HEADLINES
Iran Nuclear Threat Alarms US and World
Project Freedom Paused as Peace Talks Loom
UN Seeks Chapter VII Sanctions on Iran

The time is now 9:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, Secretary Rubio fired back at a reporter, saying he cannot understand why anyone would think it is a good idea for Iran to ever have a nuclear weapon and noting how the Strait of Hormuz is currently being used as a lever that holds the world hostage. He argued that the risk of a nuclear-armed Tehran is unacceptable and that anyone who cannot see that is puzzled. He later reinforced a warning that Iran should not test the will of the United States under President Trump, emphasizing that the president will back up what he says and that if Iran tests him, they will lose — the hard way, the easy way, the long way, or the short way. A separate exchange quotes a reporter asking what Iran would need to do to violate the ceasefire, to which President Trump replied that the answer will come from him, and that Iran knows what to do and what not to do. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned the Iranian regime’s actions, saying the world should understand the need to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons after recent attacks against nearby partners and neighbors.

In US Military Role, President Trump said there has been “great progress” toward a peace deal with Iran and announced that Project Freedom, the operation to guide ships through the Strait of Hormuz, will be paused for a short period to see if a final agreement can be signed, with the blockade staying in place. He noted that requests from Pakistan and other countries helped shape the pause. Earlier this week, US forces described destroying six Iranian small boats and intercepting missiles and drones as part of Project Freedom. The chemical tanker CS Anthem became the second US-flagged vessel to exit the Strait of Hormuz, following the Alliance Fairfax, while three other US-flagged ships remain in the Gulf; CENTCOM said US Navy guided-missile destroyers are operating in the Gulf under Project Freedom, with NBC News citing two unnamed US officials on related details. A separate statement from the White House reiterated that the pause is intended to allow time for a potential agreement, while the blockade remains in effect.

In Regional Impacts, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio pressed for a UN Security Council action to stop attacks and mines in the Strait of Hormuz, calling the proposed resolution a test of the United Nations’ utility and urging China and Russia not to veto. The text, drafted by the United States with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar, could lead to sanctions against Iran and potentially authorize force if Tehran fails to halt attacks on shipping. Fresh talks in the Security Council underscored the high stakes as renewed exchanges of fire threaten a fragile truce and rival maritime blockades intensify. Previous Bahraini-led efforts stalled after Russia and China vetoed a resolution; the new draft avoids explicit language authorizing force while operating under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, enabling enforcement if Tehran refuses to halt.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Rubio argued that the problem in Israel and Lebanon is not Israel or Lebanon per se, but Hezbollah. He noted Hezbollah operates from within Lebanese territory, terrorizes Israelis, and inflicts significant damage on the Lebanese people.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Israel is reportedly set to supply jet fuel to Germany at Berlin’s request amid the Hormuz crisis, with officials citing production surpluses available for export. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has informed his German counterpart, and both sides are exploring potential cooperation on natural gas supplies.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

SOURCES
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