⚠️ ISRAEL PAUSES SENSITIVE LEBANON OPERATIONS AS IRANIAN THREATS AND U.S. WARNINGS ESCALATE
🔸 Conflicting reports on diplomacy: Axios reports another round of U.S.-Iran talks is expected this week, likely in Switzerland.
However, a source close to the Iranian negotiating team denied that negotiations are planned, calling the reports "false" and "baseless," according to Fars News Agency.
Iranian state broadcaster IRIB separately reported that Iran is unwilling to continue negotiations because of what it described as the United States' failure to comply with the Islamabad agreement.
📍 Israel freezes sensitive IDF operations in southern Lebanon: According to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority, the United States has asked Israel to refrain from conducting sensitive operations in southern Lebanon.
Israel's political leadership has reportedly ordered a freeze on all IDF activities classified as sensitive until further notice.
The directive is expected to remain in effect while the U.S.-Iran situation becomes clearer and as Israel-Lebanon talks continue. U.S. officials have reportedly expressed concern that Israel could be drawn into the current escalation.
🛡️ Israel says it is prepared for any scenario: Defense Minister Israel Katz responded to the Iranian National Security Council's statement: "Our army is ready and prepared for any scenario, whether offensive or defensive."
⚠️ Iranian leadership renews threats of revenge: Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei declared: "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."
❗️ Israeli intelligence reportedly warned of a plot against President Trump: U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee confirmed Israeli intelligence warned Washington this week of a very specific plot to assassinate President Trump.
President Trump responded: "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 Air Force One switch may have been linked to Iran threats. President Trump departed the NATO summit aboard the older Air Force One after the Secret Service reportedly recommended using the aircraft as a precaution during the conflict with Iran. Sources said the older aircraft retains advanced defensive systems, including missile countermeasures, while it remains unclear whether the newer Qatari-donated aircraft has been fully equipped with the same capabilities.
Trump initially denied security concerns prompted the change. He said the newer aircraft flew separately for logistical reasons. However, after transferring to the newer aircraft in the U.K. for the flight to Washington, he acknowledged the decision may have been connected to threats from Iran. Unusually, Trump boarded the aircraft before the press arrived, and the window shades were lowered before departure.
Trump says Iran wants a deal but questions its credibility. Speaking aboard Air Force One, President Trump said Iran "wants to make a deal so badly," claiming Tehran had recently reached out. He questioned whether Iran's leadership could be trusted to honor any agreement, adding, "They're sort of crazy, to be honest with you."
💥 Iran reports casualties from U.S. strikes: Iran's Health Ministry stated that 17 Iranians, including one woman, were killed and 115 others were injured in the American attacks on July 8-9.
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