★IRAN
Israeli Air Force Strikes Deep Into Iran as Missile Threats Escalate
Israel launched a major airstrike campaign on western Iran, targeting over 40 missile sites and a ready-to-launch Emad missile. The IDF confirmed downing Iranian drones and losing a Hermes UAV in Iranian airspace. Supreme Leader Khamenei vowed retaliation, warning Israel and the U.S. of “grave consequences.” U.S. bases brace as Iran hints at broader regional escalation.
Iran’s Missile Supplies Dwindling as Israel Maintains Air Superiority
Iran’s missile stockpile is shrinking, with estimates dropping from 2,000 to around 1,200 after Israeli strikes hit launchers and production sites. Former Israeli intelligence official Danny Citrinon says Iran now struggles to launch large salvos. The death of IRGC aerospace chief Hajizadeh and Israel’s continued air dominance have crippled Iran’s ability to retaliate effectively.
Khamenei Risks Miscalculation as Inner Circle Collapses During War
Israel’s airstrikes killed top IRGC commanders, including Hossein Salami and Amir Ali Hajizadeh, leaving Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei isolated and raising fears of strategic missteps. Sources warn that gaps in military and security leadership threaten Iran’s internal stability. His son, Mojtaba, now plays a central role, as regional allies fall and regime survival faces unprecedented pressure.
Reza Pahlavi Unveils 100-Day Transition Plan For Post-Khamenei Iran
Exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi announced a 100-day transition plan for Iran’s future if the regime falls in war with Israel. Assuring stability, he urged citizens and security forces to support regime change, calling Ayatollah Khamenei’s fall inevitable. He emphasized unity, democracy, and nationwide uprising to reclaim Iran and end decades of repression.
Iran Urges Deletion of WhatsApp, Accusing App of Spying for Israel
Iranian state TV urged users to delete WhatsApp, accusing it—without evidence—of sharing data with Israel. WhatsApp denied the claims, stressing its end-to-end encryption and refusal to share bulk data with governments. Experts note that metadata exposure and offshore data hosting raise sovereignty concerns. The platform remains widely used in Iran despite past bans.
Iran Launches Major Crackdown on Alleged Mossad Agents, Foils Drone Attacks
Iranian forces arrested multiple suspects accused of spying for Mossad and plotting terror attacks in crowded areas. A cell in Rey was intercepted with explosives, weaponized drones, and advanced gear. Authorities seized 14 drones and shut down drone workshops across provinces.
Israel Destroys Iranian Centrifuge Facilities In Strikes Near Tehran
The IAEA confirmed Israeli airstrikes destroyed two Iranian sites producing centrifuge parts near Tehran—Tesa Karaj and Tehran Research Center. Over 50 Israeli jets hit nuclear and weapons facilities, targeting uranium enrichment and ballistic missile components. Iran denied damage to nuclear sites, while Israel vowed continued efforts to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program, including attacks on the Natanz facility.
Signal Jamming Disrupts Shipping in Strait of Hormuz During Iran-Israel War
Maritime data revealed GPS jamming affecting nearly 1,000 vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting oil and cargo ship navigation during the Iran-Israel conflict. Tankers reported erratic movements, with false signals placing them on land or in foreign waters. Despite no signs of a blockade, analysts warn that rising interference increases collision risks in this vital oil corridor.
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★ ISRAEL
Iran Fires Surface-to-Air Missile at Israeli Jet, Claims F-35 Downed
Iran fired a surface-to-air missile at an Israeli warplane, with the IDF confirming no injuries and the missile falling inside Iranian airspace. Iranian officials claimed they downed an Israeli F-35 near Varamin, south of Tehran. This marks the third reported downing of Israeli jets since the war began on June 13. Investigations are ongoing.
Israel’s Arrow Missile Stockpile Dwindling During Rising Iranian Attacks
Israel is facing a depletion of its Arrow missile interceptors, key to its defense against Iranian ballistic strikes. U.S. officials express concern over Israel’s ability to sustain defenses as conflict escalates. Despite U.S. reinforcements, both nations approach critical limits on interceptor supply, challenging the endurance of Israel’s multi-layered missile defense system.
U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem Closes As Iran-Israel Conflict Escalates
The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, including consular services in Tel Aviv, is closed Wednesday through Friday due to security threats from the Iran-Israel war. Following over 400 Iranian missile and drone attacks, embassy staff were ordered to shelter in place. The U.S. urged citizens to enroll in safety programs and remain vigilant.
Israel Faces $4.5 Billion Cost After Six Days of War With Iran
Israel spent an estimated $4.5 billion in six days of war with Iran, split evenly between offensive and defensive operations, according to Bizportal. The 2025 budget deficit, already at 4.9% of GDP, risks deepening as emergency reserves are nearly exhausted. Additional pressure comes from tax revenue declines and rising compensation payouts for war-related damage.
IDF Expands Gaza and West Bank Operations As Iran-Israel War Escalates
While the Iran conflict continues, Israel resumed military operations in Gaza’s Jabalya, killing Hamas militants and destroying infrastructure. In Khan Yunis, troops neutralized booby-trapped aid. Anti-terror raids intensified in the northern West Bank, with the Nahal Brigade redeployed there. Operation Iron Wall, ongoing since January, continues targeting weapons and militants in Palestinian refugee camps.
Gaza Aid Undermines Hamas Control But Sparks Black Market Surge
As the IDF focuses on Iran, U.S.-backed aid deliveries in Gaza erode Hamas’ authority, creating local chaos and fueling black market resales. With over 442,000 packages distributed, Hamas struggles to reassert control. Lacking monitoring, some Gazans collect multiple packages, resell them, and disrupt aid flow. Security officials see aid as key to weakening Hamas and enabling new leadership.
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★ SYRIA
Russia Maintains Talks With Syria To Secure Military Bases Post-Assad
Russia confirmed ongoing talks with Syria to safeguard its military bases after Assad’s fall. Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov emphasized the need for stable coordination, expecting protection of Russian interests, including its bases in Tartus and Hmeimim. Officials reiterated long-term strategic ties despite European calls to expel Russia and reported Israeli pressure on the U.S. to tolerate Russian presence for regional security.
SDF Moves High-Risk Detainees To Fortified Prison North Of Raqqa
SDF transferred high-risk detainees from Raqqa Central Prison to the newly fortified “Cotton Prison” north of Raqqa, under direct U.S.-led coalition oversight. The facility includes 60 group wards, 120 isolation cells, and advanced surveillance, resembling Syria’s Saydnaya prison. The move follows escape incidents involving ISIS inmates and rising regional threats from sleeper cells.
U.S. Pulls Out of Two More Syrian Bases, Sparking ISIS Resurgence Fears
The U.S. withdrew from Al-Wazir and Tel Baydar bases in Syria’s Hasaka province, reducing its presence to one base. Kurdish SDF forces warn that the drawdown risks emboldening ISIS, now active in cities like Damascus. SDF commander Mazloum Abdi confirmed ISIS seized regime weapons post-Assad and has killed at least 10 SDF members in recent attacks.
Israel Intercepts 11 Iranian Drones Over Occupied Golan Heights
Israel announced its air force intercepted 11 Iranian drones over the southern Golan. The IDF warned of more drone infiltrations and has downed dozens recently. With ongoing alerts and U.S. support for Israeli strikes, concerns grow over potential American involvement as Trump demands Iran’s surrender and threatens Khamenei.
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★IRAQ
Iraq Forms Arab Emergency Cell For Nuclear Crisis Response
Iraq announced the formation of a joint Arab nuclear emergency cell following Israeli strikes on Iranian facilities, with participation from Jordan, Lebanon, Yemen, Kuwait, Libya, Bahrain, Tunisia, and Sudan. The unit aims to respond swiftly to radiation threats and ensure regional nuclear safety. Iraq activated a national emergency room and raised its alert level, though no radiation leaks were reported. It also intensified border monitoring under a plan approved by the International Atomic Energy Agency. With its airspace involved in the strikes and factions threatening U.S. bases, Baghdad faces growing risks of deeper entanglement in the regional escalation.
Iraq Loses $250,000 Daily From Airspace Closure As Conflict Escalates
Iraq is losing over $250,000 daily after closing its airspace on June 13 due to the escalating Israeli-Iranian conflict. Before the closure, 500 flights crossed daily, earning Iraq $450 each. Additional losses include revenue from passenger, cargo, and airline services. The closure followed Israel’s June 13 strike on Iran, prompting severe retaliatory missile attacks.
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★TÜRKIYE
Erdogan Defends Iran’s Right To Respond To Israeli Attacks
Turkish President Erdogan declared Iran’s defense against Israeli bombings “legitimate,” labeling Israeli actions as state terrorism. Speaking on day six of Israel’s campaign, Erdogan emphasized Iran’s legal right to respond. He also called Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu the region’s greatest security threat, escalating Ankara’s rhetoric as Middle East tensions rise.
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★GULF
UAE President, Iranian Leader Hold Talks As Regional Escalation Intensifies
UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed discussed regional de-escalation with Iran’s President Pezeshkian, affirming solidarity and mutual interests. Concurrently, the UAE exempted Iranian residents and visitors from overstay fines, citing flight disruptions due to regional conflict. The move reflects the UAE’s humanitarian stance as Israeli strikes hit Iran and Tehran retaliates against Israeli cities. Meanwhile, Pezeshkian sent a formal letter to Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad, reaffirming bilateral ties and calling for restraint. Qatar condemned Israel’s attacks as a violation of Iranian sovereignty and urged immediate diplomatic engagement to avert broader regional collapse.
Gulf States Bolster Air Defenses As Iran-Israel Conflict Escalates
As tensions have risen since June 13, Gulf states activated advanced U.S.-made air defenses after suspected Iranian missile overflights in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Regional forces rely on Patriot, THAAD, and Hawk systems, maintaining a high state of alert near potential conflict zones. Experts highlight robust readiness but stress regional integration gaps hinder full aerial threat protection.
Gulf and Egyptian Markets Decline As Iran-Israel Tensions Escalate
Gulf and Egyptian stock markets fell on Wednesday as regional tensions with Iran entered day six. Dubai, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Muscat, and Egypt all recorded declines, with only Abu Dhabi slightly up. Investors fled large-cap stocks, citing geopolitical uncertainty, oil price volatility, and capital outflow risks across Middle Eastern markets.
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★ SUDAN
Sudanese Army Advances in West Kordofan and Blue Nile As Conflict Continues
The Sudanese army, backed by Darfur factions, advanced in West Kordofan toward al-Khuwi, controlled by Rapid Support Forces (RSF). In Blue Nile, the army repelled an SPLM-N attack, capturing tanks and equipment. UN investigators warned of rising civilian casualties and urged an arms embargo, citing widespread atrocities and sexual violence by all parties in the conflict.
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★ 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.
