★IRAN
Trump Offers Iran $30 Billion Civil Nuclear Deal to Halt Enrichment
The Trump administration is considering a $30 billion civilian nuclear deal for Iran, contingent on ending uranium enrichment. The plan, backed by Gulf state funding, includes sanctions relief, unfreezing $6 billion in assets, and replacing bombed nuclear sites with non-enrichment facilities. Talks remain unofficial, with Qatar mediating and Iran recently curbed cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog.
Iran Rejects Imminent US Talks as Nuclear Tensions Escalate
Iran denied plans to meet the US, contradicting Trump’s claim of upcoming talks. Foreign Minister Araghchi said Tehran is still evaluating dialogue after nuclear site strikes by Israel and the US. Meanwhile, Iran passed a bill suspending cooperation with the IAEA, demanded reparations, and vowed resistance, as experts assess damage .
U.S. and Israel Concerned Over Missing Iranian Enriched Uranium
Satellite images revealed suspicious truck activity near Iran’s Fordow facility before U.S. strikes that targeted key nuclear sites. Experts say 16 trucks moved enriched uranium to a hidden site under Mount Alvand, more fortified than Fordow or Natanz. The site reportedly includes deep tunnels and security systems, raising concerns over Iran’s undisclosed nuclear operations.
Iran-Israel Ceasefire Decision Bypassed Supreme Leader Khamenei
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was sidelined in the decision to cease fire with Israel, which was led by the Supreme National Security Council and President Masoud Pezeshkian. Despite his public defiance, Khamenei appeared to justify the ceasefire belatedly, praising Iran’s unity while rejecting U.S. pressure and declaring Iran would never surrender.
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★ ISRAEL
IDF Says Iran’s Missile Arsenal Could Reach 10,000 by 2028
IDF intelligence revealed Iran had 2,500 ballistic missiles before June’s war and was on track to reach 10,000 by 2028. Israeli strikes destroyed up to two-thirds of Iran’s 400 launchers, significantly reducing its firing capacity. If Tehran delays rebuilding, the missile threat is at its lowest in years, though future escalation remains a concern.
Israel Says It Destroyed Thousands of Iranian Centrifuges in 12-Day Strike
Israel declared its 12-day operation in Iran ended with the destruction of thousands of centrifuges, major damage to three nuclear sites, elimination of 11 nuclear scientists, and loss of 50% of Iran’s missile platforms. Six airports and 15 aircraft were also hit. Iran claimed victory after missile strikes killed dozens in Israel.
Mossad Launches Medical Aid Service for Iranians As Conflict Continues
In a rare public initiative, Mossad launched an encrypted medical aid service for Iranians via WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal, offering Persian- and English-speaking doctors in fields like cardiology, oncology, and mental health. Breaking from its secretive tradition, Mossad opened an official X account to connect with Iranians, signaling a direct outreach as tensions grow.
Israel Sought to Assassinate Khamenei During War, Katz Confirms
Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed Israel tried but failed to kill Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei during the 12-day war, citing missed operational opportunities. Katz emphasized continued enforcement to prevent Iran’s nuclear and missile revival, adding, Israel acted without US approval and maintains air superiority. He warned Khamenei to stay underground and vowed the fight isn’t over.
Ben-Gvir Authorizes Open Jewish Worship Across Entire Temple Mount
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir approved a new policy allowing Jews to sing and pray openly across the entire Temple Mount, ending decades of restrictions. Israeli police, following directives from Commissioner Daniel Levy, have ceased limiting Jewish religious expression at the site, marking a major shift in the longstanding status quo with the Islamic Waqf.
IDF Destroys Gaza Tunnel Used in Fatal 2014 Attack on Soldiers
The IDF dismantled a Gaza tunnel used in a 2014 attack that killed four Israeli soldiers. Located in Beit Hanoun, the one-kilometer tunnel was destroyed by the 97th Battalion. Troops also cleared over 2.5 kilometers of Hamas tunnels near Jabalia. Chief of Staff Zamir announced a renewed focus on Hamas and hostage recovery following the Iran conflict.
Al-Qassam Destroys Four Israeli Vehicles, Snipes Soldier in Gaza
Al-Qassam Brigades said its fighters destroyed two Merkava tanks, an armored vehicle, and a D9 bulldozer on June 20 in Jabalia, and sniped an Israeli soldier on June 23 in Shujaiya. Israel has not responded. The operations follow a deadly ambush in Khan Younis and are part of broader retaliation against the Gaza war.
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★ SYRIA
Militant Group Issues Evacuation Warnings As Syria-Israel Peace Rumors Spread
A group calling itself “Saraya al-Tha’reen” warned former regime officials to leave Aleppo or face execution, as reports emerge of a possible Syria-Israel peace deal. Journalist Atta Farhat said many Syrians were surprised by such reports, citing internal divisions and weakening support for Syrian President Al-Sharaa, even among loyalist armed factions and security forces.
Syria Faces Worst Drought in 60 Years, Wheat Crisis Deepens
A historic drought has devastated Syria’s wheat crop, affecting 2.5 million hectares and threatening 16.3 million people with food insecurity. Rain-fed wheat saw 95% damage, while irrigated crops face a 40% yield drop. The government and Kurdish administration now compete to buy dwindling harvests, while Syria turns to imports and aid as groundwater plunges and rural poverty rises.
Morocco Moves to Restore Syria Ties in Exchange for Western Sahara Recognition
Morocco sent a delegation to Syria and plans to reopen its embassy in Damascus, seeking full Syrian recognition of its claim over Western Sahara. Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa signaled interest in visiting Morocco, but Rabat awaits official recognition before responding. Syria also ordered the closure of Polisario Front offices in Damascus, signaling a diplomatic shift.
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★YEMEM
Israel Intercepts Ballistic Missile Fired by Houthis After 309 Attacks
The Israeli military intercepted a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis on Thursday. Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi announced that the Red Sea remains completely closed to Israeli shipping for over three months. He stated that his group has launched 309 ballistic, hypersonic missiles and drones at Israel since March 2025, calling the Israel-Iran ceasefire a “military defeat” for Tel Aviv.
Yemeni Government Warns of Iranian Missile, Drone Manufacturing in Houthi Areas
Yemen’s recognized government warned Iran is relocating parts of its missile and drone program to Houthi-controlled regions, including Saada and rural Sanaa. Minister Moammar Al-Eryani said this shift threatens regional and global security, enabling Iran to use Yemen as a launchpad for attacks. He urged global action, citing Revolutionary Guard tactics mirrored by the Houthis.
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★GULF STATES
Kuwait Seizes One Million Captagon Pills From Fake Citizen
Kuwait arrested a drug trafficker with one million Captagon pills and uncovered forged documents showing he illegally obtained Kuwaiti citizenship. The suspect resisted arrest but was subdued. Authorities launched a joint investigation into the drug and forgery crimes, reaffirming its ongoing anti-narcotics campaign to safeguard national security.
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★ LEBANON
Israel Intensifies Strikes on Hezbollah Sites Across Southern Lebanon
Israel launched heavy airstrikes Friday on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, targeting Mount Bufor and Ali al-Taher heights with bunker busters. The Israeli military confirmed it struck underground fire-control systems in Jabal Shkif and destroyed infrastructure under reconstruction. Additional drone strikes hit Nabatiyeh, Beit Lif, and between Braachit and Shaqra, killing a Hezbollah member and injuring a civilian. Despite a ceasefire since November 27, Israel continues its operations, with 190 killed and 485 injured, prompting Lebanon to request a UNIFIL mission extension as border tensions persist.
Israel Targets Hezbollah’s Finances From Damascus to Beirut Suburbs
Israel escalated efforts to dismantle Hezbollah’s funding by targeting couriers, currency exchanges, and institutions from Syria to Beirut’s southern suburbs. Since 2020, Israeli strikes have hit money convoys and offices like “Al-Qard Al-Hassan,” with recent operations expanding to Beirut Airport inspections and burned currency discovered under rubble, tightening financial pressure on the group.
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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.
