★ ISRAEL
Trump Pushes for Deal to End Gaza War
Donald Trump backs a ceasefire deal with Hamas, proposing 10 hostage releases for a 60-day truce to discuss ending the war. Talks occurred in Cairo with U.S., Egyptian, and Hamas officials, though Israel refuses to join. Hamas opposes the Witkoff framework, and key issues—like post-ceasefire terms—remain unresolved despite recent military pressure on Hamas and Iran.
Trump Demands Netanyahu Trial Be Dropped, Calls Charges Political
Donald Trump urged Israel to end Prime Minister Netanyahu’s corruption trial, calling it a “travesty of justice” and hailing Netanyahu as a war hero. He linked the trial’s continuation to political motives and offered U.S. support, suggesting a pardon. Netanyahu’s Likud shared Trump’s remarks, while opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the interference in Israel’s legal system.
Mossad Chief Reveals Extensive Covert Operations Inside Iran
Mossad head David Barnea disclosed unprecedented details of Israeli intelligence activity in Iran, confirming the agency’s presence will continue for years. He revealed hundreds of agents operated inside Iran during recent escalations, conducting assassinations and sabotage of nuclear, drone, and missile facilities. Barnea thanked Israeli and U.S. intelligence partners and reaffirmed Mossad’s commitment to retrieving 50 hostages from Gaza.
Israel Suspends Gaza Aid Pending IDF Plan To Block Hamas
Israel halted Gaza aid after intelligence showed Hamas seizing shipments, prompting Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz to order the IDF to present a counter-seizure plan within 48 hours. The move followed pressure from Finance Minister Smotrich and a viral video of Hamas taking food trucks. U.S.-backed GHF continues to secure aid deliveries, totaling nearly 44 million meals.
Israeli Settlers Clash With Palestinians in West Bank, Three Killed
Dozens of Israeli settlers clashed with Palestinians in the West Bank village of Malik. Israeli troops intervened as both sides threw stones, and gunfire erupted. Three Palestinians were reportedly killed, others wounded, and five Israeli suspects arrested. A similar incident occurred in nearby Tayibe, escalating tensions across the region.
Iranian Missiles Cause Billions in Direct Losses in Israel
Israel suffered at least $12 billion in direct losses from its 12-day war with Iran, including military spending, compensation, and infrastructure damage. Indirect costs may push total losses to $20 billion. The budget deficit is projected to exceed six percent of GDP. Israel may seek U.S. aid as economists warn of deepening fiscal strain and disrupted markets.
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★IRAN
Khamenei Says Surrender Demand Is “Far Beyond Trump’s Stature”
Iran’s Supreme Leader declared President Trump’s demand for surrender illegitimate and insulting, stating it was “far beyond the stature of the American president.” In a nationally broadcast speech, Khamenei mocked U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites as strategically ineffective, claiming the Islamic Republic’s enrichment and missile capabilities remain intact. He accused the United States of fabricating pretexts—from democracy to uranium—to mask its true goal: forcing Iran’s submission. Turning to Israel, Khamenei proclaimed the Islamic Republic had dealt devastating blows to the “fabricated Zionist entity,” praising Iranian missile forces for breaching multilayered defenses and leveling both military and civilian targets. He warned that any future aggression would be met with escalatory strikes, citing Iran’s attack on Al Udeid Airbase as proof of its capacity to hit key U.S. installations at will. Calling Trump’s threats hollow and America’s posture humiliated, Khamenei framed Iran as resilient, unified, and unwilling to negotiate under pressure—ridiculing the idea of surrender as historically and culturally impossible.
China Hosts Russian, Iranian Defense Chiefs As Global Power Shift Unfolds
China welcomed Russian and Iranian defense ministers to Qingdao as post-ceasefire calm settles in the Middle East and NATO defense spending rises. At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting, China urged members to resist Western dominance and strengthen collective security. Russia praised its deepening ties with Beijing, as the bloc positioned itself as a counterweight to Western alliances.
Russia Backs Iran’s IAEA Exit, Blames U.S. Strikes
Russia defended Iran’s suspension of IAEA cooperation as a justified response to alleged U.S. strikes on safeguarded nuclear sites. Moscow accused Washington of violating the NPT and undermining Iran’s right to peaceful enrichment. At the UN, Russia condemned U.S. and Israeli actions as illegal, warned of damage to the non-proliferation system, and questioned Israel’s role in nuclear forums while refusing to join the NPT.
Iran Authorizes Executions for Desertion
Iran’s military warned that desertion or disobedience will be treated as treason, punishable by execution. Commanders now have authority to act swiftly as desertions rise following Israeli strikes. Intelligence agencies urged citizens to report violators, reviving internal surveillance tactics. Some commanders reportedly ignored evacuation orders, worsening casualties.
Iran Forms Spy-Hunting Unit With China, Russia Intelligence Help
Iran plans to establish a new security agency to detect and eliminate domestic espionage networks infiltrated before and after the war with Israel. The unit, reportedly backed by Chinese and Russian intelligence tools, will include 4,000 elite operatives under Supreme Leader Khamenei’s supervision. Four spies were executed Monday, with mass executions of key agents reportedly underway.
Israeli Strikes Severely Weakened Iran’s Economy Under Ongoing Sanctions
Economists warn Israel’s 12-day war dealt a major blow to Iran’s already fragile economy, heavily burdened by sanctions. Key oil infrastructure suffered severe damage, threatening vital revenue. Iran’s GDP is projected to shrink from $401 billion in 2024 to $341 billion in 2025. Inflation may reach 43.3%, while food and fuel costs surge, fueling unrest and deepening poverty.
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★ YEMEN
Israel Intercepts Houthi Drone as Group Resumes Attacks Post-Iran Ceasefire
Israel intercepted a drone likely launched by Yemen’s Houthis, marking their first post-ceasefire attack following Iran’s 12-day conflict with Israel. The drone did not breach Israeli airspace. Fears grow in Houthi-controlled areas of renewed Israeli strikes, as the group signals continued aggression unless Gaza’s blockade ends. U.S. and Israeli strikes earlier weakened Houthi capabilities but failed to fully neutralize them.
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★ TÜRKIYE
Israeli Minister Claims: Türkiye Will Be Israel’s Main Threat Within Decade
Israeli Minister Amichai Chikli accused Turkish President Erdoğan of pursuing a dangerous Islamist agenda, calling Türkiye the “next Iran” and warning it will become Israel’s top security concern within 10 years. He criticized Türkiye’s NATO membership and Erdoğan’s ties to Trump, claiming Türkiye’s military poses a greater threat than Iran’s and may sponsor global terrorism through Hamas.
Türkiye Advances Defense Agenda, F-35 Talks at NATO Summit
President Erdoğan confirmed progress in F-35 negotiations with President Trump and pledged to raise Türkiye’s defense spending to 5% of GDP over the next decade. At the NATO summit, he pushed for lifting barriers on defense trade and urged EU inclusion of non-member allies. Türkiye also pursued Eurofighter talks and reiterated its mediation efforts in the Russia-Ukraine war.
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★ SYRIA
U.S. Backs New Syrian Government, Signals Shift Toward Stabilization
U.S. Special Envoy Tom Barrack affirmed Washington’s support for President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s new Syrian government, calling it a model of hope and regional change. He emphasized that America’s priority is stability and prosperity—not regime design—urging gradual sanctions relief to enable economic recovery. Barrack praised Syria’s cooperation with the OPCW and IAEA, and stressed protecting the government from Iranian-backed militias and ISIS. He confirmed that U.S. forces will remain in Syria to prevent terrorist resurgence.
Syria, Saudi Arabia Seize 100,000 Captagon Pills in Joint Operation
In a coordinated security operation, Syrian and Saudi authorities seized over 100,000 Captagon pills hidden in industrial equipment during raids in Idlib and Aleppo. Intelligence sharing enabled the arrests of several suspects. The operation reflects escalating Syrian crackdowns on drug networks, some linked to military factions, and highlights growing Arab cooperation against narcotics trafficking.
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★LEBANON
Hezbollah Halts War Payments Citing Iranian Funding Disruption
Hezbollah has halted war-related compensation checks via Al-Qard Al-Hassan as financial strain mounts due to Iranian funding disruptions and Israeli targeting of its networks. The freeze, effective 23 June, affects payments to those impacted by last year’s war with Israel. Internal sources cited liquidity issues and operational hurdles, while speculation grows that funds are being conserved for future conflict.
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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.
