★IRAN
Iranian Hackers Threaten Trump Aide Email Release
Iran-linked hackers operating under the pseudonym “Robert” threatened to release 100GB of emails stolen from White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Trump lawyer Lindsey Halligan, and adviser Roger Stone. CISA called it a “calculated smear campaign” by a hostile foreign adversary. The hackers previously distributed authenticated emails during the 2024 campaign and hinted at selling the current batch amid rising U.S.-Iran tensions.
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★ ISRAEL
Israel Arrests Five Over Iranian Espionage Plot
Israeli police and Shin Bet arrested a Ra’anana couple for suspected Iranian espionage, confiscating phones and computers with alleged handler contacts. Three others were held in separate cases, including a man who moved a grenade and filmed missile interceptions, and two Tiberias residents accused of plotting a paid assassination and filming malls for attacks.
US Approves $510 Million Bomb Guidance Deal
The U.S. approved a $510 million sale of bomb guidance equipment to Israel following its heavy munitions use in strikes on Iran. The deal aims to bolster Israel’s defense of its borders and vital infrastructure. Though a ceasefire paused hostilities, Netanyahu vowed to block Iran from rebuilding nuclear sites, raising fears of renewed conflict.
IDF Admits Civilian Deaths Near Gaza Aid
Israel acknowledged killing civilians near Gaza aid centers due to inaccurate artillery fire, promising reforms and halting shelling. At least 58 Palestinians died Monday, including 11 near a GHF aid site and others in heavy northern Gaza strikes. Investigations follow reports of IDF misconduct and crowd-control fire. A broader Israeli aid access plan is under cabinet review.
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★ EGYPT/AFRICA
Egypt Qatar US Coordinate Gaza Ceasefire Reconstruction
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Al Thani discussed joint efforts with the US to revive a Gaza ceasefire, release hostages, and ensure urgent humanitarian aid. Abdelatty outlined Egypt’s plans to host a reconstruction conference once a truce is reached. The two also urged de-escalation between Iran and Israel.
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★ SYRIA
Damascus Demands Full Sovereignty, Israel Refuses
Israel-Syria security talks have stalled over Israel’s insistence on maintaining IDF operations inside Syrian territory. The negotiations seek peace but risk resulting in cold relations as Damascus demands full sovereignty. The impasse threatens long-term reconciliation despite diplomatic engagement between both governments. Israel views continued operations as essential for preventing Iranian weapons transfers.
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★IRAQ
Three Rockets Five Drones Strike Kirkuk Region
Three rockets struck Iraq’s Kirkuk on Monday, hitting a military airbase and a civilian area, causing a small fire and minor injuries. Iranian-linked Sabereen News reported five drone strikes, with two hitting the base. The airbase runway and airport remained undamaged, and flights continued. Similar drone attacks hit other Iraqi sites earlier in June.
Kurdistan Workers Party Begins Weapon Surrender
Iraq Following its May decision to end armed conflict with Turkey, the PKK will begin surrendering weapons in Sulaymaniyah, Iraqi Kurdistan, between July 3–10. Around 20–30 members are expected to participate in a trust-building ceremony. The move is seen as a goodwill step toward reconciliation, with a new message from jailed founder Abdullah Öcalan anticipated soon.
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★ TÜRKIYE
Turkiye’s Second Mass Detention Follows Istanbul Corruption Sweep
Turkish authorities detained more than 120 Izmir municipality members, including a former mayor, over alleged corruption and bid rigging. The crackdown, seen by the opposition as politically driven, follows similar arrests in Istanbul. Opposition CHP lawmakers condemned the detentions as attempts to silence critics while the government insisted on judicial independence.
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★ LEBANON
Israel Demands Hezbollah Disarmament Before Lebanon Peace
Israel said peace with Lebanon hinges on disarming Hezbollah, as talks on expanding the Abraham Accords continue. Israeli officials cited limited Lebanese army efforts and ongoing strikes. Lebanon’s leaders demand Israeli withdrawal and ceasefire compliance in exchange. U.S. envoy Tom Barrack urged Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, secure the Syria border, and implement economic reforms.
Saudi Arabia Lebanon Foil Five Million Captagon Pills Operation
Saudi Arabia, with intelligence shared with Lebanese customs, thwarted an attempt to smuggle over five million amphetamine pills hidden in glass and porcelain tableware en route to Lebanon. The Interior Ministry emphasized proactive efforts to combat drug trafficking and praised Lebanon’s cooperation in disrupting criminal networks targeting Saudi youth.
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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.
