★ SYRIA
Trump Lifts Syria Sanctions Supporting Stable Unified Government
President Trump signed an executive order Monday removing all U.S. sanctions on Syria to promote the country’s path to stability and peace. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the order supports a Syria that is stable, unified, and at peace with itself and neighbors. Sanctions remain on former President Assad, his associates, human rights abusers, drug traffickers, chemical weapons actors, ISIS affiliates, and Iranian proxies. The Treasury Department called Assad’s fall a “new beginning” for Syrian people. The new order aligns with Treasury’s General License No. 25 issued last month, authorizing investment and transactions in banking, aviation, and infrastructure. A parallel Caesar Act waiver enables foreign allies to reengage Syria’s economy. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the plan supports Syria’s stability. Trump met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa last month in Saudi Arabia during his Middle East visit.
Trump-Brokered Sharaa-Netanyahu Meeting Signals Major Regional Shift
American Rabbi Abraham Cooper revealed a potential meeting in Washington between Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, conditional on an invitation from the U.S. President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, a Syrian source told Israel’s Kan channel that Damascus does not rule out a possible meeting between Sharaa and Netanyahu on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York this September. Netanyahu is expected to visit the U.S. at the same time, with Syria relations reportedly high on the agenda, while Sharaa is planning a historic appearance at the UN. Talks are underway on a U.S.-brokered security agreement excluding the Golan, with Syria demanding Israeli withdrawal from southern areas, and both sides engaged in indirect negotiations toward a potential peace deal by 2025.
Syria Seizes 1.7 Million Captagon Pills in Southern Daraa Province
Syrian authorities seized 1.7 million Captagon pills in Daraa during a raid on drug storage sites near the eastern border. Earlier, security forces intercepted nearly 3 million pills near Lebanon. Despite efforts by transitional president Ahmed Shar’a’s government to dismantle production, trafficking persists. Captagon exports remain a major post-war challenge, fueling concerns across neighboring states.
IDF Arrests Suspected Terrorists in Southern Syria Security Raids
IDF troops arrested multiple suspected terrorists in southern Syria during raids on weapons caches, aiming to protect Israeli communities in the Golan Heights. The 210th Division now operates across Syria’s Hermon to the tri-border area. Israel blames Syria’s transitional president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, for recent rocket fire and vows continued military presence to deter cross-border threats.
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★IRAN
Senior Iranian Cleric Issues Death Fatwa Against Trump
Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi designated President Trump and Israeli PM Netanyahu as “enemies of God” under Iranian religious law authorizing execution. The 98-year-old cleric responded to a formal religious query following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Shirazi’s fatwa declares anyone threatening Supreme Leader Khamenei as “mohareb,” carrying death penalties under Iranian jurisprudence. The decree urges Muslims worldwide to make these leaders “regret their words and mistakes.” Iranian parliament simultaneously approved legislation designating U.S.-Israel collaboration as “corruption on earth,” also punishable by death.
Israel Dismantles Iranian Nuclear Threat Through 15-Year Precision Operation
Israel’s “Operation Narnia” culminated 15 years of systematic surveillance dating to 2003, assassinating 17 top nuclear scientists in coordinated strikes marking the most significant decapitation of Iran’s nuclear brain trust since 2020. Targets included former Atomic Energy chief Fereydoun Abbasi, explosives expert Mohammad Mehdi Taranchi, and U.S.-sanctioned warhead designer Seyed Seddiqi Sabir. Nine scientists died June 13 in simultaneous missile strikes on Tehran homes, with five others eliminated in subsequent operations. Iran confirmed the death of Qassem Soleimani’s trusted aide Hassan Abu al-Fadl Hassan among 56 IRGC personnel killed. Senior Khamenei advisor Ali Shamkhani survived assassination attempt after three hours buried under rubble, requiring lung rehabilitation. Ali Larijani, senior advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader, also revealed he was given a 12-hour ultimatum by Israel to leave Iran or be assassinated during the 12-day war. Iran reported a total campaign death toll of 935, reflecting extensive Israeli penetration operations across Iranian leadership structures.
Subsequent reports highlighted Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi stating that Tehran will not return to nuclear negotiations unless Washington pledges to halt future strikes.
Iranian Officials May Have Deliberately Misled In Intercepted Communications
Israeli intelligence indicates Iranian military officials gave false situation reports to political leadership, downplaying nuclear strike damage. While U.S. intercepted Iranian communications described strikes as “less devastating than expected,” intelligence sources question Iranian officials’ truthfulness and describe intercepts as unreliable indicators. CIA Director Ratcliffe countered with evidence from “historically reliable sources” indicating severe damage requiring years to rebuild key facilities. Israeli assessment finds “very significant” damage at all three sites, with enriched uranium stockpiles potentially buried beneath rubble at Isfahan and Fordow. New Maxar satellite images from June 29 show excavation work, drilling rigs, and vehicle movement at Fordow facility, suggesting Iranian recovery efforts despite extensive damage. Israeli officials report Iran itself lacks clear understanding of damage to some nuclear facilities. Iran ordered senior officials to avoid internet-connected smartphones to prevent Israeli communication intercepts, suggesting awareness of Israeli intelligence penetration. Evidence indicates Iranian communications may reflect deliberate disinformation rather than accurate damage assessment.
Iran Exploits Prison Strike to Relocate Political Prisoners
Iranian authorities transferred dozens of political prisoners from bombed Evin Prison to overcrowded facilities without family notification following the June 23 Israeli airstrike. The regime used the strike as pretext to accelerate Evin’s planned decommissioning, moving prisoners including women to Qarchak and Greater Tehran Prison under violent conditions. The airstrike killed 71 people including prosecutor Ali Ghanaatkar and detainees, while internationally sanctioned prison chief Seyedayatollah Farzadi escaped after receiving warning. Israel’s targeting of the symbolic regime facility advanced Tehran’s silent suppression of political dissidents.
Iran’s Oil Exports to China Surge During War
Iranian crude exports to China hit 1.46 million barrels daily by June 27, a 46% surge from May’s one million barrels, according to opposition reports. The increase coincided with Israel’s 12-day military campaign against Iranian facilities. China’s independent refineries drove demand higher, with tracking firm Vortexa reporting Chinese imports averaged 1.8 million barrels daily from June 1-20. The export spike indicates Tehran’s sanctions evasion network remained intact despite military strikes.
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★ ISRAEL
Netanyahu Prioritizes Gaza Hostage Recovery Following Iran Victory
Netanyahu declared hostage release Israel’s “top priority” Sunday, marking the first time he clearly prioritized hostages over Hamas defeat, stating Iran victory created “many opportunities” with hostage recovery foremost. Israeli media reports indicate Trump and Netanyahu agreed during “euphoric” phone call to end the Gaza war within two weeks, with four Arab states including UAE and Egypt governing Gaza after Hamas leadership exile. The broader plan includes Abraham Accords expansion to Saudi Arabia and Syria, Israeli commitment to a two-state solution contingent on Palestinian Authority reforms, and U.S. recognition of limited Israeli West Bank sovereignty. The Jerusalem District Court postponed Netanyahu’s corruption trial testimony citing classified diplomatic grounds, fueling speculation about Gaza breakthrough progress. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer scheduled Washington meetings this week for ceasefire talks, with Netanyahu planning White House visit in coming weeks. Trump administration pressure intensified following Iran operation success, linking Netanyahu’s legal relief to rapid Gaza resolution and regional peace expansion. Hamas maintains demands for permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal, while Israel insists on Hamas disarmament as prerequisite for war termination.
Israel Warns Iran Was Near to Producing Missiles Capable of Hitting Europe
Israel’s Foreign Ministry said Iran was close to mass-producing missiles able to strike Europe, including London, alongside nearing a nuclear breakout. Iran aimed to boost missile output from 3,000 to 20,000 units. Israel’s Operation Rising Lion targeted Iran’s nuclear, ballistic, and military command infrastructure, which officials say severely disrupted Iran’s multi-pronged strategy against Israel.
Netanyahu Prioritizes Hostage Rescue Over Hamas Defeat, Avoids ‘Deal’ Language
For the first time since the Gaza war began, Israeli PM Netanyahu named hostage rescue—not Hamas’s defeat—as the government’s top priority. In remarks seen as aligned with U.S. pressure and Trump’s calls for a ceasefire, he referred to a “rescue” operation, not a “deal.” Talks continue, but no breakthrough has been reached with Hamas.
Senior Hamas Commander Behind October 7 Attack Killed in Gaza Strike
Israeli forces killed Hakam al-Issa, a senior Hamas commander and founding figure in its military wing, in a targeted airstrike on Gaza City. Al-Issa, known as Abu Omar al-Souri, played a pivotal role in planning the October 7 attack and led combat training and infrastructure development. His battlefield strategy and elite unit leadership were central to Hamas’s military operations. At the time of his death, he was reportedly rebuilding the group’s capabilities. Israel confirmed his assassination as a major strategic blow to Hamas’s military structure.
Shin Bet Arrests 60 Hamas Operatives in West Bank’s Largest Crackdown in a Decade
Israel’s Shin Bet arrested over 60 Hamas operatives in Hebron in a major three-month crackdown, thwarting planned attacks. The operatives trained for shootings and bombings, built explosives, and stockpiled weapons. Ten terror cells were uncovered, along with 22 guns, 11 grenades, and an underground arsenal. Indictments include attempted murder and a terror organization.
Israeli Army Controls Two-Thirds of Gaza, Nears Operational Limits
Israel launched its tenth incursion into Gaza with fierce airstrikes and ground operations in Beit Hanoun, marking the most intense escalation in months. The offensive targets Hamas’s northern command and aims to neutralize threats to Israeli border towns. The military now controls 65% of Gaza and warns that expanding to 75% could endanger hostages. Commanders oppose full occupation and favor a negotiated hostage deal, urging political leaders to consider ending the war. As the ground push nears its operational limit, U.S. pressure for a ceasefire intensifies, with President Trump predicting a truce within a week.
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★ EGYPT/AFRICA
Egypt Reveals Prospective 60-Day Gaza Ceasefire Agreement
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty announced progress on a 60-day Gaza ceasefire deal, aiming to launch reconstruction talks weeks after its start. He confirmed U.S. backing for enforceable guarantees and condemned Israel’s breach of the January 19 truce. Abdelatty warned renewed Israeli aggression would destabilize the region and affirmed Egypt’s readiness to defend its national security.
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★ LEBANON
Israel Strikes Southern Lebanon as Hezbollah Rejects Disarmament Talks
Israeli drones hit homes in Aita al-Shaab and Ramyah, escalating tensions as Hezbollah leaders, including Naim Qassem, vowed retaliation and rejected any disarmament dialogue before Israel withdraws from disputed points and a ceasefire is enforced. Lebanese opposition figures condemned Hezbollah’s stance, warning it risks deeper conflict and obstructs reconstruction and international aid to Lebanon.
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★IRAQ
Former Iraqi PM Abadi Withdraws From Upcoming Elections
Former Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi’s Victory Coalition withdrew from November’s parliamentary elections, citing unchecked political money and lack of legal safeguards. This makes it the second Shiite bloc to boycott after Muqtada al-Sadr’s earlier withdrawal over political and financial corruption, despite efforts by allied groups to reverse their decisions.
U.S. Sanctions Threaten Salaries of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces
PMF commander Maytham Al-Zaydi warned that U.S. sanctions could halt salary payments after the Federal Reserve ordered Rafidain Bank to stop working with the PMF’s payroll company. Al-Zaydi also cited major corruption involving fake fighter registrations, while MP Sajad Salem claimed the PMF receives $2 billion annually without oversight or accountability.
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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.
