Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-27 at 04:01

HEADLINES
Iran claims retaliatory strikes on US-linked targets
New York contemporary troupe returns to Israel
Pride flags at Egypt-Iran World Cup

The time is now 4:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, Iran claims to strike US-linked targets, warns Gulf states not to aid attacks. Iran said it had conducted "retaliatory strikes" against US-linked targets and accused the US of violating the memorandum of understanding between the two countries on Saturday, following US strikes on Friday. A Foreign Ministry statement said the US attack on Iran, and an alleged attack on Lebanon "in coordination with the United States," are both violations of the ceasefire agreement. Iran also warned Gulf states not to allow their territory or facilities to be used to aid attacks on Iran.

In Uplifting News, Jerusalem's Botanical Gardens unfurls an array of lotus flowers as the inaugural Lotus and Indian Culture Festival opens this weekend. The event runs over three weekends—June 25-27, July 3-4, and July 9-11—at the Botanical Gardens in Jerusalem. Admission is NIS 40 for adults and NIS 35 for children, with Yerushalmi resident card-bearing youngsters free. The festival highlights Indian culture with dance, art, clothing, music, and guided tours, set against the backdrop of lotus blooms on the pond.

Int'l dance company arrives in Israel, proving Hora can be a state of mind. New York’s Peridance Contemporary Dance Company will tour Israel from June 29 to July 5, with performances in Haifa, Herzliya, and Jerusalem, becoming one of the first international contemporary companies to return to Israeli stages since the war. The program features 14 dancers and offers audiences a unique glimpse into choreographer Igal Perry’s work. Perry said bringing the ensemble to the country was essential, noting the dancers understand the situation and want to come.

Rainbow flags dot World Cup’s Seattle Pride Match played between Egypt and Iran. Rainbow banners fluttered among the crowds at Seattle’s World Cup venue as teams from two of the world’s more repressive countries met in a 1-1 draw, drawing pushback from government officials who protested to FIFA about LGBTQ rights. Seattle officials and local fans framed the occasion as a demonstration of inclusivity and shared values at the tournament, with supporters wearing Pride scarves and, at times, face paint or flags. One spectator carried a sign spelling PRIDE as an acronym: "Proud, Respectful, Inclusive, Diverse, Egyptian."

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://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-900639
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-900530
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-900486
https://www.timesofisrael.com/rainbow-flags-dot-world-cups-seattle-pride-match-played-between-egypt-and-iran/