★UNITED STATES & ISRAEL
-
Iran Confirms that Israel Killed Ali Larijani and Top Basij Commander in Targeted Strikes
Israel’s IDF carried out high-level airstrikes inside Iran on Tuesday, killing Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani, Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani, Soleimani’s deputy, most of the Basij leadership, and the IRGC Aerospace Force chief. Iran confirmed Larijani’s death along with his son Morteza, deputy Ali Reza Bayat, and aides, reporting that the strike hit Larijani’s daughter’s residence in Tehran. Israeli PM Netanyahu described the operation as part of a long-term campaign to weaken Tehran’s leadership, coordinated with the US, and warned of further strategic actions.
-
Trump: US Destroyed Iranian Military, NATO Support Not Needed
President Donald Trump claimed on Tuesday that U.S. operations against Iran have destroyed its military, including the air force, navy, air defenses, and leadership. He asserted that America no longer needs NATO or other allies for the Iran war but criticized NATO members for refusing to intervene militarily alongside the U.S. He emphasized U.S. self-sufficiency in the region and warned that operations will conclude soon while maintaining control over strategic targets.
===============
★IRAN
-
Iran Launches New Missile Wave, Debuts Haj Qassem Missile
Iran launched new missile strikes on Israel, reportedly using the Haj Qassem missile for the first time, targeting multiple cities and bases after Israeli strikes in Iran killed senior Iranian figures. The IRGC signaled escalating attacks, while Israel reported interceptions and limited damage.
-
Statement Purportedly from Mojtaba Khamenei Rejects Ceasefire, Criticizes Israel and the United States
A statement attributed to Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, stated that Tehran will not pursue peace at this stage, insisting the U.S. and Israel must be defeated and pay reparations. The statement rejected foreign mediation offers and said Iran has no plans to reduce tensions. Earlier in the week, President Trump said the United States is not sure whether Mojtaba is actually alive after being wounded in the decapitation strike that killed his father at the war’s outset.
-
Overnight Israeli Strikes Kill 300 Basij Agents, Hit Key Sites
Around 300 Basij commanders and field agents were killed in overnight strikes by the Israeli air force targeting key IRGC command, logistics, and security centers in Tehran, including units involved in suppressing protests by the Iranian population. Major Basij facilities, vehicles, and equipment were destroyed, dealing a significant blow to the force’s operational capacity.
===============
★GULF STATES
-
Saudi Defenses Intercept Ballistic Missile and 17 Drones from Iran
Saudi air defenses shot down a ballistic missile targeting Al-Kharj near Riyadh and destroyed 17 hostile drones over the kingdom’s Eastern Province. Riyadh is coordinating with other Gulf states to respond to Iranian attacks while emphasizing regional stability, condemning violations of sovereignty, and warning of serious consequences if Iran continues its aggression against Gulf countries.
-
Qatar Intercepts 9 Ballistic Missiles, Destroys Several Drones
Qatar’s military intercepted nine ballistic missiles and multiple drones launched from Iran, successfully neutralizing all threats. The attacks come amid rising regional tensions, following previous waves targeting Gulf states and civilian infrastructure, while no casualties were reported in the latest incident.
-
French Shipping Line CMA CGM Opens Land Routes Through Saudi Arabia, UAE
French shipping giant CMA CGM launched alternative land corridors through Saudi Arabia and the UAE to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, using Jeddah as a hub to transport cargo by truck to Dammam and UAE ports like Jebel Ali. The network also connects Omani and Emirati ports and extends via Jordan and Turkey to Iraq, ensuring uninterrupted regional trade.
================
★LEBANON
-
Hezbollah Fires Over 70 Rockets from Lebanon into Israel
Hezbollah on Tuesday launched more than 70 rockets from Lebanon toward northern Israel, including long-range and ground-to-ground projectiles. Hezbollah claimed the attacks caused injuries and property damage in Karmiel, Haifa, and surrounding areas. The Israeli army responded by targeting Hezbollah’s launch sites and infrastructure in Lebanon, while drones were also deployed amid warnings of intensified preparations for further attacks.
-
Israeli Airstrikes Near Beirut Airport Kill Lebanese Soldier
Israeli air raids on Tuesday hit southern Beirut, near the city’s airport, as well as multiple areas in southern Lebanon. The Israeli strikes reportedly killed one Lebanese soldier and injured others, while Hezbollah reportedly struck Israeli forces with a drone in Maroun al-Ras.
=============
★ Disclaimer: This publication 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.
