Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-23 at 03:01

HEADLINES
Iran Holds Leverage as US Faces Strain
Iran Forms Strait Authority, Plans Toll Talks
Herzliya Suspect Self-Immolates During Questioning

The time is now 3:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, a video posted by White House Deputy Chief of Staff and Trump's assistant Dan Scavino showing B-2 stealth bombers appeared without context.
Three months into the confrontation with Iran, the administration has chalked up tactical moves as part of a broader effort, but analysts question whether those gains amount to a durable geopolitical victory. Iran retains leverage in the Strait of Hormuz, remains resistant to nuclear concessions, and its theocratic government remains in place. Observers note that the US military has delivered visible demonstrations, yet translating those successes into a lasting political outcome is debated. There is concern that the United States and its Gulf partners could emerge weaker while Iran could gain leverage by disrupting a sizeable portion of global oil and gas shipments. The crisis continues, with some experts seeing a potential face-saving exit if negotiations tilt in Washington’s favor, while others foresee ongoing strain.

In Regional Impacts, Iran has created the Persian Gulf Strait Authority to govern the international waterway and is negotiating with Oman to establish a toll system for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
The authority published a map outlining the management area and noting that certain passages require permits, as Iran seeks ways to generate income from the chokepoint even as the United States warns against tolls. President Trump said, “we don’t want tolls. It’s international. It’s an international waterway.” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio added that “it can’t happen” and that such tolls would be unacceptable.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, a 30-year-old suspect set himself on fire in Herzliya as police arrived to question him.
The man had been sought for threatening social workers at the Herzliya Municipality and had raised a stone toward staff members. He poured flammable material on himself and the ground, and officers immediately called for medical aid. Paramedics treated him on the scene, and he was evacuated to a hospital in serious condition. Police from the Glilot station and forensic investigators from the Yarkon area arrived to collect evidence and opened an inquiry into the circumstances of the incident.

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
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/76636
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/05/analysis-three-months-trump-losing-iran-war
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-897038
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-897040