority and claims continued precision targeting of regime infrastructure.
Israeli Jets Destroy Iranian Missile Convoy Moving Toward Tehran
Israeli Air Force struck weapons trucks including surface-to-air missile launchers moving from western Iran toward Tehran to evade IDF strikes. The IDF intercepted 80-90% of the Iranian ballistic missiles, with 5-10% hitting residential areas. Israeli strikes reduced Iranian launch capacity from hundreds to dozens of missiles per salvo.
Israel Shifts Military Focus: Iran First, Gaza Second
Israel increased West Bank military presence by 50% and created the “Gilad Division” to secure the eastern border during escalation against Iran. Forces arrested 25 individuals and interrogated over 100 suspects with Tehran links, seizing weapons. The Israeli military reduced Gaza forces by more than half, redirecting focus to the Lebanon and Syria borders.
Houthi Missile Falls Short; Group Claims Iran Coordination
Houthis launched a missile at southern Israel Monday that fell short of Israeli territory. Sirens sounded in Beersheva, Ofakim, Arad, and Dimona. The IDF is confirming Saturday’s airstrike results targeting Houthi chief Muhammad al-Ghamari in Sanaa. Israeli jets struck Yemen during “Operation Rising Lion” from over 2,000 kilometers away. Houthis claimed their Saturday Tel Aviv missile was coordinated with Iran “for oppressed Palestinian and Iranian peoples.”
Israel Recovers Aviv Atzili’s Body in Gaza Raid
Israeli forces recovered Aviv Atzili’s body during a special operation in Khan Younis, Gaza, using intelligence from a captured Hamas operative. Atzili, killed on October 7 after defending Kibbutz Nir Oz, was initially listed as abducted. His wife, Liat, was freed a day earlier in a prisoner exchange. The body of hostage Yair Yaakov was also retrieved.
France Blocks Israeli Defense Booths at Paris Air Show Amid Political Tensions
French authorities erected black walls around all Israeli booths at the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, barring access to Israeli defense firms. Organizers ordered the removal of offensive weapons displays, prompting backlash from Israel’s Defense Ministry. The move, seen as politically motivated, comes amid Israel’s ongoing war and follows past legal disputes over Israeli participation in French arms expos.
============
★ SYRIA
Fires Reignite in Southern Syria After Iranian Missile Debris Falls
Fires reignited in southern Syria after Iranian missile and drone debris fell during the Israeli-Iranian escalation, damaging homes and farmland. Syrian Civil Defense responded to multiple incidents, including missile fragments igniting explosive material in a Daraa home and farmland fires in Quneitra. Authorities warned civilians against touching debris, as Israeli air defenses reportedly downed over eight drones.
Israel Sends Emergency Alerts to Residents in Syria’s Yarmouk Basin
Residents of Syria’s western Daraa region received Hebrew-signed emergency alerts in Arabic from Israel’s Home Front Command warning of imminent danger and urging them to seek shelter. The warnings follow rising cross-border tensions amid Iran-Israel clashes and Israeli interception of multiple Iranian missiles and drones over southern Syria, sparking local fires and heightened civilian fears.
Syria-Iraq Trade Resumes as Al-Qaim Border Crossing Reopens
Trade between Syria and Iraq resumed Monday with the reopening of the strategic Al-Qaim border crossing. The first Syrian truck entered Iraq after inspections, marking the end of a six-year closure due to security concerns. Officials say the move will boost local economies, revive bilateral trade, and reduce transport costs, especially for goods entering Iraq’s Anbar province.
============
★ IRAQ
Kataeb Hezbollah Threatens U.S. Bases Over Iran-Israel Intervention
Iraq’s Kataeb Hezbollah warned it would strike U.S. bases regionwide if America intervenes militarily in the Iran-Israel conflict. Secretary-General Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi demanded the U.S. embassy in Baghdad be closed and denounced the American presence as threatening Iraq’s stability. The Iran-backed militia’s threat follows accusations Israel used Iraqi airspace for strikes on Iran.
U.S. Forces Down Three Drones Targeting Ain al-Asad Base
U.S. forces intercepted three drones launched toward Ain al-Asad base in Iraq’s Anbar province Sunday morning, with no casualties reported. The drones were shot down after reaching the base perimeter. President Trump warned Iran of an unprecedented U.S. response following the attack, stating “If we are attacked by Iran in any way, the full force of the American military will come down on you at levels never seen before.” Trump stressed the United States had no involvement in Israel’s strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites.
Suspected Drone Downed Near U.S. Consulate in Erbil
A suspected drone was intercepted early Monday near the new U.S. consulate compound in northeast Erbil. The explosion, likely caused by air defenses, prompted a swift security response, with no reported injuries. The drone’s origin remains unclear, though initial suspicions suggest links to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. Investigations are underway, and no official statements have been issued.
Iraq Deploys Pantsir Air Defense Systems, Eases Military Alert Level
Iraq began deploying advanced Russian-made Pantsir air defense systems to secure vital sites nationwide, following orders from Defense Minister Thabet al-Abbasi. Air Defense Commander Lt. Gen. Moan al-Asadi called the move routine and preventive. Simultaneously, the military lowered its general alert level, while operational commanders retain discretion to maintain readiness amid ongoing regional tensions.
============
★ TÜRKIYE
Erdoğan Offers Mediation, Urges Trump to Prevent Regional War
Turkish President Erdoğan urged U.S. President Trump to take urgent steps preventing the Israel-Iran conflict from engulfing the region during their second phone call in two days. Erdoğan told Iranian President Pezeshkian Monday that Ankara is ready to mediate renewed nuclear negotiations to end the conflict. The mediation offer came as both sides exchanged strikes for a fourth day, with Israel claiming destruction of a third of Iran’s missile platforms. Erdoğan welcomed Trump’s peace remarks and offered Turkish help resolving the nuclear dispute fueling the crisis.
New EU Defense Fund Positions Türkiye at Heart of European Security
The EU launched the SAFE fund on May 29, enabling joint defense equipment imports from non-member states like Türkiye under pressure from the Ukraine war and U.S. policy shifts. The Baykar–Leonardo drone partnership exemplifies Turkish-European defense integration. Experts say the tool allows Turkish capabilities to fill key European defense gaps, bolstering NATO cooperation and strategic autonomy.
============
★ YEMEN
Houthis Deny Israeli Strike Targeted Their Military Chief
Yemen’s Houthi group denied Israeli reports claiming an airstrike targeted their Chief of Staff, Mohammed al-Ghamari. Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahwi called the allegations baseless. Israel’s Channel 12 reported an attempted assassination, while Houthis affirmed continued attacks on Israel until it halts what they call genocide in Gaza.
============
★ LEBANON
Israel-Iran War Delays Palestinian Arms Handover in Lebanon
The Israel-Iran conflict has disrupted Lebanon’s internal plans, delaying the handover of Palestinian weapons in refugee camps. The process, set to begin in Beirut, was postponed due to regional tensions and internal Palestinian coordination. Officials stress the plan remains active, with implementation linked to evolving geopolitical conditions and Lebanon’s readiness to proceed.
============
★ EGYPT
Egypt Doubles Electricity Exports to Jordan to 400 Megawatts
Egypt doubled its electricity exports to Jordan this week to 400 megawatts daily, up from 100–200 megawatts before the Israel-Iran war. Cairo also resumed supplying Jordan with 100 million cubic feet of natural gas daily. Coordination continues to meet Jordan’s energy needs, while Egypt plans to upgrade the power link to 2000 megawatts and expand regional interconnections.
Egypt’s Stock Market Suffers Worst Drop Since 2020 During Iran-Israel Conflict
Egypt’s main stock index plunged 7.5% Sunday—its sharpest drop since 2020—before paring losses to 5.2% during ongoing Israel-Iran clashes. The market lost 148 billion EGP ($3B) in value, with major stocks like EFG Holding and Talaat Moustafa tumbling. The Egyptian pound also fell past 50 to the dollar as regional tensions rattled investor confidence.
============
★ Disclaimer:
The Early Phoenix 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.
