★IRAN
Israel Launches Precision Strikes on Iran’s Arak and Natanz Sites
Israel launched a large-scale airstrike targeting Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor and Natanz nuclear complex, striking key facilities linked to plutonium and uranium development. The offensive involved 40 fighter jets and 100 munitions, hitting missile and air defense units in tandem. Iran confirmed the attacks but reported no civilian casualties, while the toll from ongoing hostilities reached 585 Iranian fatalities. Israel had warned Arak’s civilians to evacuate, indicating high-risk targeting of potential nuclear components. U.S. President Trump is now actively considering military intervention as Iran escalates retaliation with drones and missiles. The strike highlights mounting tensions and a dangerous shift toward direct nuclear-related confrontation.
U.S. May Strike Iran’s Nuclear Sites This Weekend, Fordow a Key Target
The U.S. is preparing possible strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, with action potentially starting this weekend. Fordow enrichment facility is a primary target. Multiple coordinated strikes are planned, as Trump signals support for military action. While Iran remains open to dialogue, U.S. officials are assessing base vulnerabilities and public backing as regional tension rises.
European Ministers to Hold Nuclear Talks With Iran As Conflict Escalates
European ministers will meet Iran’s foreign minister in Geneva on Friday, following talks with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. The talks aim to secure guarantees that Iran’s nuclear program remains civilian, as tensions soar after Israeli airstrikes and Iranian missile retaliation. Coordinated with the U.S., the effort follows calls for diplomacy and rising fears of regional escalation.
Israel-Linked Hackers Leak Nobitex Code, Destroy $90M in Crypto
Predatory Sparrows, tied to Israel, leaked Nobitex’s source code and wiped $90M from its wallets, accusing it of aiding terror finance. They gave users 24 hours to withdraw assets before exposing the exchange’s systems. Hacked funds were moved to vanity addresses with anti-IRGC messages, permanently locking the assets and escalating the cyber assault on Iran’s crypto sector.
Israel Blamed for Hacking Iranian State TV, Airing Protest Footage
Iran’s state TV was briefly hacked Wednesday to broadcast anti-regime protest clips and slogans tied to an alleged Israeli cyber operation, “Awakening of the Lion.” Authorities blamed Israel for the satellite signal breach. Hacker group Predatory Sparrow also targeted Bank Sepah, accusing it of aiding Iran’s nuclear program. Analysts view these as part of a coordinated multi-front Israeli strategy.
Iran Arrests 18 Over Drone Plot as Israel Invites Cooperation via Mossad Link
Iran detained 18 suspected Israeli agents accused of building drones in Mashhad, exposing deep Mossad infiltration during ongoing Israeli strikes. Israel’s Defense Ministry posted a link to the Mossad site on X, urging Iranians to cooperate and use external VPNs. It claimed to receive messages from distressed Iranian security members fearing a Lebanon- or Gaza-like fate.
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★ ISRAEL
Iranian Missile Strike Destroys Israeli Hospital, Israel Vows Escalation
An Iranian ballistic missile directly struck Soroka Hospital in Beersheba, causing massive structural damage and triggering a full evacuation. Over 60 people were injured across Israel, including six critically, as Iran launched 30 missiles targeting central cities like Holon and Ramat Gan. Iranian officials claimed the intended targets were nearby military sites, not civilian infrastructure. However, ceilings collapsed and flooding inside Soroka led to patient evacuations and a chemical hazard alert. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed to retaliate decisively, labeling the attack a war crime. Defense Minister Katz announced expanded strikes inside Iran, including efforts to eliminate Supreme Leader Khamenei, describing him as “the modern Hitler.” Iran, in turn, warned the U.S. against involvement, threatening harsh retaliation. The attack marks a dramatic escalation in the ongoing conflict.
Putin: Israel Assured Safety of Russians at Iran Nuclear Site
President Putin confirmed that Israel agreed to protect over 200 Russians at Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant, built by Rosatom. He said Israel’s strikes strengthened Iranian unity, but a peace deal ensuring Israel’s security and Iran’s nuclear rights is still possible. Putin dismissed threats to Khamenei, asserted Iran’s enrichment sites remain intact, and denied recent military aid requests from Tehran.
Israel May Deploy Commandos to Sabotage Iran’s Fordo Nuclear Facility
Facing U.S. hesitation to use bunker-busting bombs on Iran’s deeply buried Fordo facility, Israel is reportedly considering a commando raid. While Fordo’s mountainous location poses challenges, Israeli officials assert they can neutralize it independently. Experts say Israel could disable ventilation, entrances, or power without U.S. support. The mission, though risky, underscores Israel’s determination to halt Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Iran-Israel Conflict Pushes Palestinian Economy Toward Collapse
As Israel-Iran tensions escalate, the fragile Palestinian economy faces collapse. Gaza reels from war and blockade, while the West Bank endures closures and economic suffocation. Any disruption to oil routes, like the Strait of Hormuz, could spike fuel costs and devastate imports. With aid shrinking, trade paralyzed, and food insecurity soaring, experts warn of total social and financial breakdown.
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★ SYRIA
U.S. Relocates Mazloum Abdi, Diplomats To Fortified Al-Shaddadi Base
As Iran-Israel tensions rise, U.S. forces evacuated two bases in Syria’s Hasakah, moving SDF leader Mazloum Abdi and American diplomats to the Al-Shaddadi base. The base’s radar, air defense systems, and airstrip offer stronger protection. Troop repositioning also included shifting forces from Tal Baydar to Qasrak. U.S. strategy now focuses on consolidating presence in fortified northeastern Syrian bases.
U.S. Senators Introduce Bill To Repeal Caesar Sanctions On Syria
Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Rand Paul proposed a bipartisan bill to repeal the 2019 Caesar Act, citing its hindrance to Syria’s recovery. The bill maintains accountability tools but lifts broad economic sanctions. Paul criticized the sanctions’ civilian toll, while Shaheen emphasized the need for diplomatic solutions. A separate House bill, backed by Rep. Joe Wilson, seeks full sanctions removal.
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★ IRAQ
Iraq Reaches Deal With Armed Groups to Stay Out of Israel-Iran War
Iraq’s Foreign Ministry confirmed a binding agreement with armed factions to prevent Iraq from being drawn into the escalating Israel-Iran conflict. Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein stated that all parties agreed not to allow Iraqi territory to become a battleground or launchpad for attacks, ensuring national neutrality as regional tensions rise.
Iraq Freezes Repatriation From Al-Hol Camp Over Regional Tensions
Iraq postponed the repatriation of 900 citizens from Syria’s Al-Hol camp due to the recent Iran-Israel escalation. The decision came less than 24 hours before the scheduled transfer, despite the completion of preparations. U.S. air and ground support was suspended following missile strikes near the camp, raising security concerns. Iraq has conducted 25 such evacuations since 2022.
Iraq Faces Risks From Heavy Dependence on Iran As Regional War Intensifies
As the Israel-Iran war unfolds, Iraq’s reliance on Iranian gas, trade, and energy infrastructure exposes it to economic shocks. Rising global oil prices may be offset by higher shipping and insurance costs, worsening inflation, and budget deficits. Threats to Iranian gas supplies, closure of Iraqi airspace, and port proximity to conflict zones deepen Baghdad’s fiscal and strategic vulnerabilities.
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★ TÜRKIYE
Türkiye Condemns Israeli Foreign Minister’s Attack on Erdoğan
Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry condemned remarks by Israel’s foreign minister targeting President Erdoğan, calling them “vile slanders” meant to deflect from war crimes accusations. The ministry linked Netanyahu to historic atrocities and expressed hope for international trials. Erdoğan, a vocal critic of Israel’s Gaza campaign, warned of future threats to Türkiye as regional tensions rise.
Türkiye Enhances Border Security, Condemns Israel’s Strikes on Iran
Türkiye reinforced its border and airspace defenses. Defense Minister Yaşar Güler condemned Israel’s “unlawful” strikes. Güler warned of regional destabilization and introduced the “Steel Dome” air defense initiative, emphasizing Türkiye’s proactive stance. He urged international action to halt Israel’s escalating operations across Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran, asserting Ankara’s commitment to shaping regional security.
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★ YEMEN
Israeli Strike Targets Houthi Military Chief During Khat Gathering
Houthi military chief Muhammad Al-Ghamari was seriously injured in an Israeli strike while attending a khat-chewing gathering, Hebrew media reported. Trained in Iran, Al-Ghamari coordinated with Tehran and oversaw the Houthis’ missile program. Though the assassination attempt reportedly failed, the incident led to lockdowns and medical evacuations. Houthis resumed missile attacks on Israel following IDF operations in Gaza.
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★ THE GULF
U.S. Relocates Military Assets From Qatar, Bahrain As Iran Threat Grows
The U.S. moved aircraft and naval vessels from bases in Qatar and Bahrain to protect forces from a possible Iranian attack. Navy ships left Bahrain’s Fifth Fleet hub, and unshielded planes were evacuated from Al Udeid Air Base.
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★ LEBANON
Hezbollah Condemns Threats to Kill Khamenei, Warns of Grave Consequences
Hezbollah denounced U.S.-Israeli threats to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, calling them reckless and dangerous. In a statement, the group reaffirmed its loyalty to Khamenei and Iran’s resistance posture, blaming the U.S. for deepening regional conflict. The warning follows Trump’s remark implying Khamenei is a tracked but untargeted figure—“for now.” Hezbollah vowed stronger alignment with Iran’s leadership.
IDF Eliminates Two Hezbollah Commanders in Southern Lebanon Strikes
Israel’s military killed Hezbollah commanders Mohammad Khreiss and Yassin ‘Izz al-Din in Southern Lebanon strikes. Khreiss led anti-tank operations, including the April 26 Mount Dov attack. ‘Izz al-Din directed artillery fire and rebuilt capabilities. The IDF vowed continued operations under the collapsed ceasefire, as Hezbollah warned against threats to Iran’s Supreme Leader without initiating new attacks.
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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.
