Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-26 at 13:02

HEADLINES
Trump accuses Iran of Hormuz drone attack
Iran asserts Hormuz shipping rights amid standoff
Israel Lebanon framework set for unveiling

The time is now 1:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, President Trump accuses Iran of drone attack on ships in Strait of Hormuz. He says Iran launched at least four One Way Attack Drones against ships transiting the Strait, with one drone hitting the upper deck of a cargo ship and causing damage, though the vessel was able to proceed on its way. He adds that three other drones were knocked down and characterized the attack as a foolish violation of the current ceasefire. The remarks, posted on Truth Social, frame the incident as developing. Trump also repeats that Iran foolishly violated the ceasefire by attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz with drones. Separately, Trump’s statements come as Oman notes the Strait will not return to prewar conditions and is considering transit fees, while Gulf states warn that a pending deal could expand Iran’s regional power and deepen instability.

In Regional Impacts, Iran reasserts its right to control shipping in Strait of Hormuz after a ship was hit near Oman. Tehran reasserted its claim to govern shipping in the Strait and warned Gulf states against siding with the US, in response to a joint US-Gulf statement that rejected Iranian toll demands. Iran argues that safe passage through the Strait cannot be guaranteed under ambiguous arrangements that do not take Iran’s role as a coastal state into account, Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said. Iranian state TV reported that three foreign tankers attempting an unauthorized passage were turned back after a warning from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, with no further details provided. A US official said they are aware of the reports and are looking into them, while President Trump has been clear that Iran cannot subvert the free flow of traffic in the Strait. The report notes that oil markets were affected by the developments.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Al Jazeera reports that an agreement regarding a letter of intent has been reached within the negotiations between Israel and Lebanon in the United States, with the signing expected soon in the presence of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Separately, senior Israelis and Lebanese say that a framework agreement is expected to be announced today between the two governments at the end of four days of negotiations in Washington, per Barak Ravid.

In Uplifting News, Music's hidden message: Israeli drag queen and exiled Iranian singer send a message of freedom describes a collaboration among Israeli drag performer Nona Chalant, exiled Iranian singer Jeanette R. Yehudaiyan, and music producer Sailo to produce a techno dance version of the 1988 folk song Do Kaftar, known as Two Doves. The new version is presented as a powerful call for peace, freedom, and a bridge between ancient culture and the modern world, drawing on Persian lyrics that speak of separation and longing. Israeli-American Emanuel Sharp, the son of Maccabi Tel-Aviv legend Derrick Sharp, has been drafted to the NBA by the Sacramento Kings with the 45th pick. Sharp, who spent his college career at the University of Houston after growing up in Israel, overcame a serious leg injury in high school and went on to earn All-Big 12 First Team and All-Defensive Team honors in 2025-26. He previously represented Israel’s U16 team, and his family includes his mother Justine Ellison Sharp, a noted basketball player in Canada.

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-900620
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https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-900619
https://t.me/abualiexpress/125454
https://t.me/abualiexpress/125453
https://t.me/hnaftali/23616
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-900481
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-900618