🛡️ ISRAEL RAISES ALERT LEVEL OVER IRAN: Israel has raised its alert level to the highest in anticipation of a possible resumption of war with Iran, according to Yedioth Ahronoth.
Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz canceled their participation in a scheduled event and are holding security discussions on developments related to Iran.
⚠️ IRAN THREATENS TO CLOSE THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ: A senior Iranian security official told Press TV, "If the US attacks again, Iran will close the Strait of Hormuz and strike twice as many targets."
Press TV, one of the Iranian regime's propaganda outlets, also reported that developments over the past 48 hours indicate Iran is not backing down from its position. According to the report, Tehran is prepared to "fight for control of Hormuz" under a new strategy in which the strait "will be completely closed" following any future attack, while pledging to strike enemy targets on "at least double the number" of targets attacked against Iran.
IRIB also reported that eight members of the Iranian Army Air Force and Navy stationed in Bandar Abbas and Bushehr were killed in U.S. strikes earlier today.
🔸 PRESIDENT TRUMP COMMENTS ON SOUTHERN LEBANON AND SYRIA: President Trump said, "I think Israel is going to withdraw troops from southern Lebanon."
Appearing alongside the President of Syria, Trump added, "I believe Israel will withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon. Syria will be able to assist us there."
President Trump also said regarding Israel's presence in southern Lebanon: "Well, I talked to Bibi about that. Yeah, I think they're going to. I think they want to. And they're getting along with Lebanon, they're signing deals with Lebanon. First time ever."
Asked about removing Syria from the U.S. state sponsor of terrorism list, President Trump said of President Ahmad al-Sharaa: "Why wouldn't I? He's done a great job."
🔸 LEBANON AGREES TO MOVE TALKS TO ROME: Lebanon has accepted an Israeli request to relocate the next round of bilateral negotiations from Washington to Rome later this month, reversing its initial rejection after securing guaranteed American sponsorship and participation, according to Al Jadeed, AFP, and LBCI.
Simon Karam and Nada Moawad will represent Beirut. Lebanon says its official participation remains conditioned on Israel withdrawing from what it describes as "two experimental areas" in southern Lebanon under the signed Washington framework.
According to the reports, the venue change follows a U.S. diplomatic approach of beginning negotiations through the State Department before shifting talks to European capitals, mirroring previous negotiations held in Paris and Switzerland while also leveraging Italy's close military ties with Lebanon.
🪧 ANTI-NATO PROTESTS IN TURKEY: As the NATO Summit was taking place in Ankara, left-wing groups staged anti-NATO demonstrations in Istanbul.
Protesters carried signs reading "NATO, get out!" and "Murderer USA," while U.S. flags were burned.
🇮🇱 ISRAELI OFFICIALS ESCALATE RHETORIC TOWARD TURKEY: Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said, "We are preparing for every scenario, including military action. We understand that there is a threat, and we will not allow Turkey to threaten Israel's existence, just as we have not allowed—and will not allow—the Iranian regime to do so."
Over the past 48 hours, multiple senior Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, have sharply escalated their rhetoric toward Turkey, coinciding with the NATO summit currently taking place in Ankara.
✈️ REPORT: TURKEY COULD RECEIVE F-35S: According to Bloomberg, Turkey is in line to receive six F-35 fighter jets from the United States in an initial deal if President Trump lifts the current ban on sales to Ankara.
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