★ IRAN
Iran Strikes U.S. Bases in Qatar, Iraq; Claims Notification
Iran launched coordinated missile attacks on U.S. military bases in Qatar and Iraq under operation “Basharat al-Fath” (Glad Tidings of Victory). The Revolutionary Guard fired at least six short-range and medium-range missiles at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, targeting 10,000 U.S. troops at the forward headquarters for the U.S. Central Command. The Al-Asad Air Base in western Iraq, housing the largest U.S. deployment in the country with thousands of troops, was also targeted. Qatar’s air defenses intercepted the attack with no U.S. casualties reported and the base evacuated beforehand. Iran coordinated the strike with Qatar and the Trump administration had advance warning. Iran confirms missile attack on U.S. military base in Qatar Iran fired the same number of missiles as bombs dropped by U.S. B-2 bombers on three Iranian nuclear sites Saturday. Bahrain, Iraq, and Egypt suspended air traffic and activated sirens following the Qatar attack. Iran emphasized the strike targeted military infrastructure only, framing it as part of its broader Operation “Annunciation of Victory.” Gulf nations raised alert levels Sunday. Saudi Arabia heightened security, Bahrain restricted major roads and shifted to 70% remote work, and Kuwait prepared ministry shelters.
Iran Unleashes Multi-Wave Missile and Drone Barrages Across Israel
Iran launched 16 ballistic missiles and multiple drones in coordinated waves across Israel on June 23, striking targets from the north to the south. Four main salvos were fired throughout the morning and late morning, with an additional missile intercepted overnight in central Israel. The IRGC claimed responsibility, stating it had shifted tactics to target sites including Tel Aviv and Haifa. A direct hit on a southern strategic infrastructure facility cut power to 8,000 residents. Fires were reported in Safed and Lachish following impacts, and shrapnel triggered emergency responses in multiple districts. One drone was intercepted near Eilat, and no casualties were reported. The attacks followed U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites and marked one of Iran’s most geographically widespread missile operations in the conflict.
Iran Launched Immediate Retaliation Following U.S. Nuclear Strikes
Iran fired 27 ballistic missiles in two salvos targeting Tel Aviv, Ness Ziona, and Ben Gurion Airport on June 22, wounding 86 Israelis. Evening strikes killed five people in northern Israel including family members in Tamra after a ballistic missile hit a two-story house. Iranian media claims deploying Khaybar Shekan ballistic missiles as the primary system used. The missiles—solid-fueled, with maneuverable reentry vehicles, 1,450 km range, and 500–600 kg warheads—were allegedly deployed as part of Operation Honest Promise 3, marking their first combat use. Reports cited cluster munitions dispersed at 7 km altitude, Israeli infrastructure damage, and coordinated use of Khorramshahr-4 variants to penetrate air defenses. Since conflict began, over 500 Iranian drones intercepted with 400+ missiles fired demonstrating 90% Israeli interception success rate despite continued Iranian ballistic capabilities. Israeli analysts caution that Iran holds limited stock of the missile but view its appearance as a major escalation in the Iran–Israel conflict.
Israel Is Impotent And U.S. Crossed A Very Big Line
Iranian President Pezeshkian declared America “the main driver behind Israeli strikes” entering the arena “after witnessing Israel’s impotence and incompetence.” Tehran accused Washington of concealing its initial role until forced into direct confrontation following Iran’s “decisive deterrent response.” Foreign Minister Araghchi condemned U.S. strikes as crossing “very big red line” attacking nuclear facilities while threatening Strait of Hormuz closure with “all options on table.” Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned strikes as “brutal military aggression” while Fars News, Tasnim, and Press TV executed coordinated messaging emphasizing Iran as victim of “terrorist attacks” against “peaceful nuclear installations.” Tehran accused Washington of “heinous crimes” violating UN Charter Article 2(4) while signaling continued retaliation capability. Iranian state broadcasters declared every American citizen and soldier in the region “legitimate target” while displaying maps of U.S. regional bases. Araghchi accused Trump of deceiving “not only Iran but his own country” while calling for IAEA condemnation. Tehran claimed nuclear materials evacuated beforehand with “no signs of contamination” detected. Iran’s UN Ambassador demanded an emergency Security Council session to hold America accountable under international law.
Khamenei’s Possible Successors: Larijani, Araki, Khatami, or Khomeini Grandson
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has named three senior clerics as potential successors while operating from an underground bunker, excluding his son Mojtaba from consideration. Sources confirmed on Sunday that the 86-year-old leader communicates only through trusted aides and has suspended electronic communications due to assassination fears following Israeli strikes. Iranian officials confirmed Khamenei selected the successors to ensure swift transition should he be killed, bypassing traditional Assembly of Experts deliberations. The identities remain classified for security reasons, though sources describe them as “deeply trusted regime loyalists aligned with hardline revolutionary ideology.” Previous succession speculation centered on figures like former judiciary chief Sadiq Larijani, Khamenei aide Mohsen Araki, and Tehran Friday prayer leader Ahmad Khatami, while revolution founder’s grandson Hassan Khomeini represented a more moderate possibility. Khamenei also appointed military command replacements following Israeli elimination of IRGC chief Hossein Salami and other senior commanders. The Atlantic separately reported that senior Iranian officials are now openly discussing plans to remove Khamenei from power. On Monday, Iran’s Supreme Leader vowed retaliation against Israel and warned U.S. bases in the region are now targets. Senior adviser Velayati declared that any nation aiding U.S. actions may face Iranian response. The IRGC claimed to have identified launch points, labeling U.S. military presence in the Middle East a strategic weakness.
Iran Seeks Stronger Russian Involvement Against U.S. and Israel
Iranian officials said they expect Russia to play an active role both diplomatically and regionally, framing the partnership as a “comprehensive strategic alliance” critical to Iran’s posture against U.S. escalation. Putin signaled alignment, promising assistance to the Iranian people and coordination on regional stability. Lavrov warned against abuse of self-defense norms, and Moscow cautioned Washington against supplying Israel militarily. Russia, China, and Pakistan jointly pushed for a UN ceasefire resolution.
Iran Arrests Three Ukrainians Over Alleged Drone Factory Attack Plot
Iranian security forces arrested three alleged Ukrainian intelligence agents for planning an armed attack on a drone manufacturing facility in central Iran. Authorities claimed the suspects aimed to sabotage strategic infrastructure and threaten national security. Investigations are ongoing to uncover broader network ties, as Iran reinforces surveillance around key military sites like those in Isfahan.
===========
★ ISRAEL
Israel Strikes Tehran Prison Holding Dissidents Monday
Israeli warplanes struck the entrance of Tehran’s Evin Prison overnight Monday, targeting the facility that houses political dissidents and dual nationals. Defense Minister Katz confirmed the strike as part of unprecedented attacks on regime organs in Tehran’s heart. Foreign Minister Sa’ar posted “Viva la libertad, carajo!” after confirming the prison strike. Israeli jets also hit IRGC Basij headquarters, internal security command centers, and the “Countdown to Israel’s Destruction” clock in Palestine Square. Iranian reports claim Shahid Beheshti University was targeted, where the nuclear engineering faculty head was killed at war’s start. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu declared that Israel is close to neutralizing Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile threats, but emphasized that a war of attrition will be avoided. He stated that operations will continue until all objectives are fully achieved. During the weekend, the IDF preemptively destroyed eight Iranian missile launchers including six primed for immediate launch, eliminating Iranian soldiers at launch sites. Iran launched 30+ drones overnight with two intercepted during the morning attack. Israel retaliated by bombing two F-5 fighter jets at Dezful Airport and military production facilities.
Israel Kills Nasrallah’s Aide Abu Ali Khalil in Iran Strike
On June 21, Israel targeted and killed Abu Ali Khalil—real name Hussein Khalil—during an airstrike on the Iran-Iraq border, with Iranian sources confirming his death on June 22. Khalil, a founding Hezbollah member trained by Iran’s IRGC, served as chief bodyguard and trusted aide to the late Hassan Nasrallah. The strike also killed Khalil’s son Mahdi Khalil (Hajj Saleh) and Sayyid al-Shuhada Brigade commander Ahidr al-Moussawi. Known as “the Shield of the Master,” Khalil had long been by Nasrallah’s side and was last seen publicly mourning at his funeral on February 23. Hezbollah-linked outlets later reported he had been tasked with guarding Nasrallah’s tomb. The high-value elimination deepens Israel’s coordinated campaign to dismantle IRGC and proxy networks across Iran’s borders.
===========
★ U.S.A
Trump Invokes ‘Make Iran Great Again,’ Hints Regime Change
On Sunday, President Trump hinted that a shift in leadership could occur in Iran if its current rulers fail to “Make Iran Great Again.” In a Truth Social post, the president stated: “It’s not politically correct to use the term ‘Regime Change,’ but if the current Iranian regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a regime change??? MIGA!!!” The president’s comments followed his announcement that U.S. strikes had “completely and totally obliterated Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.” He praised coordination with Prime Minister Netanyahu, stating they “worked as a team like perhaps no team has ever worked before” to eliminate Israeli threats. Trump emphasized Iran’s 40-year “Death to America, death to Israel” campaign while highlighting casualties from Iranian roadside bombs and Qassem Soleimani’s operations. He warned that Iran must “make peace” or face “far greater” future attacks. Trump congratulated American pilots for executing operations “the likes of which the world has not seen in many decades.” The strikes represent unprecedented destruction of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity through coordinated Israeli-American military action, ending Iran’s role as “bully of the Middle East.” Despite the declared success, Middle East allies—including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, the UAE, Iraq, and Egypt—publicly condemned the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities Sunday, calling for immediate de-escalation and diplomatic solutions.
Operation Midnight Hammer Destroys Iranian Nuclear Program (Military Report)
Operation Midnight Hammer deployed seven B-2 Spirit bombers and 120 total aircraft using 75 precision-guided munitions against Iranian nuclear facilities. Seven B-2s completed 18-hour flights from Kansas City with multiple aerial refuelings while some flew west as Pacific decoys. U.S. Navy submarines fired 30 Tomahawk missiles targeting Natanz and Isfahan while B-2s struck Fordow and Natanz during 20-minute Iranian airspace penetration. Defense Secretary Hegseth confirmed Iran’s “nuclear ambitions obliterated” with General Caine reporting “extremely severe damage and destruction” at all three sites. The operation began at midnight Friday with lead B-2 dropping first MOPs at 6:40 p.m. ET, delivering 14 GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator bombs over 25 minutes. Iran’s fighters never launched and surface-to-air systems “did not see us” throughout the mission. Sources confirm Natanz destroyed while Fordow and Isfahan suffered major damage. The Pentagon consumed 70% of the MOP stockpile targeting Fordow’s 90-meter chambers. Intelligence estimates suggest a minimum six-month nuclear program delay with some projecting a two-year setback. First operational MOP employment marked the longest B-2 mission since 2001.
Trump Blasts Media Over Iran Strike Coverage
President Trump attacked major news outlets on Truth Social, claiming Iran nuclear sites were “totally destroyed” and accusing “Fake News” of spreading false reports to “demean” the operation’s success. The President insisted “everyone knows” the sites were completely destroyed, dismissing media reports suggesting partial damage as attempts to undermine the mission. Questions remain about 400 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium that are publicly unaccounted for, with UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi calling for inspectors to verify uranium stockpiles. Reuters reported unnamed Iranian sources claimed highly enriched uranium at Fordow had been moved to undisclosed locations before U.S. strikes.
============
★ SYRIA
President al-Sharaa Vows Justice, Unity After Damascus Church Massacre
The death toll from the bombing of Mar Elias Church in Damascus’s Dweila neighborhood has risen to 27. President Ahmad al-Sharaa condemned the attack as a “heinous crime” against all Syrians, vowed full state pursuit of the perpetrators, and called for national unity against sectarian terror. He mobilized all state agencies in response. The Interior Ministry confirmed the bombing was a suicide attack linked to ISIS; the assailant opened fire before detonating an explosive belt inside the church. Less than 24 hours later, the Deputy Secretary of the ministry announced that the perpetrators responsible for the attack were captured. President Erdoğan, along with several regional leaders, condemned the bombing and pledged support for Syria’s new government.
Israel Expands Raids, Drone Intercepts, Surveillance Over Southern Syria
On June 21–23, Israel intensified operations in southern Syria, launching thermal surveillance balloons over Daraa, conducting ground incursions into villages in Daraa and Quneitra, and intercepting multiple Iranian drones. One drone strike injured a civilian near Al-Taybeh; another on June 23 over Khirbet Qais damaged homes and cut power. Israeli jets also used Syrian airspace en route to Iran as southern Syria became a corridor for escalating aerial confrontations.
===========
★ IRAQ
IRGC and Iraqi Militias Reposition and Disperse
Iran is reportedly withdrawing Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps advisers from Baghdad, following recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian targets and in the context of escalating regional tensions. Iraqi sources said Tehran vacated key Baghdad districts—Jadriyah, Karada, Saydiya, and Salhiah—once used for coordination with Iranian-backed militias. The move may be a tactical retreat to limit losses ahead of a potential U.S.-Iran confrontation. Iraqi militia leaders have also relocated residences, changed phone numbers, and halted public events.
Iraq Boosts Base Security as Militias Mobilize Over U.S.-Iran Escalation
Iraq tightened security at U.S. bases amid fears of Iran-aligned militia attacks following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Special forces secured Ain al-Assad, Camp Victory, and Harir bases, while U.S. evacuated non-essential staff. Militias formed joint ops centers and warned of retaliation. Iraq condemned the strikes, fearing regional instability and economic crisis if the Strait of Hormuz closes.
============
★ EGYPT/AFRICA
Israel Halts Gas Exports to Egypt Again
Israel halted natural gas exports to Egypt without notice as hostilities with Iran intensified. Gas flow had briefly resumed from the Tamar field, while the Leviathan field remained offline. Egypt, previously receiving 1.1 billion cubic feet daily, now faces a widening supply gap, prompting emergency LNG imports and plans to operate regasification units by month’s end.
U.S. Concern Grows Over Egypt-China Stealth Fighter Deal
Reports of Egypt nearing a deal to acquire China’s J-35 stealth fighter have raised alarm in Washington, reflecting Cairo’s strategic pivot due to the tensions with the U.S. Egypt cites its right to diversify arms sources, deepening defense ties with Beijing since 2024. The move signals waning reliance on U.S. weapons and strengthens Egypt’s bid for balanced global partnerships.
============
★ GULF STATES
Oil Prices Hit Five-Month High After U.S. Strikes on Iran
Oil prices surged Monday to their highest levels since January after the U.S. joined Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, fueling supply disruption fears. Brent rose to $78.93 and WTI to $75.73 per barrel, with earlier peaks above $81. Markets now eye Iran’s threat to close the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global crude flows.
============
★ 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.
