★ ISRAEL
Israel Strikes Fordow Nuclear Site Within Days
Iran International, 14 hours ago, published an article citing Israeli security sources who confirm plans to strike Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility within 48-72 hours, with or without U.S. participation. This means approximately 33-57 hours remain in their stated timeframe. Israel prefers joint action using American B-2 bombers carrying GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators to destroy the underground enrichment site.
Mossad: Iran 15 Days from Nuclear Bomb, U.S. Disagrees
Mossad estimates Iran could build a nuclear weapon within 15 days, while U.S. intelligence agencies believe it may take several months to a year and say Tehran is not actively pursuing one. Officials warn that an Israeli assassination of Khamenei or a U.S. strike on Fordo could trigger Iran’s decision to develop a bomb immediately.
Over 60 Israeli Jets Strike Tehran Military Targets in Major Operation
More than 60 Israeli jets struck dozens of Iranian military and nuclear-related sites in Tehran early Friday, targeting missile production facilities and the Spand nuclear R&D headquarters with 120 munitions. Additional drone and airstrikes hit northern and northwestern Iran, killing Revolutionary Guard troops. The IDF warned civilians in key areas as fears of broader escalation and retaliation rise.
Israeli Airstrikes Damage Arak Nuclear Reactor, Reinforce Air Superiority
Israeli strikes hit Iran’s Arak heavy-water reactor and missile systems, with satellite images showing major damage. The IDF stated these operations enhance air superiority and target Iran’s strategic capabilities. The IAEA urged Israel to avoid nuclear sites.
Israeli Drone Strike Kills Senior Iranian Nuclear Scientist in Tehran
A senior Iranian nuclear scientist was killed Friday in an Israeli drone strike on a building in Tehran’s Gisha neighborhood, according to Israeli media. Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed increased targeting of regime symbols, including the Revolutionary Guard and Basij militia. The strike follows major IDF operations that reportedly disabled nearly half of Iran’s ballistic missile launchers.
Israel Receives 14 Military Cargo Planes from U.S., Germany As Iran Conflict Intensifies
Israel received 14 new military cargo planes from the U.S. and Germany to boost IDF readiness as conflict with Iran escalates. The deliveries are part of ongoing air and sea supply bridges since June 13. While cargo details remain undisclosed, this support follows over 800 similar shipments since the Gaza war began in October 2023.
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★ IRAN
Europe Holds Nuclear Talks with Iran in Geneva
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met with British, French, German, and EU counterparts in Geneva Friday to discuss nuclear and regional issues. Araqchi has conducted multiple phone calls with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff seeking diplomatic solutions, but rejected direct U.S. talks while Israeli strikes continue. An Israeli plot to assassinate Araqchi in Tehran was foiled ahead of the Geneva trip. Iran indicated it “could show flexibility in the nuclear issue” if Washington pressures Israel to end attacks. Araqchi declared Iran will not negotiate “with any party” until Israeli aggression stops.
Iran Deploys Cluster Warhead Missiles
Israel confirmed Iran used a cluster warhead missile Thursday, which split midair and struck four sites near Tel Aviv. The warhead released multiple submunitions, possibly from the Fattah-2 or Khorramshahr-4 missile systems.
Iran Launches Missile on Israeli Tech Hub, Injures Civilians
An Iranian missile struck Be’er Sheva early Friday, damaging homes and setting vehicles ablaze. Five civilians were injured, and over 30 others were treated for anxiety. Sirens gave a brief warning before impact. Israeli defense systems intercepted three Iranian drones and reported three missile launches in total. The missile directly hit the Gav Yam Negev tech park, a site near Israel’s C4I and cyber command base. The park, home to global tech firms and military research centers, is a cornerstone of Israel’s cyber-defense strategy. Officials described the attack as a direct blow to the national security infrastructure in southern Israel.
Ali Shamkhani Declares Survival After Israeli Assassination Attempt
Ali Shamkhani, senior advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader, confirmed his survival after being severely wounded in a June 13 Israeli airstrike on his home. In a message to Ayatollah Khamenei and the public, he vowed readiness for sacrifice, declaring “victory is near.” Despite reports of a leg amputation, doctors now consider his condition stable but still critical.
Iranian Kurdish Faction Seeks IDF Contact
Iran’s Kurdish PAK faction claims hundreds of fighters are on standby and seeks direct contact with the IDF. Operating from Iraq and inside Iran, PAK denounced Reza Pahlavi’s return and called for a pluralistic Iran. Other Kurdish groups distanced themselves from separatism, citing risks of repression amid ongoing Iranian missile attacks on Israel.
Iran Boosts Oil Exports Rapidly to Mitigate Losses
Since Israel’s June 13 strikes, Iran has accelerated oil exports, reaching 2.23 million barrels per day—a 44% surge. Tehran is prioritizing safety by swiftly loading tankers at Kharg Island and keeping them offshore to avoid targeting. Satellite images show empty berths post-attacks, confirming the shift. This mirrors Iran’s past strategy to shield oil trade during conflict.
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★ IRAQ
Iraqi Forces Threaten Oil Routes if America Enters War
Kataib Hezbollah’s Abu Ali al-Askari warned that if the U.S. enters the Iran-Israel war, his group will target American bases and shut the Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb straits. He also threatened Red Sea oil ports and U.S. aircraft, escalating fears of a broader regional conflict involving maritime trade routes.
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★ TÜRKIYE
Turkish Leaders Warn Türkiye Faces Next Israeli Target
Iran Wire reports Turkish leaders warn Türkiye could become Israel’s next target after Iran. Nationalist Party leader Devlet Bahçeli claims Israel seeks “geopolitical siege of Anatolian territory.” Security experts predict that Türkiye will face political pressures, ethnic conflicts, and migration waves as the conflict expands. Retired Admiral Cihat Yaycı warns of “Greater Kurdistan” creation threatening Turkish territory with Israeli-American support.
Armenian PM Pashinyan Makes Historic Visit to Türkiye for Peace Talks
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan arrived in Türkiye Friday for a landmark meeting with President Erdoğan, marking the first high-level Armenian visit to the country. Talks in Istanbul will focus on a potential Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty and regional fallout from the Iran-Israel conflict. The visit underscores Pashinyan’s push to normalize ties with Türkiye and Baku.
Türkiye Expands Steel Dome Air Defense System for Full-Spectrum Aerial Protection
Türkiye has enhanced its Steel Dome air defense system with layered, domestically developed technologies to counter aerial threats from all altitudes. Key components include the Hisar series for low-to-medium range, the Siper for long-range threats, and hybrid systems like Gurz. Officials describe the system as a real-time, integrated security network designed to provide “absolute security” nationwide.
Türkiye Confirms Steady Iranian Gas Imports Despite Field Strike
Türkiye continues receiving Iranian gas regularly despite Israel’s June 14 drone strike on South Pars field facilities. Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar ruled out supply disruptions and reaffirmed Tehran’s key role in meeting Türkiye’s rising demand. Iran supplies 10% of Türkiye’s gas, under a long-term deal expiring in July 2026, with Ankara also pursuing diversification and regional gas partnerships.
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★ THE GULF
Gulf–Iran Trade Faces Growing Risk As Conflict Expands
Gulf–Iran trade remains active but increasingly threatened by Israeli strikes on Iranian ports and infrastructure. Despite recent economic growth fueled by restored ties, experts warn further escalation—especially U.S. involvement—could cripple shipping, spike insurance costs, and provoke Iranian retaliation on Gulf assets. Key partners like the UAE and Saudi Arabia now face strategic and economic uncertainty as tensions intensify.
Gulf States Boost Nuclear and Chemical Attack Readiness As Escalation Intensifies
Gulf Cooperation Council states have enhanced emergency coordination to counter chemical or nuclear threats as tensions rise Israeli-Iranian tensions. GCC Secretary General Jassem al-Budaiwi confirmed joint drills, radiation monitoring, and partial activation of a regional response center. The bloc is urging a ceasefire, warning the conflict could destabilize the region and trigger unintended war.
Smotrich Urges Gulf States to Fund Israel’s War Against Iran
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called on Gulf states, Germany, Britain, and France to help fund Israel’s costly war with Iran. With interception efforts costing up to $200 million daily, Smotrich argued that wealthy nations should contribute economically. His remarks came as Israeli strikes continued into the war’s eighth day and Iranian missiles inflicted serious damage in Be’er Sheva.
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★ LEBANON
Israel Issues Direct Warning to Hezbollah Over Iran Alignment
Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz warned Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem, accusing him of threatening Israel on Iran’s orders. Katz declared Israel’s patience with “terrorist” threats has ended. Qassem affirmed Hezbollah stands firmly with Iran against U.S. and Israeli aggression, vowing to act accordingly to defend Iran’s sovereignty and confront what he called global injustice.
Israeli Drone Strike Hits South Lebanon Towns, Violates Truce
Israeli drones struck the town of Houla in southern Lebanon overnight, followed by ground forces demolishing homes in Houla and Meiss El Jabal and seizing equipment. The operation violated the November 27 ceasefire, as Israel continues daily raids citing Hezbollah threats. Israeli troops remain positioned at five locations inside southern Lebanon despite the truce.
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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.
