Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-25 at 15:02

HEADLINES
IRGC Attacks Singapore-Flag Ship in Hormuz
Doha Talks Open Channel With IRGC
Ever Lovely Attack Halts Hormuz Evacuations

The time is now 3:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, two American officials told the Wall Street Journal that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps attacked today a Singapore-flagged merchant ship in the Strait of Hormuz.

In US Military Role, US Vice President JD Vance said CENTCOM officials will meet with IRGC officials in Doha, Qatar, to establish a direct channel to reduce conflict, with an IRGC representative sitting in Doha alongside a CENTCOM officer to help resolve disputes. Vance noted that the United Arab Emirates has established new lines of communication with Iran, including contacts with the IRGC, and he pointed out that US law currently designates the IRGC as a terror organization, creating a legal gray area for such talks.

In Regional Impacts, the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization paused its plan to evacuate hundreds of ships and thousands of seafarers through the Strait of Hormuz after the Singapore-flagged container ship Ever Lovely was attacked in the Gulf of Oman. The IMO said the attacked vessel did not transit under its evacuation framework, and the pause is to reconfirm that safety guarantees remain in place for ships on the evacuation list and in the region. The evacuation plan had offered two routes—one via Iranian waters and one via Omani waters—under US oversight.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Maloni said he had a preliminary agreement with Macron on forming a coalition to support Lebanon once the UNIFIL mandate ends. Earlier today, Israeli forces operating in southern Lebanon eliminated six Hezbollah terrorists in separate engagements within the security zone, five in the Zotar al-Sharqiya area and one in the Ali Taher Ridge. Israeli forces continue to operate in the Ali Taher Ridge area to prevent Hezbollah terrorists from emerging from underground infrastructure or moving freely within the sector.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Former British Army Commander Colonel Richard Kemp said Israel is not a proxy of the United States and will put Israel’s security interests first, even as close ties with Washington remain strong. He described Netanyahu’s relationship with President Trump as extraordinary, noting they do not always see eye to eye but understand each other. Kemp also warned that rising antisemitism has left many British Jews questioning their future in the country, underscoring concerns about their safety and belonging.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Mahash investigators questioned an officer involved in the Haredi protests on Geha Highway for an alleged assault; the officer was released without restrictions after the investigation began last week as videos circulated showing assaults and protests across Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Ramat Gan. During a combat officer graduation ceremony at Bahad 1, Netanyahu was heckled by some in the crowd who shouted “Go home,” though others cheered afterward. In Jisr al-Zarqa, a man was seriously injured by gunfire and emergency workers from Magen David Adom treated him at the scene.

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/newssil/205298
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-900563
https://worldisraelnews.com/vance-says-us-iran-to-establish-direct-military-channel-with-irgc-in-qatar/
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-900561
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/06/un-agency-says-it-pauses-hormuz-ship-evacuation-initiative-after-vessel-attacked
https://t.me/newssil/205300
https://t.me/selena_updates/66256
https://worldisraelnews.com/former-british-army-commander-richard-kemp-israel-is-not-a-proxy-of-the-us/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-900554
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-900553
https://t.me/newssil/205299