★U.S.A
Trump Secures Ceasefire After Angry Call to Halt Israeli Strike on Tehran
U.S. President Donald Trump announced a “complete and total” ceasefire between Israel and Iran after a 12-day conflict. The truce followed final Israeli strikes and Iran’s retaliatory missile fire targeting U.S. and Israeli military sites. Trump, in coordination with Vice President J.D. Vance and Qatar’s Emir, mediated the deal through backchannels to Tehran. But hours later, the ceasefire nearly collapsed as air raid sirens sounded in northern Israel. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered a retaliatory airstrike. A White House source revealed Trump called Netanyahu in anger, demanding he abort the mission. Netanyahu insisted the strike could not be fully canceled but promised to limit it to a symbolic target. Israel then bombed a radar facility near Tehran, halting further escalation. Trump later downplayed the incident, writing on Truth Social that Israeli aircraft were conducting a “friendly salute” and would return without harm. He also warned both countries had violated the truce, stating he was “not satisfied with either,” especially Israel. Despite ongoing threats from Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz to resume attacks, and denials from Iran’s military and Supreme National Security Council, both sides appear to be conditionally committed to the ceasefire.
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★IRAN
Iran Vows Nuclear Program Continuation Despite Facility Strikes and IAEA Pressure
Iran’s nuclear chief, Mohammad Eslami, declared on Tuesday that Tehran would resume its nuclear program without disruption, vowing that uranium enrichment remains a non-negotiable “red line.” Eslami confirmed preparations are underway to restore operations at the affected facilities and announced that a third, undisclosed enrichment site is ready to begin functioning once centrifuge installation is complete.
Iran Kills Four in Beersheba Minutes Before Ceasefire Begins
Iran launched a ballistic missile that struck Beersheba just minutes before the U.S.-brokered ceasefire took effect at 7:00 a.m. on June 24, killing at least four civilians and wounding 20. The missile caused major destruction to residential buildings, with emergency responders reporting bomblets scattered across the area, severely hindering rescue operations. Hours later, air raid sirens sounded in northern Israel as additional missiles were detected and intercepted. Tehran denied launching any missiles after the ceasefire began, but Israeli officials accused Iran of violating the truce and warned of retaliatory action.
Iran Arrests Six Alleged Mossad Spies in Hamedan Province
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard announced the arrest of six individuals accused of working for Mossad in Hamedan, Razan, and Nahavand. The arrests followed televised confessions aired on Iranian state media. The judiciary chief vowed swift, severe punishment for alleged collaborators with Israel.
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★ ISRAEL
Iran Claims Dozens Killed and Injured in Israeli Strike on Iran’s Evin Prison
An Israeli airstrike on Tehran’s Evin Prison damaged administrative sections, killing and injuring staff, inmates, and their families, Iran’s judiciary claimed. Israeli Defense Minister Katz said the prison, Revolutionary Guard HQ, and other internal security targets were hit in a broad assault aimed at regime stability structures. Casualty numbers remain undetermined as damage assessments continue.
IDF Strike Kills Iranian Nuclear Scientist, Targets Regime Forces
The IDF killed Iranian nuclear scientist Mohammad Reza Sadighi in overnight strikes across Iran, targeting IRGC and Basij command centers in Tehran. Dozens of sites were hit, including missile launch pads, with reports of heavy casualties. Israel’s campaign, hours before a declared ceasefire, aimed to cripple Iran’s internal enforcement and military infrastructure. Other targeted officials’ fates remain unknown.
Serbia Halts Ammunition Sales to Israel As Conflict Escalates
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced a suspension of ammunition sales to Israel over its war with Iran. Vučić emphasized Serbia’s friendship with both nations and urged peace. He condemned recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, warning of global lawlessness.
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★ SYRIA
Israeli Raids Hit Syria’s Quneitra
Israeli forces raided villages in Syria’s Quneitra province, storming homes, damaging farmland, and injuring an 8-year-old boy after a drone was downed by Israeli forces. Israeli troops conducted surveys and searched for weapons, part of intensified incursions since June 13.
EU Sanctions Target Eight Syrians Over March 2025 Atrocities
The EU sanctioned Suheil al-Hassan, Gaith Dalla, and Moqdad Fteihah for grave human rights abuses and chemical weapon use in Syria’s coastal region in March 2025. Businessmen Mudallal Khouri and Imad Khouri were listed for financing Assad-era crimes. Earlier, commanders Mohammed al-Jassem “Abu Amsha” and Saif Bolad “Abu Bakr,” along with their factions, had previously been sanctioned over mass killings that month.
Syria Breaks Up ISIS Cell Behind Deadly Church Bombing in Damascus
Syria’s Interior Ministry announced the capture of six ISIS members and the killing of two others linked to the Mar Elias Church bombing, which killed 25 and injured 63. The raid targeted sites in Harasta and Kafr Batna in the Damascus countryside. President Ahmad Al-Shara vowed justice, while security forces seized explosives, weapons, and a rigged motorbike prepared for another attack.
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★IRAQ
Drone Strikes Damage Iraqi Bases Following Ceasefire Announcement
Unidentified drones struck radar systems at Iraq’s Taji and Imam Ali military bases early Tuesday, causing structural damage but no injuries. A separate drone crashed near Baghdad International Airport, where U.S. forces are stationed. No party claimed responsibility, and Iran-aligned militias denied involvement. Iraq’s military confirmed the attacks and revealed four additional drone attempts were intercepted. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani ordered an immediate investigation and pledged accountability, emphasizing that all targeted sites are operated solely by Iraqi forces.
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★GULF STATES
Qatar Summons Iranian Envoy After Missile Strike on Al-Udeid Base
Qatar summoned Iran’s ambassador following Tehran’s missile attack on Al-Udeid Air Base, condemning it as a violation of sovereignty and international law. Qatari officials urged immediate de-escalation and a return to diplomacy. In a UN message, Doha affirmed its right to respond proportionately, warning continued attacks could destabilize the region and threaten global peace.
Gulf Markets Surge Following Iran-Israel Ceasefire Announcement
Gulf stock markets rallied Tuesday after President Trump announced a full ceasefire between Iran and Israel, easing regional tensions. Saudi Arabia’s index rose 2.1%, led by gains in Al Rajhi Bank and new entrant Flynas. Dubai and Abu Dhabi indices jumped 3.1% and 2.2% respectively. Oil prices dropped over 5% as supply disruption fears subsided.
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★ LEBANON
Israeli Drone Strike Kills Three in Southern Lebanon
An Israeli drone strike hit a car in Kfar Dajjal, southern Lebanon, on Tuesday, killing three people, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. The drone fired two missiles, igniting the vehicle.
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★EGYPT/AFRICA
South Sinai on Alert as 40,000 Israelis Flee to Egypt As War Escalates
Egypt’s South Sinai is under a high security alert following an influx of nearly 40,000 Israelis fleeing the Israel-Iran conflict. Authorities tightened surveillance and reinforced checkpoints, especially in resort towns like Taba and Dahab. With occupancy rates surpassing 90%, officials fear the strain may spread to Cairo.
Over 40 Killed in Attack on Sudan Hospital, Including Children
More than 40 people, including children and healthcare workers, were killed in a Saturday attack on Al-Mujlad Hospital in Sudan’s West Kordofan, near the army–Rapid Support Forces frontline, according to WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus. He condemned assaults on health infrastructure but did not name the perpetrators, urging an immediate end to such 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.
