⚠️ Iranian Threats and U.S. Security Concerns: Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei renewed threats of retaliation, declaring: "To our martyred leader, I say: We pledge that we will avenge your pure blood and the blood of all the martyrs of these two wars... Whether we are here or not, this will be accomplished, and soon, individuals from among the freedom-loving people across the world will each carry out a part of this divine mission."
U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee confirmed that Israeli intelligence warned Washington of a specific Iranian plot to assassinate President Trump. Trump responded that "1,000 missiles are locked and loaded and aimed [at] Iran, with thousands of more to immediately follow... Orders have already been given, and the U.S. military is ready, willing, and able... to completely decimate and destroy all areas of Iran."
President Trump later acknowledged that security concerns may have influenced his decision to travel aboard the older Air Force One during the NATO summit. The aircraft reportedly retains advanced defensive systems, while it remains unclear whether the newer Qatari-donated aircraft has equivalent missile countermeasures. Trump initially cited logistical reasons before later acknowledging the possible connection to Iranian threats. He also said Iran "wants to make a deal so badly," while questioning whether its leadership could be trusted to honor any agreement.
Iran's Health Ministry reported that 17 people, including one woman, were killed and 115 others were injured during U.S. strikes carried out on July 8-9.
🛡️ Southern Lebanon: According to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority, the United States requested that Israel refrain from conducting sensitive military operations in southern Lebanon. Israel's political leadership reportedly ordered a temporary freeze on activities classified as sensitive while the U.S.-Iran situation and Israel-Lebanon discussions continue.
Despite those reported restrictions, IDF forces continued operations inside the Security Zone against immediate threats. Soldiers identified Hezbollah operatives transferring anti-tank missiles into a structure before conducting a precision aerial strike. Secondary explosions indicated weapons were stored inside the building.
Earlier, IDF forces eliminated a Hezbollah operative near an access shaft to underground terrorist infrastructure on the Ali al-Taher Ridge after determining he posed an immediate threat. In a separate strike, another suspect traveling in a vehicle was also eliminated after being assessed as threatening Israeli soldiers. The military stated that forces operating on the Ali al-Taher Ridge will not allow Hezbollah operatives to emerge from underground infrastructure and operate in the area.
Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel's military remains prepared for any scenario, offensive or defensive.
🏴 Regional Developments: According to Asharq Al-Awsat, Hamas has shifted a significant portion of its political activity and leadership meetings from Qatar to Turkey.
Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen said that if Turkey establishes military bases in Syria, Israel will establish bases there as well. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said he sees no reason for tensions with Israel to develop into open conflict.
Hürriyet reported that Turkey is expected to sell its S-400 air defense systems to a Gulf country, possibly the UAE or Qatar, to help remove obstacles to future F-35 sales. Bloomberg reported that Ankara requested Russian approval after President Erdogan's proposal to return the systems to Russia failed. The Kremlin described the issue as "an extremely sensitive matter" and said discussions would continue. Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias also raised concerns with a visiting U.S. congressional delegation regarding Turkey's possible acquisition of F-35 fighter aircraft.
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