★ U.S.A
U.S. Forces Obliterate Three Iranian Nuclear Facilities
Trump Executes Strike on Iranian Nuclear Facilities
U.S. forces completed coordinated strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan following presidential authorization. Trump confirmed “full payload of BOMBS dropped on primary site, Fordow” utilizing specialized 30,000-pound bunker-buster munitions deployed by B-2 stealth bombers. Operations targeted Iran’s most hardened underground enrichment facilities previously beyond Israeli military capability.
All U.S. aircraft departed Iranian airspace safely after precision strikes on critical nuclear infrastructure. The president’s decision represents the first direct American military action against the Iranian nuclear program, escalating beyond the Israeli campaign initiated June 13. Fordow facility’s subterranean enrichment operations received concentrated bombardment designed to collapse underground chambers and disable centrifuge networks.
Simultaneous strikes degraded the Iranian nuclear program across multiple sites including uranium conversion facilities at Isfahan and enrichment infrastructure at Natanz. Trump emphasized unique U.S. military capabilities enabled mission success, stating “not another military in the World could have done this.” The operation required months of intelligence preparation and specialized munitions unavailable to allied forces.
The Iranian nuclear program faces unprecedented operational disruption with damage to enrichment, conversion, and research capabilities spanning three decades of development. The strikes targeted facilities producing near-weapons-grade uranium and advanced centrifuge manufacturing. Trump concluded operations announcement calling for Iranian peace negotiations while confirming mission objectives achieved.
Regional implications include potential Iranian retaliation against U.S. assets and fundamental alteration of Middle East strategic balance through demonstrated American military reach into Iran’s most protected facilities.
The President is expected to speak to the American people after one hour of publishing this news, according to breaking news.
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★ ISRAEL
Israeli Forces Escalate Operation Red Wedding Against Iran
Israel executed Operation Red Wedding strikes eliminating two high ranking IRGC Quds Force. The Palestine Corps head Saeed Izadi was allegedly responsible for funding Hamas during the October 7 attack. Behnam Shahriyari, head of Unit 190, oversaw missile transfers and covert financial networks supporting Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis. The IDF also announced that its air force struck 80 Iranian targets including gas refineries at Bandar Abbas and oil depot near Tehran. Through coordinated operations, Israel struck Isfahan nuclear site for the second time targeting uranium conversion infrastructure while simultaneously hitting southwestern Iran with explosions in Tehran’s Baghstan district and Ahvaz region. As part of the systematic campaign, Israel’s Foreign Minister Sa’ar explained strikes delayed Iran’s nuclear weapons capability by two to three years while Defense Minister Katz ordered intensified strikes to further destabilize the Iranian leadership.
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★ IRAN
Iran Delivers Final Rejection of U.S. Nuclear Demands
Iranian President Pezeshkian told Macron that Tehran will not accept limiting nuclear enrichment to zero under any circumstances and will never renounce peaceful nuclear capabilities. Foreign Minister Araqchi rejected complete uranium enrichment cessation demanded by the U.S. and accused Washington of using diplomacy as cover for Israeli strikes, calling it betrayal. Araqchi stated Iran was ready to negotiate if Israel halts attacks but emphasized bombing cannot destroy Iran’s technical knowledge. Araqchi is expected to meet Putin in Moscow as Trump considers bunker-buster bombs against underground nuclear sites.
Iranian Forces Escalate Multi-Vector Attacks Against Israeli Civilians
Iranian forces deployed cluster ballistic missiles against Israeli civilians June 19, with the Khorramshahr warhead splitting into dozens of small bombs dispersing within an 8-kilometer radius. Shahed 136 drones struck two-story buildings in Beit She’an while coordinated strikes targeted northern Israel, Golan Heights, and southern regions. An Iranian missile hit downtown Haifa, damaging the oldest mosques and injuring clerics despite Iranian claims of precision military targeting. Israel’s military shot down two Iranian drones near Nawa in Daraa, Syria.
Putin Advances Iran Nuclear Projects Despite Regional Conflict
Putin confirmed new contracts for two additional nuclear reactors at Iran’s Bushehr with 600 Russian workers remaining on-site under Israeli safety assurances. Putin defended Iran’s nuclear rights, warned against U.S. military intervention, and offered Russian mediation between Israel and Iran. Security Council Deputy Chairman Medvedev warned the conflict could become a global confrontation but claimed chaos does not harm Russian interests. Trump dismissed Russian mediation Wednesday, stating Putin should resolve Ukraine before Middle East involvement.
Khamenei Faces Bunker Life as Israeli Strikes Intensify
Khamenei is reportedly hiding in a Lavizan bunker as Israeli intelligence penetration kills top IRGC commanders and nuclear scientists. Iranian officials suspect Israeli front companies manufactured attack drones inside Iran as Khamenei faces a choice between humiliating negotiations or continued losses. A new analysis of Khamenei’s biography shows the 86-year-old leader methodically eliminated rivals since 1989, survived 1981 assassination, coordinated Iran-Contra arms deals, and pursued regional dominance since 2009 but also points to the leader’s unpredictable nature and survival instincts.
Iranian Oil Exports Collapse Ninety-Four Percent
Iranian oil exports plunged from 2.5 million to 150,000 barrels daily since the June 13 war outbreak. Treasury intelligence shows remaining exports laundered through the Indian Ocean to Chinese refineries. Export collapse cost Iran over $1 billion with potential $5 billion monthly losses forcing Tehran to remove oil from Gulf storage facilities while domestic fuel shortages surged.
Iran Threatens IAEA Director General After Nuclear Strikes Former
Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani publicly threatened IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, stating “when war ends, we will settle our scores with Grossi.” Israeli Foreign Minister Sa’ar condemned threats against the UN nuclear monitoring chief, calling Iran a mafia state. Threats followed IAEA confirmation of damage to Iranian nuclear facilities including destroyed Natanz experimental enrichment plant and bombing of Fordow and Isfahan sites.
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★ Additional Weekend Reads:
★ LEBANON
Israeli Forces Target Hezbollah as Group Defies Iran Orders
Israeli Navy struck Hezbollah Radwan Force infrastructure site in Naqoura and eliminated militant in Jezzine district targeting rocket launchpads and arms depots alleging ceasefire violations. Defense Minister Katz declared Israel’s patience exhausted while the Lebanese army warned ongoing violations could freeze cooperation on site inspections. Israeli security sources report Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei ordered Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem to join Iran-Israel fighting and launch missiles following Operation Rising Lion. Qassem refused compliance fearing devastating Israeli retaliation as sources indicate Khamenei realizes he needs Hezbollah support during sustained Israeli strikes on military and nuclear facilities.
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★ HOUTHIS/YEMEN
US Treasury Sanctions Twenty-Eight Houthi-Linked Entities and Ships
The U.S. Treasury imposed the single largest sanctions action against Yemen’s Houthis targeting four individuals, 12 entities, and two ships allegedly importing oil for Iranian proxy groups. Meanwhile, the militia orchestrated rallies in Sanaa and 400 locations expressing solidarity with Iran following Israeli strikes. Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi declared full support for Iran and threatened to attack U.S. ships in the Red Sea if America joins Israeli strikes against Iran, violating May 2025 ceasefire agreement that guaranteed commercial navigation freedom.
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★ EGYPT/AFRICA
Ethiopia Completes Dam Construction Despite Egyptian Existential Threat
Ethiopia commissioned final GERD turbines bringing total electricity generation to 1,550 megawatts while Egyptian officials warn the dam threatens 1.1 million livelihoods and could force permanent loss of half Nile Delta agricultural land supporting 35 million people. Ethiopia conducted military buildup in the Ogaden region, seized control of strategic Somali airports in Gedo to prevent Egyptian troop deployment, and formed an alliance with UAE backing Sudanese rebels against Egypt’s preferred faction. Ethiopian military now warns it cannot stand idle as Egypt deploys 10,000 troops to Somalia following defense pact with Mogadishu.
Egyptian PM Warns Tougher Austerity If Regional War Escalates
The Egyptian Prime Minister warned of additional austerity measures if regional war worsens. Israel may restart natural gas supplies today after a six-day halt following Iranian strikes shut Leviathan and Karish fields, removing 800 mcf/d from the grid. Reduced flows force Egypt’s expensive LNG imports, straining power before summer. The UN faces a $98 million refugee budget shortfall with 982,000 registered refugees including 30,000 May arrivals.
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★ IRAQ
US Embassy Issues Level Four Travel Warning
U.S. Embassy in Baghdad issued Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for Iraq, warning Americans against travel for any reason and advising those present to avoid large gatherings and crowds. Embassy suspended routine visa services but remains open for U.S. citizens while maintaining Kuwait and Turkey border crossings remain accessible.
- Iraq Suffers $25 Billion Loss From Kurdistan Pipeline Shutdown
Iraq lost $25 billion from suspended Kurdistan oil exports during the $49 billion budget deficit. Political disputes between Erbil and Baghdad prevent activation of the pipeline capable of exporting one million barrels daily. Basra disruptions cost $220 million daily with a recent 10-day halt reaching $2.2 billion losses. Iran threatens to close Strait of Hormuz could halt all Iraqi exports, making Kurdistan pipeline critical neglected alternative.
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★ TÜRKIYE
Erdoğan Accuses Netanyahu Of Hitler-Like Tactics At OIC Summit
Turkish President Erdoğan condemned Israeli airstrikes on Iran, calling Tehran’s retaliation lawful self-defense while accusing Netanyahu of employing Hitler-like tactics. Foreign Minister Fidan urged urgent international intervention to prevent uncontrollable regional disaster. At the UN Security Council, Turkiye’s ambassador accused Israel of violating the UN Charter and demanded Israel join the Non-Proliferation Treaty under IAEA oversight, warning of consequences for global security and energy stability.
Opposition Backs Imamoglu’s Presidential Bid Following Arrest, Unveils Campaign
Türkiye’s CHP launched a national campaign supporting detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu as 2028 presidential candidate, forming an executive office and drafting a government program. Imamoglu’s lawyer’s arrest drew fierce backlash, deepening claims Erdoğan’s government uses judicial harassment against the detained presidential candidate facing political corruption charges.
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★ SYRIA
Israeli Forces Intercept Iranian Drones Over Syrian Territory
Israeli forces intercepted four Iranian drones in Quneitra Governorate with three shot down over Jaba and Umm Batna areas, the fourth near Al-Qahtaniyah village on Golan Heights border. Israeli warplanes deployed surveillance balloons over western Daraa countryside. An additional Iranian drone intercepted over Al-Musayfirah town with debris falling near residential areas.
Russia Invites Syrian Delegation to Discuss Military Base Future
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov invited Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani to lead a delegation discussing bilateral relations including military cooperation. Russia continues contacts with the new Syrian government regarding the future of military bases, seeking “mutually beneficial understanding.” The Kremlin confirmed Russia has “special interests” in Syria requiring dialogue to secure regional interests. Russia maintains Tartus naval center established 1971 and Hmeimim Air Base established 2015. Al-Sharaa previously described Russia-Syria relationship as “long-term and strategic, difficult to end quickly.”
Syrian Forces Arrest Assad Cousin in Billion-Dollar Drug Network
The Syrian Interior Ministry arrested Wassim Badi al-Assad in a joint General Intelligence Directorate operation targeting Assad’s cousin wanted for war crimes and drug trafficking. The Tartus resident operated as a central figure in the regional Captagon smuggling network and called for sectarian militia formation supporting the Assad regime. The U.S. Treasury sanctioned him March 2023 for transforming amphetamine production into a billion-dollar industrial operation during the Syrian revolution. Born 1980, al-Assad’s arrest demonstrates new government efforts to dismantle the former regime’s criminal infrastructure that financed Assad rule through drug revenues.
Syrian Death Toll Hits 2,201 Despite Investigation
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights produced a report stating that an additional 501 civilians died in sectarian retaliation making the total number reach 2,201 after the March massacre which resulted in 1,700 deaths. SOHR reported that the government’s fact-finding mechanisms have not produced actionable results despite available evidence, raising questions about institutional capacity to manage internal security threats. The Observatory separately documented 776 targeted killings since January including 737 men, 26 women, 13 children across other governorates.
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★ GULF STATES
Gulf States Boost Oil Exports
Major Gulf oil producers ramped up exports to avoid potential supply disruptions during escalating Israel-Iran tensions. Analysts say Gulf states aim to safeguard crude flow through Strait of Hormuz, a strategic channel handling 20 percent of global oil trade.
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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.
