Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-12 at 16:01

HEADLINES
Rising Lion reshapes Israel's security doctrine
US Iran deal to dismantle nuclear program
UAE to unlock billions for Iran

The time is now 4:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Operation Lion's Roar, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion on June 13, 2025, a military campaign that will likely reshape Israeli security doctrine for generations. The debate about Iran’s intentions has long framed policy, but the lesson from Rising Lion is clear: national security cannot rest on assessing intentions. It must be built on preventing capabilities. Intentions can change overnight; leaders rise and fall; political circumstances shift. A state with thousands of ballistic missiles, a vast drone arsenal, and a military nuclear infrastructure does not become less dangerous simply because one expert or another believes it has no immediate intention to use them. Jewish and Israeli history reinforces this lesson again and again.

In US Military Role, the ups and downs that really matter: why Israel, the US are not fighting the same war, the observed pattern shows that militarily, these were masterpieces of intelligence and kinetic execution. Strategically, however, they have exposed a profound, almost catastrophic misunderstanding of our adversary. A contemporary political cartoon circulating in diplomatic circles illustrates this sense of strategic vertigo, depicting an elevator labeled “Lobby of Hell” with the newest Iranian cleric and a Hezbollah operative, while US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu press the elevator call buttons and, above them, figures that symbolize broader visions. The image underscores the critique that policymakers remain fixated on symbolic controls and rhetoric while losing sight of the deeper strategic reality beneath. The takeaway is a clear warning that alliance leadership must align its assessments with the adversary’s true objectives rather than only with aspirational premises.

In Regional Impacts, UAE to unlock billions of dollars for Iran, sources say, the developing financial shift is described as a tactical recalibration after weeks of Iranian attacks on the Gulf. Two regional sources said the United Arab Emirates agreed to release a total of about $10 billion to Iran, with some reports indicating the total could reach $20 billion; more than $3 billion of the funds had already been delivered. It remains unclear whether the money earmarked for transfers belongs to the UAE or originates from long-blocked Iranian accounts within the UAE banking system or elsewhere. The arrangement is reported as part of broader talks tied to ending the war, with a stated quid pro quo that would halt Iranian attacks on the UAE.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, US-Iran deal to include dismantling of Iranian nuclear program, US official says, the emerging peace framework between Washington and Tehran would include dismantling Iran’s nuclear program and allow the United States to retrieve enriched nuclear material from Iran. The deal, reportedly involving the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and steps that would enable economic relief, is described as an important step toward ensuring Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon, with assurances that Tehran would never pursue such weapons. The text of the agreement was presented as having been agreed upon by the two countries, and officials suggested that if Iran complies, it would receive economic benefits; Israeli leadership is expected to align once the terms are fully disclosed. White House reveals to Israel Hayom outline of deal with Iran, a senior White House official told Israel Hayom that the United States and Iran are days away from reaching an agreement and that there is an 80–85 percent chance the sides would sign a memorandum of understanding. The official said the core objectives align with goals associated with opening the Strait of Hormuz, removing threats to regional shipping, destroying Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium, dismantling key components of its nuclear program, and establishing a monitoring and enforcement mechanism to prevent a resumption of nuclear development and related violence. The arrangement envisions economic relief only after Iran fulfills its commitments, with leadership expecting further alignment once terms are publicly detailed.

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/opinion/article-898846
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-899084
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-899229
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-899228
https://www.israelhayom.com/2026/06/12/white-house-reveals-to-israel-hayom-outline-of-deal-with-iran/