Iran booby traps entrances, collapses tunnels leading to cache of enriched uranium - report

This comes a day after a senior administration official told reporters that the US and Iran are close to a deal requiring Iran to relinquish its uranium, which has been enriched to near-bomb grade.

Iran has escalated efforts to seal off its stockpile of enriched uranium, collapsing tunnels, and placing explosive mines at entrances in recent weeks, CNN reported on Saturday, citing five sources familiar with US intelligence. This comes a day after a senior administration official told reporters that the US and Iran are close to a deal requiring Iran to relinquish its uranium, which has been enriched to near-bomb grade, to the US.

Reuters also reported on Friday that the emerging US-Iran deal will include the dismantling of the Iranian nuclear program and allow the US to collect the regime's enriched uranium. However, details of how the uranium will be extracted have not been made clear. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that retrieving the uranium is one of the US’s priorities in negotiations, although he has claimed that only the US and possibly China have the capability to do so.

A CNN report from Friday stated that the US had originally planned to launch a ground mission into Iran to recover the uranium, but that Trump had paused the operation. In an interview with 103FM, former defense minister Yoav Gallant said that the US and Israel could and should have combined forces to retrieve the uranium during the war. “We should have gone and brought the enriched uranium by force in a military operation during the campaign. That would have uprooted the nuclear program from Iran,” he said. (Ed note: Gee, this kind of tells President Trump how they feel about their uranium, and what they think about his negiotations, doesn't it?) (Read More)

'We hold the upper hand': Araghchi details phased peace deal with US

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi outlines the two-stage US peace pact, demanding an explicit Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon and vowing not to leave Hezbollah alone.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on Friday that while a definitive peace treaty with the United States has not yet been fully locked in, any final pact will unfold in two distinct phases, strategically shifting the contentious nuclear debate to the second half of the timeline. Detailing the current diplomatic and military state of affairs, Araghchi confidently championed Iran's defensive position, asserting, "The best time to end a war is when we hold the upper hand; we are truly victorious on the battlefield."

He reflected on the intensity of the recent combat operations, claiming, "We stood against the world's apparent superpower for 40 days." Addressing the public's need for transparency regarding the highly sensitive and unfolding geopolitical talks, Araghchi emphasized that patience is required but promised total clarity down the line. "The final agreement hasn’t been reached yet; if it is finalized, I promise to explain every single clause," he stated, further clarified the structural sequencing of the emerging framework, "The agreement includes two stages, and we have moved the nuclear issue to the second stage."

Araghchi also forcefully reaffirmed Iran's unwavering dedication to its regional proxy network and axis of resistance, making it clear that a ceasefire must extend beyond Iran's borders. "We will never leave Hezbollah in Lebanon alone, and the end of the war will also encompass Lebanon and all other fronts. "He reinforced this regional mandate by adding, "Ending the war in the agreement also means Israel’s withdrawal from the occupied areas in southern Lebanon, and we have stated this explicitly to the other side." Turning to the specific diplomatic concessions and parameters being carved out in the written documents, the Foreign Minister highlighted a major sovereignty acknowledgment from Washington. (Ed note: Did Israel get thrown under the bus as FM Abbas Araghchi just said to President Trump, "In your face, Trump.) (Read More)

No nuclear talks without implementation of interim deal, Iran's Araghchi says

Araghchi added that the Strait of Hormuz would not return to the pre-war era, with Iran and Oman maintaining sole sovereignty over the critical waterway.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that nuclear talks with the United States would only take place at a later stage and would not proceed unless a proposed interim deal was implemented, state TV reported. He said the interim deal would include reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending conflicts on multiple fronts, adding that a memorandum of understanding had not yet been signed and could still change. 

US and Iranian officials have expressed optimism about the negotiations, noting that both sides have agreed on a text and that a deal could be signed as early as Sunday. Araghchi said the agreement demonstrates Iran was the winner of the conflict, stating, "Iran is the winner of the war with the US."

Araghchi said that management of the Strait of Hormuz would not return to the pre-war era, that sovereignty over the strait belonged to Iran and Oman, and that Iran would secure safe passage for ships through it.  (Source)

Trump tells Netanyahu it's time for war to end, calls Iran deal 'great' - report

Axios cited a source with direct knowledge of the call who said Netanyahu, who is not directly involved in US-Iran talks, was caught off guard by the pending agreement.


US President Donald Trump told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday that it is time to end the war with Iran, Axios reported on Saturday. A senior US official told Axios that Trump called Netanyahu on Thursday evening and described the potential US-Iran agreement as "a great deal." "This is the deal," said Trump. "It's a great deal, and it's time to end this war."

The official said that Netanyahu expressed to Trump his concern that the deal must address Iran's nuclear program, but avoided any significant argument with the US president. "Bibi probably understood that a deal was about to happen and that he could not stop it," said the official. Axios cited a source with direct knowledge of the call who said Netanyahu was caught off guard by the pending agreement.

The source added that the Israeli prime minister was not directly involved in the talks and had been contacting his Washington allies for information on the status of US-Iran negotiations . Accrding to Axios, Israeli officials are concerned about the contents of the US-Iran deal, but have avoided publicly criticizing it. "I understand the Israeli skepticism," a US official told reporters on Friday. "Hezbollah killed a lot of innocent Israelis, especially Israeli civilians. So we don't expect any country to give up their right of self-defense. (Ed note: What the Western mind, President Trump and many of the previous Presidents do not seem to understand is that with Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas this is not a policical war, it's a RELIGIOUS war. Their Religious Directive of Doctrine is the annihilation of the Jew and the destruction of the state of Israel. This is why Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is so very concerned. This effort by Trump only "kicks the can down the road.")  (Read More)

IDF issues evacuation warnings for 4 more south Lebanon villages ahead of strikes (SIDON)

The IDF warns the residents of four more villages in southern Lebanon to evacuate ahead of airstrikes on the Hezbollah terror group.

“For your safety, you must immediately evacuate your homes in the villages and towns and immediately move to the north of the Zahrani River,” warns army spokesman Col. Avichay Adraee. (Ed note: The Zahrani River flows through Southern Lebanon, entering the Mediterranean Sea just north of the city of Sidon.)  (Source)

IDF strikes Hezbollah rocket launchers in southern Lebanon

IDF says it carried out precise airstrikes, dismantling five rocket launchers used in attacks on IDF troops, along with a vehicle-mounted launcher, a command center, and operatives near Israeli forces. 

 
IDF soldiers continue to operate against the Hezbollah terrorist organization in order to remove threats to Israeli civilians.

In precise strikes conducted by the Israeli Air Force, and guided by the ground troops, five rocket launchers used by the Hezbollah terrorist organization to fire rockets at IDF soldiers in southern Lebanon were dismantled, including a launcher carried on a vehicle. In addition, a Hezbollah command center and terrorists operating in close proximity to IDF soldiers were struck. (Source)

Israel rules out withdrawal from Lebanon, Syria and Gaza; Iran says proposed deal includes all fronts

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said a proposed memorandum of understanding would end conflicts across multiple fronts, including in Lebanon, adding, "The MoU will announce the end of the war on all fronts, including in Lebanon. We will never leave Lebanon alone."

As Iran and the United States near a peace deal, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has said Israel will continue maintaining a military presence in territories it currently controls in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria, indicating that any future regional agreement may not lead to troop withdrawals from those areas. In a statement posted on X on Friday, Katz said Israel's security policy would remain unchanged and that the military would continue operating in what it considers security zones across multiple fronts. "Israel will not withdraw from the security zones in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza," Katz said. “Our security doctrine is sharp and clear: we act against both near and distant threats and strive for decisive outcomes, not compromises or concessions.”

His remarks came as reports in Iranian media suggested that Tehran and Washington were moving closer to a broader understanding aimed at reducing tensions across the region, including in Lebanon. Katz said Israel had drawn lessons from the October 7 attacks and would continue to hold positions it considers vital for national security. He stated that Israeli forces would keep defending the country's borders from locations including Mount Hermon, parts of southern Lebanon, the occupied West Bank and large areas of Gaza. According to Katz, Israel's approach is centred on removing security threats rather than relying on diplomatic concessions. His comments indicate that future regional negotiations could face obstacles if they require Israeli forces to leave territories currently under military control.

The Israeli defence minister also addressed ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran, saying Israel supports efforts to stop Tehran from developing nuclear weapons but would preserve its freedom to act independently if required. "The United States is leading efforts toward an agreement based on American interests, including the shared interest with Israel of preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons," Katz said. He added that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel's defence leadership had directed the military to prepare for different scenarios involving Iran. (Read More)

Minister Israel Katz confirms Israel will not withdraw from security zone

Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel will continue independent operations against Iran, will not withdraw from security zones in Lebanon, Syria, or Gaza, and will keep operating in northern Judea and Samaria.

Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Friday afternoon, amid reports of a possible agreement with Iran, that Israel will not withdraw from security areas. At the start of his remarks, the minister noted that US President Donald Trump is currently advancing an agreement with Iran based on US interests, including what he described as “the shared interest with Israel - preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons." He said Israel expects the US to “uphold this principle, as well as additional principles regarding missiles and proxy terrorism."

Katz said that Israel and the US “have dealt Iran severe blows that have set back its capabilities by many years." He added that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and he have instructed the IDF to prepare so that Israel will retain, in the future, “the ability to act independently to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons."

The defense minister clarified that “Israel will not withdraw from the security areas in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza." According to him, the IDF will continue to defend Israel’s borders “from Mount Hermon, the Lebanese mountains, the regions of our land in Samaria, and most of the Gaza Strip - against threats from jihadist forces and organizations, as a central lesson from the events of October 7." (Read More)

Trump Explodes after Iran Denies Deal - Is the U.S.-Iran Agreement Already Falling Apart?

Hours after Trump declared victory, Iran denied any deal exists, attacked commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, and accused Washington of lying. The weekend summit is now in serious doubt.

Iran's Foreign Ministry denied Friday that a final agreement with the United States was imminent ahead of proposed talks in Switzerland this weekend, saying significant work remained to be done, even as President Trump lashed out at what he called Iranian disinformation about the state of the negotiations.

The dual salvos injected fresh turbulence into what had appeared, just 24 hours earlier, to be a diplomatic breakthrough. President Trump had said as recently as Monday that a deal to end the war could be reached in "two or three days," and that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen "immediately" after such an agreement. On June 11, Trump said he expected a deal to be signed in the coming days, possibly this weekend in Europe, after announcing he had canceled planned strikes on Iran and that a settlement had been reached.

But Tehran moved quickly to complicate that picture. Iranian officials said the country had not agreed to any memorandum of understanding or framework deal with the United States, and that there was still considerable distance between the two sides. A senior Iranian official linked with the talks said Iran had not yet agreed to any memorandum of understanding or framework of a deal with the United States.

President Trump, furious at what he characterized as deliberate Iranian disinformation about the terms and the timeline, pushed back sharply. Calling to Fox & Friends, he blamed "fake news" and described media outlets as "crooked," saying that coverage of Iran was falsely portraying Tehran as succeeding. Trump accused Iran of acting in bad faith by publicly misrepresenting the state of the talks. (Ed note: Oh My. All that happened here is that the "Deal Maker" just got had by the Iranians, and they managed to get Trump to stop bombing for a while. President Trump was running around claiming victory, and the Iranians pantsed him.)  (Read More)

Trump blasts Iran over leaked terms, warns regime to 'get its act together'

Pres. Donald Trump sharply criticizes Iran, insisting terms reported in media not part of written agreement, says Tehran cannot be trusted and issues stern warning following an alleged drone attack against Indian vessels leaving the Strait of Hormuz.

US President Donald Trump on Friday claimed that details of the deal leaked by Iran are "fake news." In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, "The terms that Iran leaked out to the Fake News have NOTHING to do with the terms that were agreed to, in writing." "What they said, including their weak and pathetic statement on having a deal, bears no relation to the truth. Very dishonorable people to deal with. With them, there is no such thing as dealing in good faith. AMAZING!" "Also, their totally rebuffed Drone attack last night against Indian Ships leaving the Hormuz Strait is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. They better get their act together, and FAST!," he concluded.

On Thursday, Trump announced, "Based on the fact that discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran have been brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved, I have, as President of the United States of America, cancelled the scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran this evening. Discussions and final points have been, in both concept and great detail, approved by all parties involved, including the United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, and others. 

The Naval Blockade will remain in full force and effect until this Transaction is finalized - Time and place of the signing to be announced shortly." (Ed note: If President Trump says, "Iran can not be trusted" why is he negotiating with them, and why is his bad deal making the fault of 'fake news'?) (Source)

Trump says agreement with Iran approved by all parties involved, including Israel, cancels strikes

US President Donald Trump announced that he had canceled scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran on Thursday night, after a deal with Iran had been agreed upon. The deal was approved "both in concept and great detail" by all involved parties, including the US, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and multiple other Middle Eastern countries, Trump wrote. The blockade will remain in place until the deal is finalized, Trump said, adding that a military operation against Iran's Kharg Island is off the table for now.

No date was given for the signing, but Trump said it could happen this weekend in Europe, with US Vice President JD Vance set to attend. Notably, Israeli sources told Channel 12 that Israel does not recognize reaching an agreement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Trump on Thursday night, as Trump confirmed in comments to the press. Reportedly, Trump's announcement took Netanyahu by surprise, according to CNN.

However, the Prime Minister's office said that Netanyahu expressed his appreciation for Trump's commitment to the ceasefire agreement with Iran, which "will include the removal of enriched nuclear material, the dismantling of enrichment infrastructure, limits on missile production, and an end to Iran’s support for its terrorist proxies in the region." Israel is not part of the US's memorandum of understanding with Iran. (Read More)

Iran denies agreeing to deal, says US accepted their proposals

Iran has not approved any draft or memorandum of agreement with US, but is likely to do so due to US' acceptance of their demands, Fars claims.

The Fars News Agency on Thursday night denied US President Donald Trump's claim that an agreement had been reached for a long-term ceasefire. According to Fars, an "informed source" said that the IRGC has not approved any draft agreement or memorandum with the US. At the same time, the report said that since the US has accepted Iran's proposed text, there is a "relatively high" likelihood that the agreement will be approved by Iran's top decision makers.

Al Arabiya claimed that Iran's Foreign Minister will arrive in Pakistan on Saturday. Meanwhile, CNN reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was caught by surprise following US President Donald Trump's social media announcement declaring a deal with Iran. An Israeli source told CNN that Netanyahu, who was in a security meeting about Iran at the time of the post, had not been aware of any impending agreement or the approval of any agreement. 

Earlier on Thursday evening, Trump announced that he had called off strikes on Iran and that the regime has agreed to a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and begin nuclear negotiations." Based on the fact that discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran have been brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved, I have, as President of the United States of America, cancelled the scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran this evening," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

According to the American President, "Discussions and final points have been, in both concept and great detail, approved by all parties involved, including the United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, and others." He stressed that "the naval blockade will remain in full force and effect until this transaction is finalized. The time and place of the signing will be announced shortly." (Source)

Tehran will insist on right to enrich uranium in nuclear talks with US, Iranian media reports

Iran’s semi-official IRNA news agency says that Tehran will not give up its right to enrich uranium under any deal it makes with the United States.

Negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program are expected to begin after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, which US President Donald Trump has claimed could be signed as early as this weekend.

IRNA reports that Iran will “negotiate only the nuclear program solely within the framework of the Islamic Republic’s fundamental principles.” “Issues such as Iran’s right to enrich uranium and the retention of enriched material by the Islamic Republic of Iran will be emphasized with a view to their inclusion in the final agreement,” it says.  (Ed note: Whatever President Trump is claiming, this is what Iran believes, this is their Religion. Trump has won nothing but hot air.)  (Source)

Red Lines Remain: Iran Stalls Final Verification of Trump's Highly Touted Peace Framework

The Iranian government has issued a highly cautious response to Western declarations of an imminent peace deal, emphasizing that critical diplomatic hurdles remain unresolved. Following statements from Washington implying that a comprehensive framework had been fully approved, authorities in Tehranmoved quickly to clarify their stance. The state foreign ministry revealed that while significant diplomatic progress has been achieved through neutral regional channels, substantial disagreements persist regarding the specific details of the text.

According to official updates published by the state affiliated Tasnim news agency, the regime is actively utilizing third party channels to navigate the high stakes diplomatic standoff. The ministry spokesperson confirmed that both Qatar and Pakistan are currently operating as active intermediaries between Washington and Tehran. However, the Iranian government maintains that sudden shifts in American foreign policy and the introduction of unexpected conditions have repeatedly disrupted the delicate flow of the diplomatic process.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi reinforced this rigid geopolitical posture by issuing a direct warning regarding the ongoing negotiations. Araqchi stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran has demonstrated its positions clearly, and the state will not compromise under any circumstances on what it defines as its absolute red lines. The statement indicates that despite severe economic and military pressures, the leadership in Tehran is unwilling to accept a unilateral dictation of terms.

The regime also sought to downplay media reports regarding the scheduling of an imminent international summit to formalize the understanding. Iranian diplomatic sources stated that while it is true that the vast majority of the clauses within the draft document were previously finalized, the American side repeatedly attempted to introduce new, coercive demands. The ministry added that what is currently being reported across international outlets regarding the exact time and place of a signing ceremony consists entirely of premature media speculation. (Read More)

A Deal With Iran That Ignores Hezbollah Isn't a Peace Agreement. It's a Loaded Gun.

Israel and the United States are in constant contact right now, and the message from Jerusalem is unmistakable: Hezbollah cannot be folded into a U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding as a protected entity. Any framework that does not explicitly address what sits on Israel's northern border is not a peace agreement. It is a diplomatic document wrapped around a loaded gun.

The argument is not complicated, though its implications are enormous. Hezbollah is not an independent Lebanese political actor with a militia problem. It is an Iranian force-projection asset, armed, funded, trained, and operationally directed through the IRGC's Quds Force. Its estimated 150,000 rockets and missiles are not Lebanese deterrence. They are Iranian deterrence, positioned inside Lebanon and pointed at Tel Aviv, Haifa, and every population center in between.

This is the core of what Jay, founder of Open Source Intel (OSINT613) and one of the most closely watched analysts covering the Middle East, has been pressing his 1.2 million followers to understand. Jay, who has been monitoring regional military and geopolitical developments since launching OSINT613 in the immediate aftermath of October 7, put it in terms that cut through the diplomatic fog. (Read More)

'If order given, we will take over Beirut': IDF Golani cmndr. tells 'Post' about Wadi Saluki op.

If the orders are handed down, the Golani Brigade is ready for anything, including advancing its ground forces to take over Beirut, IDF Golani Brigade Battalion 13 Commander “M” told The Jerusalem Post in an interview on Thursday. Next, he discussed having recently taken over the Wadi Saluki area of southern Lebanon from Hezbollah, how it makes Israeli northern civilians safer, and how it pushes back Hezbollah drone and rocket launching lines, while noting that the FPV drone threat remains.

M has been in the IDF for 15 years and served in Gaza during “Chariots of Fire parts I and II” in 2025 in Khan Yunis and Rafah, after which his unit was among the first to enter Lebanon when the IDF invaded in early March of this year. Since they were among the first to invade, M said, they encountered periodic Hezbollah resistance and engaged in close-range fightingIn total, three soldiers from his battalion were killed, while the IDF has killed around 50 Hezbollah fighters in the general area.

Later, his battalion also found and seized or destroyed Hezbollah weapons and tunnels. Included in the items they found were materials from Iran explaining military strategy, as well as military maps from Iran. “There is a lot of strong spirit,” M said about his battalion’s feelings about its accomplishments.M and Battalion 13 took over the Wadi Saluki area around two weeks ago, in parallel with other Golani units taking over Beaufort Castle. (Read More)

Israel's unusual accusation against Lebanese Army commander

Israel accusing Lebanese Army chief General Rudolf Haikal of cooperating with Hezbollah, preventing implementation of Lebanese government decisions.

In Israel, the commander of the Lebanese army, General Rudolf Heikal, is being accused of cooperating with Hezbollah, Kan News reported Thursday evening. According to the report, amid direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, Israel has sent stern messages on the matter to the United States, which is acting as mediator between the two sides. A senior Israeli official told Kan News that “General Heikal is fully collaborating with Hezbollah and is preventing the Lebanese army from implementing government decisions."

The official said the message has been conveyed in recent days to American officials involved in the talks. Israel fears that information passed to the Lebanese Army via the United States could reach Hezbollah directly.

Meanwhile, another meeting is expected in Washington between IDF representatives and Lebanese Army representatives in approximately three weeks. During this meeting, Israel is expected to demand that the Lebanese Army take concrete actions against Hezbollah’s activities in villages outside the Israeli security zone in southern Lebanon. (Source)

Israel can destroy Hamas and Hezbollah. Will it be allowed to?

What the critics who warn against "escalation" consistently fail to account for is that the alternative they are defending is not peace. It is a repeat performance.

For twenty years, Israel's enemies have counted on one thing above all others: the international community saving them just before the final blow lands. That pattern is what has kept Hamas and Hezbollah alive. Not their fighters, not their rockets, not their tunnels. The question of whether Israel can eliminate both organizations has a simple answer. It already knows how. The real question is whether it will be permitted to finish. The framing of "can Israel do it" is fundamentally dishonest. It treats the problem as a military one when the military dimension is largely solved.

The IDF has decimated Hamas's senior command structure, destroyed vast stretches of its tunnel network beneath Gaza, and killed more of its fighters than any previous operation. Hezbollah, meanwhile, entered 2025 as a shadow of the force that once pointed 150,000 missiles at northern Israel. Its top leadership is dead. Its supply lines from Iran are severed or severely degraded. Its ability to recruit in a Lebanon that now partially blames it for the destruction of Beirut's southern suburbs is fundamentally compromised. Israel is advancing north daily and pushing Hezbollah farther away from the border while steadily killing terrorists and destroying weaponry and tunnels.

The word "elimination" trips people up because they imagine it means hunting down every last member of a movement. That is not what strategic elimination means. The destruction of an organization's command capacity, its financing infrastructure, its weapons supply, its territorial control, and its political legitimacy constitutes elimination in every meaningful sense. By those metrics, Hamas as a governing entity is finished. Hezbollah as a strategic deterrent is broken.

...The obstacle has never been Israeli capability. It has been the recurring interruption of Israeli operations at the precise moment when irreversible damage becomes possible. In Gaza, that interruption has taken the form of ceasefire pressure from Washington, hostage negotiations that freeze operational momentum, and humanitarian corridors Hamas immediately exploits. In Lebanon, it took the form of a ceasefire agreement that Hezbollah needed far more than Israel did, dressed up as diplomatic achievement. (Read More)

Report: Turkey urges Syrian President not to join Israel in weakening Hezbollah

Turkey is working to prevent Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa from entering into a direct confrontation with Hezbollah in Lebanon, according to a Kan 11 News report on Thursday evening. Although Damascus views Hezbollah as an enemy, a Syrian official close to the regime was quoted in the report as stating that in recent weeks, Turkey has been advising al-Sharaa - a protégé of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan - not to assist efforts by Israel and the Lebanese government to weaken Hezbollah.

According to the source, Ankara views a potential elimination of Hezbollah as an undesirable outcome, as it would ultimately strengthen Israel. The report noted that running counter to Erdogan’s desire to keep the Syrian president out of a conflict with Hezbollah, a competing effort is underway. This week, US President Donald Trump indicated that al-Sharaa actually does want to assist in the fight against Hezbollah. The Syrian president is scheduled to visit Washington next week, where Trump will attempt to enlist al-Sharaa’s cooperation on the Hezbollah issue despite Turkish opposition.

The report follows the latest verbal attacks on Israel by Erdogan. The Turkish President said on Wednesday that Israeli strikes in Syria and Lebanon have reached a point where they also threaten his country, and he warned against further action, saying, "We see comprehensive initiatives led by Israel in the Mediterranean, and no one should pursue adventures there." Erdogan warned against continued Israeli steps in the region and said, "Israel's aggression threatens the entire world." He added, "If the rights of Turks or Turkish-Cypriots are harmed in the Middle East - our response will be unequivocal and strong." (Ed note: But wait, didn't President Trump say that Erdogan was, "a very good friend of mine, we work very well together, I like him a lot." It sure sounds like Erdogan just threw Trump under the bus. Always keep one eye on the state of Syria.) (Read More)

Netanyahu reportedly not given heads-up about Trump’s announcement, was caught off guard

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was not given a heads-up before US President Donald Trump called off further strikes against Iran and said a deal could soon be signed, with the announcement catching him off guard, the Axios news site reports, citing a source with knowledge of the matter. (Source)

Press Release: Zion Oil & Gas Announces Commencement of MJ-02 Sidetrack Operations

Company’s drilling rig recommissioned and renamed “JB-1” in honor of Zion Founder John Brown.

DALLAS, Texas, and CAESAREA, Israel, June 10, 2026

Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. (OTC: ZNOG) is pleased to announce that field operations have commenced for the planned sidetrack phase of the Megiddo-Jezreel #2 well in Israel. As expected, Zion has re-entered the well and is currently in the process of drilling out the temporary plug. Following this step, the team will condition the wellbore downhole and proceed with the planned horizontal sidetrack drilling.

“We are thankful to report that this next phase of work is now underway,” said Zion Oil & Gas Chairman/CEO Robert Dunn. “Our team has safely re-entered the well, and we are moving carefully through the required steps that prepare us for the planned sidetrack drilling. We remain focused on executing the approved work plan safely, efficiently, and with gratitude for the opportunity before us.”

Zion is also pleased to report that its drilling rig has been recertified and recommissioned in accordance with regulatory requirements, and in a fitting tribute, the rig has officially been renamed JB-1 in honor of Zion’s Founder, John Brown. John’s vision, faith, and perseverance established Zion’s mission of exploring for oil and gas onshore in Israel, and the Company is grateful to honor his legacy as this important phase of operations begins.

Our crew, operations team, and all involved are excited to see this work moving forward,” Dunn added. “We deeply appreciate the continued prayers and encouragement of our shareholders and supporters around the world.” Zion Oil & Gas remains committed to pursuing its mission in Israel with diligence, prudence, and faith, and looks forward to providing further updates as operations progress.

About Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.

Zion Oil & Gas, a U.S. public company traded on OTCQB: ZNOG, is dedicated to exploring for oil and gas onshore in Israel under its Megiddo Valleys License 434 which covers approximately 75,000 acres. (Read More)

US strikes Iran after Trump says will ‘hit them hard,’ that military is taking ‘millions of barrels of oil every night’ out of Islamic Republic

The U.S. military struck Iran on Wednesday, after U.S. President Donald Trump said that “we’re going to hit them hard again today.” The regime said that the United States bombed two Iranian reservoirs, which supply water to thousands of people, the Associated Press reported. U.S. Central Command said on Tuesday that it “struck Iranian air defense, ground control stations and surveillance radar sites near the Strait of Hormuz.” Trump announced to reporters at the White House on Wednesday that the United States has been taking “millions of barrels of oil” out of the Islamic Republic nightly. “We’re taking out millions, which I’m just announcing today for the first time. But we’ve been taking out millions of barrels of oil. Every night, we took out oil,” the president said.

“But now I’m going to tell you, because they just figured it out. So now that they figured it out, I can tell you,” he told reporters. “It was very hard for me. I wanted to say it so badly, but I didn’t want to ruin it. Millions of barrels of oil have come out, and that’s why it’s at $85-$90 a barrel instead of $250.” Chris Wright, the U.S. energy secretary, reportedly told the House House Science, Space, and Technology Committee on Wednesday that he was unaware that the United States had taken millions of barrels of oil out of Iran.

The attacks on Wednesday came hours after Iran reportedly struck Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan. “We hit them hard yesterday, and we’re going to hit them again hard today,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “We’ll see what happens with the deal. We were really close to a deal, but they keep tapping us along.” “They keep playing us for suckers, because you know what? They deal with some very stupid presidents,” Trump said. Jason Brodsky, policy director at United Against Nuclear Iran, told JNS that “it’s an endurance contest.”

“The Iranian regime feels it has all the time in the world to wait out President Trump, and I think it’s incumbent on the Trump administration to try to change that calculus,” he said. “I think that’s why you’re seeing President Trump get starting to get publicly impatient with the Iranian regime’s stall tactics and the negotiations.” Brodsky told JNS that “after Iranian aggression aimed at American forces, the U.S. administration is increasingly targeting Iranian soil, and that’s a sea change in how we operate.” (Read More)

Iran 'will stand firm against any pressure or threat,' Pezeshkian warns in reaction to Trump

Threats to Iranian infrastructure, including transportation networks, electricity, and water, are “not a show of strength but a sign of desperation,” Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on X/Twitter. Iran "will stand firm against any pressure or threat," he added. His statements came in response to US President Donald Trump threatening to strike Iran "hard" again on Wednesday.

Ebrahim Azizi, the head of the national security commission of Iran's parliament, also reacted to Trump's statements, saying that "We are not afraid of fighting losers." "The number of American casualties is already far higher than Trump confirms, and it will rise," Azizi wrote on X in English.

"This time, the war won't be limited to the region. We'll see what happens!" he concluded. In addition, Iran's military spokesperson, Abolfazl Shekarchi, told Iranian state media on Wednesday that the country has "proven that we will respond to threats accordingly." (Source)

Zamir: IDF ready to carry out more ‘severe and deep’ strikes in Iran

The Israel Defense Forces is prepared to deliver “another severe and deep strike” against the Iranian regime, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir warned on Tuesday. “The IDF maintained, and continues to maintain, immediate readiness and preparedness to resume operations in Iran,” Zamir told fellow commanders during a training exercise in northern Israel. The military chief spoke a day after Iran and its Houthi proxy targeted the Jewish state with several volleys of ballistic missiles, prompting Israeli retaliatory airstrikes against targets in the Islamic Republic. 

“All of our defensive and offensive capabilities were on high alert and fully prepared—we intercepted the threats launched at us and struck in Iran swiftly and forcefully,” stated Zamir, warning that Monday’s operation was merely a “preparation for a much more significant and powerful blow.” “Iran’s attempt to dictate new rules and alter the reality will fail,” he declared, in reference to Tehran’s threat to resume attacks if the IDF continues to strike Hezbollah, its Lebanese terrorist proxy. “We will continue to operate and deepen the damage inflicted on the Hezbollah terrorist organization while defending the communities of northern Israel,” Zamir vowed, adding: “The IDF remains on high alert and will act with determination wherever we identify a threat to the citizens of the State of Israel.”

The IDF’s Home Front Command on Tuesday morning lifted restrictions on civilian life for most of the country after Iranian missile attacks ceased, allowing schools to reopen and daily life to return to normal. However, the Islamic Republic on Monday afternoon warned it would carry out “far more severe and crushing” missile attacks against Israel if the Jewish state continued military operations against Hezbollah. (Read More)

Israel set to approve funding plan for 61 West Bank settlements - report

Israel's cabinet is expected to approve a plan to fund the de facto establishment of 61 new settlements in the West Bank on Thursday, according to Axios's Barak Ravid. The plan involves the allocation of over 350 million dollars over several years, Ravid wrote in a post on X/Twitter citing a source familiar with the proposal, and is being promoted by far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. "Many of the settlements included in the proposal are located in strategically sensitive areas," Ravid wrote, "including along Highway 90 in the Jordan Valley, in the South Hebron Hills, and in locations designed to create territorial continuity between existing settlements."

The funding will cover temporary mobile homes, public facilities, community infrastructure and support services, in what Ravid called "one of the most significant settlement expansion moves in decades," adding that the funding for these structures would begin even before the planning process was fully completed. In later stages of the proposal, the government would also fund more permanent development work for the settlements, including building roads and installing utilities.

Ravid highlighted that the proposal's unusual move of allowing a temporary site to be established before planning procedures could be completed would set a significant precedent, allowing the government to set "facts on the ground" to later evolve into permanent settlements. Right-wing ministers and lawmakers have continuously pushed for Israeli sovereignty over all areas in the West Bank, drawing sharp criticism and condemnation from leaders of various countries worldwide.

In another decision, 2,162 new housing units were approved to be developed in West Bank settlements by the Higher Planning Council, which is a body that operates under the Defense Ministry, Smotrichannounced earlier this month. Smotrich welcomed this decision, saying that “we are continuing to build the Land of Israel in practice.” He added that the establishment of the new housing units was “not merely planning measures." (Read More)

Israel's Top Historian Says Cut the US - Is Washington Secretly Starting to Agree?

A viral post reigniting debate over US-Israel ties has landed amid secret talks in both capitals to end $3.8B in annual military aid and Trump's team may even be on board. A viral social media post by an Israeli commentator arguing that Israel would be better off cutting its ties with the United States has touched a raw nerve this week, landing in the middle of a far more serious and substantive debate already underway in both Jerusalem and Washington over the future of the two countries' alliance.

The post, by Yossi Goldstein, a professor of modern Jewish and Zionist history at Ariel University and a longtime public intellectual who has written extensively on Israel's founding generation, argued that Israel had won its greatest military victories, including the 1948 War of Independence and the 1967 Six-Day War, with little or no direct American arms support, and that the alliance today constrains more than it enables. The argument struck a chord, particularly amid mounting Israeli frustration over US pressure to hold back during the current round of fighting with Iran. But the debate it has ignited reflects a genuine policy shift already accelerating behind the scenes in both capitals.

From Aid to Trade — The Real Conversation

Israel's Defense Ministry and the Trump administration have launched formal talks on a new security cooperation framework to replace the current ten-year memorandum of understanding signed under the Obama administration, which expires in 2028. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee signaled the direction of travel earlier this week, writing on X that a new MOU with Israel "ends aid & will be based on trade."

What Trump's Team Really Thinks

The picture inside the Trump administration is more complicated than the public statements suggest. The debate comes amid eroding public support for Israel in the United States, including among younger Republicans, with a recent Pew Research Center survey finding that 60% of Americans hold an unfavorable view of Israel, up from 53% the previous year. Among Republicans under 50, the share with an unfavorable view rose to 57%. (Ed note: Many past US Presidents have not had Israel's interests at heart. Is Israel better left to itself? Your call.)  (Read More)

Netanyahu to Lebanese: 'Hezbollah is weak, don't let it dictate your future'

The PM addressed a direct message to the citizens of Lebanon, accusing Hezbollah and Iran of dragging the country into conflict and saying that Israel seeks peace.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu published a direct message this evening (Wednesday) to the citizens of Lebanon, emphasizing that Israel does not view them as the enemy, but is acting against the Hezbollah organization. “Israel is not at war with you. We are at war against Hezbollah, which has taken your country hostage, does Iran’s bidding, and uses your territory to launch terrorist attacks against Israel," Netanyahu said. The prime minister addressed the people of Lebanon and recalled the state of the country in the past, before the strengthening of Iranian and Hezbollah influence.

“Do you remember Lebanon before Iran and Hezbollah turned it into a nightmare? Do you remember the cafés? The culture? Do you remember the peace and quiet? All of that is gone because Hezbollah and Iran want to drag us into war again and again and again. You deserve better. Your children deserve better. You know that Israel will do whatever is necessary to protect our families and our communities."

Netanyahu added that Israel has dealt severe blows to Hezbollah since the beginning of the fighting. “Hezbollah is weaker than ever. Israel is stronger than ever. We have eliminated nearly 10,000 Hezbollah terrorists so far. We are systematically clearing southern Lebanon of these fanatics. No matter where they are, we will find them. "Later in his remarks, the prime minister emphasized that Israel seeks peace with Lebanon, but said Hezbollah is the main obstacle standing in the way.

“You also know that we yearn for peace with you - with Lebanon. A peace in which our two peoples can invest together, build together, and prosper together. The only obstacle to this beautiful vision is Hezbollah. They want war, not peace. They want death, not life. They will sacrifice as many of you as possible to achieve their sick goals." “Do not let your future be dictated by medieval theocrats who are determined to destroy our shared civilization. Israel wants peace with you. Take your future into your own hands. Join Israel. Build security and prosperity for all our children. And once Hezbollah is dismantled, the possibilities will be endless - the sky is the limit," Netanyahu concluded. (Ed note: Great speech by BiBi. And while we are remembering, do you remember the years when the city of Beirut was considered "The Paris of the Middle East"? The years between 1955 and 1975.) (Source)

Midday Strike in Sidon: Advanced Unmanned Aircraft Obliterates Target Vehicle on Busy Transit Route

An Israeli unmanned aerial vehicle has successfully executed a targeted strike against a moving vehicle in the heart of Sidon, eliminating two high level operatives amid an intensifying border air campaign.

The ongoing border war has escalated significantly into the deeper territory of southern Lebanon following a highly precise, midday aerial interdiction executed in a densely populated urban sector. Local security networks in the city of Sidon reported a massive explosion that completely consumed a civilian sedan traveling along a main thoroughfare. The tactical strike, carried out without prior warning by a low flying unmanned aerial platform, caused immediate panic as local residents and bystanders fled the area to escape the secondary fires.

Lebanese emergency services and internal security units arrived at the scene shortly after the detonation to cordon off the charred remains of the vehicle and manage the gathering crowds. Photographic evidence from the site confirmed that the precision missile achieved a direct impact, instantly killing both occupants inside the cabin. While official channels in Jerusalemmaintained their standard policy of immediate silence regarding specific cross border maneuvers, local defense analysts identified the operation as part of a systematic campaign to eliminate key command personnel.

The strike coincides with an official operational review published by the Israeli military regarding its ongoing counterterrorism efforts along the northern front. The specialized Shahaf Unit, which manages tactical intelligence collection and real time fire direction, has significantly increased its surveillance footprint across the region. Working in close coordination with combat squadrons from the air force, the specialized surveillance teams have successfully tracked and eliminated more than twenty high level operatives over a two week period.

The targeted individuals were actively organizing impending cross border raids and drone assaults designed to inflict heavy casualties on frontline defense forces and civilian communities. In tandem with the physical elimination of these personnel, the air campaign has focused heavily on neutralizing the hidden logistical infrastructure utilized by hostile factions. Multiple storage depots, launching platforms, and technical facilities designed for the deployment of explosive kamikaze drones have been thoroughly dismantled. (Read More)

Watch: IDF strikes Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon (TYRE)

Over the past 24 hours, the IDF struck Hezbollah infrastructure sites and eliminated terrorists in the area of Tyre and additional areas in southern Lebanon.

Over the past 24 hours, the IDF struck Hezbollah infrastructure sites and eliminated terrorists in the area of Tyre and additional areas in southern Lebanon.

In one of the strikes, a weapons cache belonging to the Hezbollah terrorist organization was struck. Following the strike, secondary explosions were identified, indicating the presence of weapons stored at the site. (Source)

Erdogan threatens attacks against Israel

The president of Turkey claimed that Israeli strikes also threaten his country and warned against harm to Turks and Turkish Cypriots.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said today (Wednesday) that Israeli strikes in Syria and Lebanon have reached a point where they also threaten his country, and he warned against further action, saying, "We see comprehensive initiatives led by Israel in the Mediterranean, and no one should pursue adventures there." Erdoğan warned against continued Israeli steps in the region and said, "Israel's aggression threatens the entire world." He added, "If the rights of Turks or Turkish-Cypriots are harmed in the Middle East - our response will be unequivocal and strong."

The Turkish president went on to say, "Turkey's security does not begin in Hatay, but also in Aleppo, Damascus and Beirut. We will not tolerate any 'fait accompli' in our brotherly nations, and we will not turn a blind eye to aggression against them." He also referred to statements in Israel about a "Greater Land of Israel" and declared, "If Allah wills, we will never allow that."

Erdoğan's remarks appear to refer to a report published in December by the Greek news site TA NEA, which said that Israel, Greece and Cyprus are examining the formation of a joint military force in the eastern Mediterranean. According to the report, the proposed force would include about 2,500 troops, ships, fighter jets and infrastructure to be deployed on the Greek islands of Karpathos and Rhodes and in Greece, Cyprus and Israel.

According to that report, Athens and Jerusalem are expected to each send 1,000 troops, while Nicosia would send 500 troops. The report also claimed that the air forces of Israel and Greece would each provide one squadron to the force. Prime Minister Netanyahu responded: “The antisemitic dictator Erdoğan - who is committing genocide against the Kurds, supports the Hamas terrorist organization, oppresses his own people and imprisons political rivals - is the last person who can lecture the State of Israel on morality." (Ed note: This guy, Erdoğan, hates Israel and is always looking for a fight. The funny thing is, he isn't even Arab, nor is the state of Turkey, Arab.)  (Read More)

Could a war of words between Turkey and Israel escalate toward a new crisis? - analysis

Turkey and Israel appear to be heading towards increasing chances of a confrontation in the region. This confrontation has so far played itself out primarily as a war of words. For instance, Turkey’s interior minister, Mustafa Ciftci, said he hoped to see the “liberation” of Jerusalem. He compared this to recent conflicts between Armenia and Azerbaijan and in Syria, where areas had been liberated from adversaries.

On June 7, Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz wrote on social media, “To the Turkish Interior Minister who dreams of administering Jerusalem and hurls threats, I say this: Jerusalem is not Constantinople, and the State of Israel is not a crumbling Crusader Empire. Israel is a strong and resolute state that has proven its capacity to defend itself against any threat.”

Katz went on to note to the Turkish official that “Jerusalem has been the capital of the Jewish people for 3,000 years and will remain Israel’s capital forever. You and the Ottoman Empire that Erdogan dreams of, on the other hand, have collapsed and will never return.“Unfortunately, you have learned nothing from the legacy of Atatürk, who worked to transform Turkey into a modern state; on the contrary, you are working to drag Turkey back into a dark and backward era.”  (Ed note: In your face, Ciftci.) (Read More)

US Strikes Destroy Water Supply for 20,000 in Southern Iran

Iranian officials confirm US missiles destroyed two reservoirs in Sirik County, cutting drinking water to Kuhestak and some 10 villages amid broader strikes on Hormozgan Province.

U.S. missile strikes on southern Iran early Wednesday destroyed two drinking water reservoirs serving roughly 20,000 residents in Sirik County, cutting off water supply to the town of Kuhestak and approximately ten surrounding villages, Iranian officials confirmed.

Abdolhamid Hamzehpour, managing director of the Hormozgan Water and Wastewater Company, said the two reservoirs, one with a capacity of 500 cubic meters and another of 2,000 cubic meters, were completely destroyed in the early-morning strike on the Bamani district of Sirik. Hamzehpour said mechanical facilities associated with the reservoirs were also destroyed, with estimated damages reaching 140–150 billion tomans. Emergency crews have been dispatched to restore water access through alternative means.

Iran's consulate in Mumbai warned that the strikes had cut off drinking water for local residents, calling the targeting of civilian water infrastructure a matter of "serious humanitarian concern." The IRGC said the U.S. strikes also damaged a communications tower in Sirik, according to Tasnim News. CNN said it has reached out to U.S. Central Command for a response.

The water infrastructure strike came amid a broader wave of U.S. military operations across Hormozgan Province. CENTCOM described the strikes, which hit Qeshm Island, Sirik, Jask, and Kuh-e Mobarak, as a "proportional response" to Iranian aggression, following the downing of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week. Both crew members were rescued safely, although one rport indicates that one of them was moderately injured during the shootdown. President Trump, in an interview with ABC News, described the strikes as a "strong and powerful" reaction to the helicopter incident. (Ed note: Hang on, this could get very serious as whole sections of the population could have to start moving to other locations in the near future.)  (Read More)

Trump says Iran taking too long to negotiate deal: ‘Now they will have to pay the price!’

US President Donald Trump says Iran has “taken too long to negotiate a deal that would have been great for them. Now they will have to pay the price!” The Truth Social post suggests that the US may attack Iran again, after carrying out strikes overnight in retaliation for the downing of an American military helicopter. Iran responded with strikes on several US military bases in the region.

Trump, nonetheless, insists in his post that Iran is in a very weak position. “Iran’s military is a complete and total mess. Much of it, like their navy and air force, doesn’t even exist anymore. They have been completely defeated. Iran is all talk and no action. The bully of the Middle East is DEAD!” (Source)

'Iran is acting like Israel on October 8': Expert warns why Tehran is taking bigger risks

According to Adiri, the recent confrontations with Iran are shaping a new reality in the Middle East and forcing Israel to reexamine the limits of the campaign.

Iran has entered an aggressive phase of friction-testing and learning boundaries with Israel, the US, and countries in the region, geopolitics and technology expert Yonatan Adiri warned during a 103FM interview on Monday. According to Adiri, the recent confrontations with Iran are shaping a new reality in the Middle East and forcing Israel to reexamine the limits of the campaign. "You can think of today's Iran like Israel on October 8," Adiri explained. "[Iran] understands that it needs to rub against others, go out and rediscover the boundaries again, vis-a-vis its neighbors, vis-a-vis Israel, and of course also vis-a-vis the Americans."

According to him, Tehran is currently in the midst of an aggressive learning competition with regional states and is willing to raise the level of friction to test the limits of power and the response to it. "Iran is prepared for very significant friction. The Iranian attack on the nuclear reactor in the United Arab Emirates is a dramatic event with enormous economic implications," he said.

Adiri added that the significance of the events is not limited to the military or diplomatic arena, but also relates to broader risks in the region. "The International Atomic Energy Agency warned about the danger of an explosive event with nuclear damage in the region. The Iranians are playing this game also with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait. In a few months, Iran will not be the same country we knew."

He then addressed the effect of the tensions on global markets, arguing that the world economy has learned to absorb the reality that has emerged. "Iran is in a situation where there is a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz," he said. "Oil prices have remained more or less at the level to which the global economy has adjusted. As long as there is no agreement, Iran does not receive sanctions relief or the $24 billion that became a prerequisite. It is convenient for the global economy to live with this." (Read More)

US conducts repeated retaliatory strikes in Iran following attack of US helicopter

According to CENTCOM, the US struck Iranian air defense, ground control stations, and surveillance radar sites near the Strait of Hormuz with precise munitions from US Air Force and Navy fighter jets. The United States launched strikes against Iran on Tuesday evening, following the downing of a US Army Apache helicopter, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Tuesday. The strikes were described by CENTCOM as "self-defense strikes" and as "a proportional response to unjustified Iranian aggression."

Several hours after the first round of strikes, explosions were heard in the Iranian cities of Jask and Bandar Abbas, according to Iranian state-sponsored media outlet Mehr news agency, citing local residents' reports. A short time after that, explosions were reportedly heard in Qeshm Island in southern Iran, in what various media outlets referred to as a third round of strikes.

According to CENTCOM, the US struck Iranian air defense, ground control stations, and surveillance radar sites near the Strait of Hormuz with precise munitions from US Air Force and Navy fighter jets. Earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump announced that the US "must respond" to Iran's downing of the helicopter. “Last night, the Iranians shot down one of our highly sophisticated Apache Helicopters while patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump described in a post on Truth Social. “The United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack.” (Read More)