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Israel is set to begin limited flights in and out of Ben Gurion International Airport on Monday, the airport authority announced. Outgoing flights will operate with a maximum of 50 passengers because of new safety protocols, Israel Airports Authority (IAA) said in a statement. Israel’s Home Front Command has restricted large gatherings of people and closed non-essential workplaces because of the threat of Iranian ballistic missiles. Meanwhile, the IAA will allow approximately 24 incoming flights per day as part of what it’s calling the “Safe Return” operation, as tens of thousands of Israelis remain stranded abroad. These inbound flights are allowed to operate with an increased capacity. The IAA said the resumption of flights – even at limited capacities – would mark “a significant step toward the gradual restoration of routine international travel.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is facing the most serious crisis of his decades-long rule following the U.S. strike on multiple Iranian nuclear facilities, according to a leading analyst — as the world waits to hear any official response from the 86-year-old leader. “Khamenei is arguably in the most dire situation of his entire life as an autocrat,” said Karim Sadjadpour of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in an interview with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins. “He’s in a bunker. He’s 86 years old. He has limited physical, cognitive bandwidth. Most of his top military commanders were assassinated. He doesn’t control his own airspace. Israel controls it,” Sadjadpour explained. “And, you know, there’s no way out of this war. He can’t win this war. He’s outmatched militarily, financially, technologically.” Khamenei has yet to release any public statement since the United States carried out the dramatic strikes on three major Iranian nuclear sites. Prior to the attack, he warned that Iran would not surrender and vowed that any U.S. military involvement would bring “irreparable damage.” Meanwhile, President Trump, who reportedly rejected a proposal from Israeli officials to target Khamenei directly, said last week that Iran’s Supreme Leader is an “easy target.” The question now looming in diplomatic and intelligence circles is whether the pressure on the regime could lead to its collapse — a scenario that could dramatically reshape the region but also spark widespread instability. Khamenei, who took the reins of power in 1989 after the death of Ayatollah Khomeini, has ruled the Islamic Republic for more than 35 years and is the country’s highest authority. His regime was built on the ashes of the Shah’s pro-Western monarchy, toppled during the 1979 Islamic Revolution. “The Supreme Leader has survival instincts, but he also has defiant instincts,” said Sadjadpour. “And he’s having a real struggle in my view, reconciling those two.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Iran’s supreme leader on Sunday promised “punishment” for Israel as both nations continue to engage in retaliatory strikes. “The punishment continues,” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei wrote on X. “The Zionist enemy has made a big mistake, committed a big crime; it must be punished and it is being punished; it is being punished right now.” The social media post came as Israel warned of a missile launch from Iran. Sure enough one ballistic missile was launched from Iran in the latest attack. The missile, which triggered sirens in Tel Aviv and the surrounding area in central Israel, was intercepted, and no injuries were reported.

President Trump shared that the U.S. strikes on three of Iran’s main nuclear facilities caused “monumental damage.” “Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran, as shown by satellite images,” Trump shared in a Truth Social post. “Obliteration is an accurate term! The white structure shown is deeply imbedded into the rock, with even its roof well below ground level, and completely shielded from flame,” he described. “The biggest damage took place far below ground level. Bullseye!!!’ (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

After remaining in the United States for an additional week due to the ongoing war with Iran, the Gerrer Rebbe departed for Eretz Yisroel aboard a private jet.

The Rebbe had originally planned to return to Israel at the beginning of last week but extended his stay because of the security situation. During his time in the U.S., he led efforts to establish a major fund for the Torah institutions of Ger, culminating in a fundraising campaign that included meetings with leading philanthropists.

On Motzaei Shabbos, the Rebbe boarded a private plane provided through the generosity of donors Yoeli Landau and Duvid Geffner.

Before takeoff, Yoeli Landau went to the airport to bid farewell to the Rebbe and shared a brief l’chaim with him.

Landau not only helped fund the aircraft but also made a significant contribution toward the newly established Torah fund.

Accompanying the Rebbe on the flight were his sons, Rav Nechemia Alter and Rav Yisrael Menachem Alter; his son-in-law Rav Shimon Rothstein; the Rebbe’s gabbai Reb Leiby Pazintzewski; Reb Moshe Betzalel Alter; mashbak Shmuel Baruch Landau; askan Eli Chassid; and Motti Babchik.

{Matzav.com}

On Sunday night, Shas leader Aryeh Deri described Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer as “a messenger from Hashem,” crediting him with playing a vital behind-the-scenes role in the recent coordinated military action by Israel and the United States targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

In an interview with Channel 14’s Yinon Magal, Deri praised Dermer’s unwavering focus on Iran over the past 25 years, saying the Israeli people had “received a gift” in his leadership. “I saw what he did,” Deri declared. “He has been focused on the Iranian issue for 25 years. From the moment Donald Trump was elected, he felt a mission. He worked with Steve Witkoff, Senator Marco Rubio, the president, the vice president—everyone—and they all respect him. Ron Dermer is God’s messenger.”

Deri disclosed that, in the final hours before the operation—reported to have struck the Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz—he worked frantically to keep the Knesset from dissolving, fearing that political instability could jeopardize American backing for the mission. “Had parliament been dispersed that day, the operation could have taken a fatal blow,” he said. “President Trump might have asked, ‘Why help a government that’s already heading to elections?’”

According to Deri, only a select few, including Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chair Yuli Edelstein, were aware that the strike was scheduled for Thursday night. Meanwhile, most members of the governing coalition remained preoccupied with internal political disputes, not realizing that Israeli fighter jets were preparing for a major offensive.

Reflecting on the October 7 Hamas attacks, Deri argued that the massacre ultimately spurred Israel into action by exposing Iran’s broader strategic plans. “On October 7, we discovered the grand plan to destroy us,” he said. “Iran lost all its proxies and is now exposed; they ran at full speed toward a bomb because they no longer have their messengers.”

With Tehran accelerating its pursuit of nuclear weapons, Deri said the Netanyahu administration concluded that immediate military action was unavoidable. “The last few months were an emergency,” he said. “We had to do it.”

When asked whether Prime Minister Netanyahu had become more religious during the course of the war, Deri answered affirmatively. “Absolutely. He saw the humiliation of October 7, but also the great kindness God has shown since. The hard work of the army and security services is real, yet he sees the divine hand guiding us.”

Addressing growing talk about leadership succession, Deri maintained that Netanyahu should continue to lead as long as he is able, praising his ability to manage the country under immense pressure. He described Netanyahu’s leadership as marked by a “unique ability” to juggle military, diplomatic, and political challenges all at once.

Pressed about Netanyahu’s endurance amid the ongoing conflict, Deri, who is 65, admitted that the burden is heavy. Nevertheless, he said he prays that the prime minister will have the strength to see through the critical responsibilities that still lie ahead.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, in a prerecorded press briefing, revealed that Israel possessed “interesting intel” regarding the location of Iran’s stockpile of 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent. However, he did not elaborate further on the intelligence.

Netanyahu explained that Israel had been compelled to strike Iran following Tehran’s accelerated nuclear activity after the death of Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah in September 2024. He also pointed to Iran’s intentions to produce 300 ballistic missiles each month as a growing threat.

He recounted a conversation with President Donald Trump, during which he expressed the urgency of taking action. “I told him of our need to act, and he understood it very well. And I knew that when push comes to shove, he would do the right thing. He would do the right thing for America. He would do the right thing for the free world. He would do the right thing for civilization.”

Addressing the situation in Gaza, Netanyahu said the conflict could be brought to an immediate close if Hamas would capitulate. “It could end tomorrow. It could end today if Hamas surrenders, lays down all its arms, release all the hostages. It’s over in a moment.”

He expressed hope for Gaza’s future, saying, “We think we can give Gaza a different future.”

Netanyahu emphasized his commitment to a lasting resolution, asserting, “I have a plan for a permanent peace,” and added that “we’re prepared to go into negotiations right now on the proposal that Mr. Witkoff gave.”

He noted that dialogue with intermediaries was ongoing and that Israel was attempting to reach a deal with Hamas for a 60-day ceasefire, during which half of the hostages would be released.

{Matzav.com}

China has criticized the United States over its recent strike on Iran’s nuclear sites, saying the move has undermined Washington’s standing on the global stage.

According to Chinese state media, officials in Beijing are worried that the conflict could spiral out of control, a concern voiced after a meeting of the UN Security Council.

Speaking on behalf of China at the UN, Ambassador Fu Cong urged all involved to resist turning to violence. “Parties should restrain the ‘impulse of force, avoid exacerbating conflicts and adding fuel to the fire,” he said, as reported by CCTV.

Fu specifically called on Israel to halt its military actions. He stated that parties, “especially Israel, should immediately cease fire to prevent the situation from escalating and avoid the spillover of war.”

He also criticized the U.S. for suffering reputational damage in the aftermath of the strike. “Iran was hurt ‘but the United States credibility was also damaged—both as a country and as a participant in any international negotiations,’” Fu remarked.

Meanwhile, China’s embassy in Iran announced that most of its nationals have been safely evacuated. The remaining Chinese citizens, according to the embassy, are currently not located in areas considered to be at high risk.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu addressed the media on Sunday night, following the United States’ military strike on Iran. In his remarks, he stated that Israel is nearing the fulfillment of its goals in Operation Rising Lion.

“We are very close to completing the two objectives of the operation. Great days of unity and strength lie ahead, days of peace,” declared Netanyahu.

Netanyahu applauded the U.S. action against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. “We should take our hats off to Trump for the excellent work they did. They did a lot of damage to Fordow, and we will make sure that there is no threat from these nuclear facilities.”

Regarding the potential continuation of strikes inside Iran, the prime minister explained Israel’s approach moving forward. “We are focused on achieving our objectives. When we achieve them, we will not continue beyond what is necessary, but we will not end too soon. When the objectives are achieved, the operation will be completed and the fighting will cease.”

Commenting on the likelihood of a diplomatic resolution between Tehran and Washington, Netanyahu expressed doubt. “I do not think it will be possible to reach an agreement between Iran and the United States because Iran is constantly cheating. If the goal of a nuclear-free Iran is not achieved in the agreement, it will be achieved in another way and by sustained enforcement just like in Lebanon.”

When pressed about Hamas and the return of the Israeli hostages being held in Gaza, Netanyahu drew a connection between the Iranian and Gaza fronts. “I think the operation in Iran helps to advance in Gaza because without the scaffolding of Iran the whole structure collapses, as happened in Lebanon. From where will their salvation come? It will take a little more time, but the achievements in Iran also contribute to the war in Gaza.”

As for whether he plans to run for office again, Netanyahu responded, “I am here on a mission and I have many more tasks to accomplish. I will be here as long as I think I can achieve them, but it depends on the people.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump on Sunday addressed the U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, offering praise for the execution of the operation and suggesting that a change in leadership in Iran might be on the horizon.

Writing on Truth Social, Trump posted, “The damage to the Nuclear sites in Iran is said to be ‘monumental.’ The hits were hard and accurate. Great skill was shown by our military. Thank you!”

In a follow-up message, he added, “It’s not politically correct to use the term, ‘Regime Change,’ but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!”

Earlier the same day, General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, held a press briefing at the Pentagon, where he provided a detailed account of the military operation that targeted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

Referred to as Operation Midnight Hammer, the mission successfully hit three major nuclear sites in Iran. General Caine called the operation “deliberate and precise,” underscoring the extraordinary teamwork and professionalism demonstrated by American forces in what he described as a “complex and high-risk mission.”

Caine explained that the primary goal was to significantly impair Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons. He highlighted that the mission was orchestrated across various operational environments, illustrating the unmatched reach and precision of the U.S. military.

“Very few people in Washington knew about the timing and nature of the plan,” Caine stated.

{Matzav.com}

Vice President JD Vance on Sunday made clear that the United States is not planning to deploy troops to Iran, though he acknowledged that the administration is taking precautions against possible domestic threats from Iranian operatives.

“We’re not at war with Iran. We’re at war with Iran’s nuclear program,” Vance stated during an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

He emphasized the administration’s reluctance to escalate the conflict: “We have no interest in a protracted conflict. We have no interest in boots on the ground,” Vance said. “We didn’t blow up diplomacy.”

Vance defended the strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, asserting they were only launched after diplomatic efforts were clearly being undermined by Tehran. “We only took this action when it was clear, as the president said, that the Iranians were tapping us along,” the vice president remarked.

He then took aim at Tehran’s military capabilities, mocking their effectiveness and encouraging a shift in strategy. “The Iranians are clearly not very good at war. Perhaps they should follow President Trump’s lead and give peace a chance if they’re serious about it. I guarantee you, the president of the United States is,” he said.

According to Vance, Iran’s influence through regional proxy groups has already been weakened, and their atomic program has been decimated—though he acknowledged that full assessments are ongoing.

In the wake of the strikes announced Saturday night, President Trump issued a stern warning to Tehran, saying any retaliatory act “will be met with force far greater than what was witnessed” during the coordinated attacks on the Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan facilities.

Echoing the president, Vance cautioned Iran against any response, calling such a move reckless. “It would be the stupidest thing in the world if they” pursue revenge, he said, while noting that the U.S. has taken steps to prepare for any backlash.

“We’re, of course, doing everything that we can to keep our people safe. I think that we’re prepared in the event that the Iranians do retaliate,” Vance explained. He also warned about dormant terrorist threats on American soil. “Unfortunately, we know that a lot of people who we don’t have full accounting of were let in over the last four years under the Biden administration,” he said.

U.S. officials are also considering the risk that Iran could attack American troops or military assets in the Middle East or try to disrupt global oil shipments by obstructing the Strait of Hormuz.

Vance said such a maneuver would have catastrophic consequences for Iran itself. “It would be suicidal” for Tehran to take that route, he said, particularly given its already fragile economic state.

Nonetheless, he reiterated what the administration views as the most critical threshold. “Our biggest red line is the Iranian nuclear weapons,” he said.

Although Vance has traditionally aligned with non-interventionist policies—expressing reservations about sustained U.S. support for Ukraine and, according to a March leak, harboring private concerns about airstrikes in Yemen—he stood firmly behind the current military action.

He insisted that President Trump’s recent decision was guided by strategic judgment and a commitment to preventing Iran’s ruling regime from developing nuclear arms. “The president has actually been one of the fiercest critics of 25 years of failed foreign policy in the Middle East, which is why he did what he did: a very precise, a very surgical strike tailored to an American national interest,” Vance said.

He went on to affirm his belief that this won’t spiral into a broader war. “I don’t fear that this is going to become a protracted conflict because I think that we have a president who knows what’s in America’s interest,” he stated.

Vance compared the administration’s targeted strike to previous, more drawn-out military engagements in the region. “I certainly empathize with Americans who are exhausted after 25 years of foreign entanglements in the Middle East,” he noted. “I understand the concern. But the difference is that back then we had a dumb president.”

Democrats swiftly called for President Trump’s impeachment after news of the attacks emerged, claiming he had acted beyond his constitutional powers. Even a few Republicans, including Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, criticized the strikes as illegal.

But Vance dismissed the backlash, maintaining that the president acted within legal limits. “The president has clear authority to act to prevent proliferation of weapons of mass destruction,” he said.

Earlier this year, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard told Congress that U.S. agencies did not assess Iran to be building a nuclear weapon. She later criticized how her testimony had been portrayed by the media.

Nevertheless, Vance said the president had compelling justification for the strikes. “They were way too close to a nuclear weapon for the comfort of the president of the United States, which is why he took this action,” he said. “We had a narrow window of opportunity.”

He added that time was of the essence. “We might not have been able to carry out this attack six months down the road,” Vance said. “It would have been irresponsible, I think, for the president not to take the action that he did.”

As for what comes next, Vance left that in Iran’s hands. “What happens next is up to the Iranians,” he concluded.

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s President Isaac Herzog lauded President Donald Trump for his “bold decision” after the U.S. president launched successful strikes on three of Iran’s nuclear facilities. “First of all, I think we all need to commend President Trump for his bold decision. It’s a historic decision, outstanding decision that clearly can shift the direction of the Middle East,” Herzog said on CNN’s State of the Union, Sunday. CNN: “Is Israel seeking regime change?” President of Israel Isaac Herzog: “It’s not any of the official goals of this war. On the contrary, we leave it to the Iranian people. But it would be a very blessed side, a major side effect.” PRESIDENT HERZOG: Israel is “not dragging America into a war” with Iran. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

In response to President Donald Trump’s recent airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, several lawmakers zeroed in on the fact that the military action took place without the consent of Congress—raising alarms about constitutional overreach. But Senator Bernie Sanders voiced a different concern, directing his outrage at what he described as the “lies” being spread by the Trump administration to justify the operation.

According to the senator from Vermont, this latest assault fits a troubling historical pattern, in which powerful U.S. leaders misled the nation into conflict with dubious claims. The end result, Sanders said, has repeatedly been massive loss of life and little benefit to American security.

“In the 1960s the United States government lied to the American people and took us into a terrible war in Vietnam,” said Sanders. “The result of that war was that over 58,000 young Americans died and many more came back wounded both in mind and in spirit. Millions of Vietnamese were also killed.”

Years later, Sanders noted, the Bush administration claimed Iraq was racing to build weapons of mass destruction—a claim bolstered by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The outcome of that war, Sanders argued, was another disaster based on misinformation.

“The United States invaded Iraq and became embroiled in a long civil war there. No weapons of mass destruction were ever found. That war was based on a lie—a lie which cost us 4,492 young Americans, 32,000 wounded, over half a million Iraqis and trillions of dollars,” said Sanders.

“The American people are being lied to again today,” he added. “We cannot allow history to repeat itself.”

Despite rhetoric suggesting an imminent nuclear threat, U.S. intelligence assessments continue to find no evidence that Iran is currently pursuing a nuclear weapon. These findings support Iran’s official position that its atomic energy efforts are strictly for peaceful purposes.

Sanders released his statement hours after being notified, while speaking at a campaign rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, that Trump had greenlit a bombing campaign on three of Iran’s nuclear sites—an action that Iranian leaders immediately condemned as illegal under international norms.

When Sanders read aloud the president’s message regarding the operation, his supporters broke out in a spontaneous chant of “No more war!”—a moment of visible resistance that highlighted the depth of anti-war sentiment among many Americans.

Commenting on the public’s reaction, The Nation’s Jeet Heer pointed to new polling data indicating that just 8% of Americans want the U.S. to directly join Israel’s ongoing military campaign against Iran. Heer said this shows a ripe moment for a nationwide anti-war mobilization.

“There is only one off-ramp from Trump’s mad rush to war: the quick mobilization of an anti-war opposition,” said Heer. “The people are ready.”

Meanwhile, the Trump administration continued to promote the operation as a major blow to Iran’s nuclear capabilities. But progressive strategist Waleed Shahid urged Democratic politicians to shift the conversation—not toward legal technicalities, but to the deeper issue of endless, misleadingly justified foreign conflicts.

“No one ever won a fight yelling, ‘Congressional authorization.’ Voters need clarity amid the chaos,” said Shahid. “Lead with this: No more blank checks for corrupt and endless foreign wars, we’re here to focus on fighting for working Americans.”

Shahid’s remarks echoed Sanders’ focus on deceptive narratives used to drag the country into combat.

“The U.S. faces enormous problems here at home, which we must address,” said Sanders. “We cannot allow ourselves to be dragged into another Middle East war based on lies.”

{Matzav.com}

On Sunday, the Department of Homeland Security released a terrorism advisory, cautioning that Iran may attempt to launch retaliatory attacks on American soil in response to the recent U.S. strikes targeting its nuclear infrastructure.

According to the DHS bulletin, authorities were urged to prepare for the possibility of Iranian-linked terror plots unfolding in the next 90 days, fueled by motivations to respond to the dramatic military action carried out the night before.

“The likelihood of violent extremists in the Homeland independently mobilizing to violence in response to the conflict would likely increase if Iranian leadership issued a religious ruling calling for retaliatory violence against targets in the Homeland,” DHS said in a statement.

Beyond the concern of physical acts of terrorism, officials also noted that there’s an elevated threat of cyber intrusions and a rise in antisemitic incidents amid the tensions.

This federal alert follows a similar warning issued Saturday night by the NYPD, after which Governor Hochul directed increased security measures across key transportation hubs including the MTA and Port Authority.

{Matzav.com}

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu held a press conference on Sunday evening following the U.S. military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities. He emphasized that Israel has no intention of being dragged into a prolonged war with Iran and declared: “We are close to completing the two objectives of Operation ‘Am K’Lavi’ (Like a Lion).” At the start of his remarks, Netanyahu said the following: “When I first took office, I participated in the March of the Living at Auschwitz. I felt a strong need to wrap myself in a tallis and said: שמע ישראל ה’ אלוקינו ה’ אחד. “Ten days ago, just hours before launching the historic mission against the evil regime of Iran, I visited the Kosel and again felt a strong urge to wrap myself in a tallis. I prayed for the success of our heroic pilots, our soldiers and commanders, for the security of our nation, and for the peace of our people. I placed a note in the Kosel that read: הן עם כלביא יקום ‘Behold, a people rises like a lioness and lifts itself like a lion.’” “Today, ten days later, I returned to the Kosel with my wife. Again, I wrapped myself in a tallis and offered a prayer of thanksgiving and a request for continued success. Gratitude for the incredible bravery of the IDF and Mossad, for the resilience of our people on the home front, and for the unprecedented partnership with my close friend, President Trump. We’ve taken our teamwork and cooperation to historic heights. As President Trump said so clearly — there has never been such coordination between two leaders.” Later on in the press conference, Netanyahu said the following: “I said it from the depth of my heart and belief – the most important party in the Knesset is Siyata Dishmaya. We witnessed incredible courage from our fighters and citizens, and immense help from our allies — but above all, we had the help of the Ribbono Shel Olam. And for that, I give thanks on behalf of generations of Jews who longed to establish our state and hoped we would protect our future. That’s exactly what we are doing.” Netanyahu also said: “We are fully committed to two main fronts — eliminating the Iranian threat and defeating Hamas while bringing all our hostages home, both living and fallen. Just two days after the war began, I said we would change the face of the Middle East. That is exactly what we’re doing. Even if there are difficult days ahead, with Hashem’s help, greater and better days await — days of unity, strength, and peace.” When asked about the success of the U.S. strike on the Fordo underground nuclear facility, Netanyahu responded: “We must tip our hats to Trump for the outstanding job done by the U.S. Air Force. We salute their pilots. They inflicted massive damage on Fordo. We’ll evaluate the situation, but one way or another, we will ensure there is no threat from those nuclear facilities. We will do whatever is necessary to meet our objectives — and we will achieve them all.” “We are advancing step by step toward accomplishing the two main goals of the operation,” he added. “We are very close. Our focus remains on achieving those goals. Once we do — we will not […]

The U.S. State Department has issued a worldwide alert due to the Israel-Iran conflict. Americans are warned of global travel disruptions, potential airspace closures, and possible anti-U.S. protests.

U.S. calls on China to prevent Iran from closing Strait of Hormuz and disrupting global oil flows U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on China to prevent Iran from blocking the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes. About 20% of the world’s oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz. China is Iran’s biggest oil customer and maintains friendly relations with the Islamic Republic.

While having supper Thursday evening, I received a call from a 212 number claiming to be from Chase Bank. Normally, I don’t answer calls during dinner — especially not from unfamiliar area codes — but for personal reasons, I made an exception this time. The caller identified himself and immediately asked about a couple of Zelle transactions on my account. Each was for several thousand dollars and had been flagged by the bank as potentially fraudulent. The money was being sent to someone whose name I didn’t recognize. After confirming with my wife that she hadn’t authorized any transactions either, the caller assured me he would mark them as fraudulent and “freeze” my Zelle account for 24 to 48 hours for my protection. He then provided a case number, cancellation codes for each transaction, and the name of the person assigned to handle my fraud case. After that, he transferred me to someone claiming to be a Zelle representative to continue processing the cancellation. The Zelle rep, “Doug Marshall,” was professional and courteous. He explained the next steps and seemed genuinely focused on helping me cancel the charges. But something didn’t sit right. Even as I followed along, I had a nagging feeling that something was off. I googled the number that had called me — it was indeed a Chase Bank number. Still uneasy, I logged into my online banking accounts — Chase and others — to double-check if any of these Zelle transactions had actually posted. Nothing. No record of them anywhere. Doug continued walking me through the process, explaining that the transactions were supposedly sent from an iPhone Pro Max 11 in Buffalo, NY — a detail that matched what the Chase agent had told me earlier. It sounded convincing. But then things took a turn. Doug asked me to create a Zelle user named “Noel Peralta,” using the 10-digit case number as the Zelle ID. I was instructed to input the cancellation codes from Chase into the dollar amount field, and to type “StpPmnt1500mnt” into the reason field. That was the moment my gut instinct screamed: Stop. I told Doug I wasn’t comfortable going forward with the transaction and that I would hang up and call back to verify everything. He remained calm and understanding and even offered to transfer me back to the original “Chase agent.” When that agent returned, I explained my hesitation and my plan to verify the situation directly with the bank. He tried to discourage me. At some point, he placed me on hold — and that’s when I hung up. I immediately called the official Chase fraud department. Sure enough — it was all a scam! As someone who considers himself fairly tech-savvy and cautious, I was surprised by how sophisticated and convincing this scam was. The level of detail, the smoothness of the handoffs, the professionalism of the callers — all of it was crafted to lower your guard. Signed, J.L. The views expressed in this letter are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of YWN. Have an opinion you would like to share? Send it to us for review.

In a chilling backchannel warning just days before last night’s airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Tehran reportedly threatened President Donald Trump with domestic terror attacks if the United States launched any offensive action, NBC reports. The threat, delivered through an intermediary at the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada last week, warned of sleeper-cell operatives embedded within the U.S. who could be activated in retaliation. Trump abruptly departed the summit on June 16 to deliberate on military options amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. Sources include two senior U.S. officials and an individual with direct knowledge of the classified threat, who confirmed that the communique made clear Tehran’s intent to target the U.S. homeland if provoked. In a statement posted to social media following the overnight strikes, Trump delivered a stern message: “Any Iranian retaliation against the United States WILL BE MET WITH FORCE FAR GREATER THAN WHAT WAS WITNESSED TONIGHT.” Federal agencies remain on high alert. The Department of Homeland Security issued a bulletin today warning that the Iran conflict “is causing a heightened threat environment in the United States.” The alert raised the possibility of terrorist attacks on American soil, especially in the event that Iranian clerical leadership issues a religious edict—or fatwa—authorizing such violence. The bulletin also outlined concerns over potential Iranian cyberattacks and assassination attempts targeting U.S. officials connected to the 2020 killing of IRGC commander Qasem Soleimani. Despite struggling previously to carry out major plots on American soil, Iran has long sought to build networks capable of acting when ordered. DHS officials say these threats must be taken seriously amid a volatile geopolitical moment. Appearing on NBC’s Meet the Press, Vice President J.D. Vance confirmed the administration is “looking very closely” at the possibility of an Iranian-backed attack within the U.S. homeland. Vance pointed to national security vulnerabilities tied to the southern border, stating, “We know that some of those people who crossed during the Biden administration were on terrorism watch lists.” He added that there is not yet a “full accounting” of all individuals who may have entered without proper vetting. A senior European diplomat familiar with Iran’s capabilities warned that Tehran’s reach extends well beyond the Middle East. “The U.S. and its allies believe Iran retains the operational ability to strike American and European nationals abroad—far outside traditional conflict zones,” the diplomat said. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Russian President Vladimir Putin told the press that one of the reasons why Russia is not aiding Iranians in the war is that “Israel is almost a Russian-speaking country,” Ynet reported. Speaking at a news conference on Friday, Putin said that the Kremlin “traditionally enjoys good and friendly relations with the Arab world. It has been said here that we must show a certain solidarity—and that is true. But in any case, every conflict is rather unique. I want to draw your attention to the fact that almost two million Russian-speaking people live in Israel. It is almost a Russian-speaking country today.” “Who said that we were supposed to do more?” Putin continued. “What else? Start combat operations?” “We defend Iran’s right to nuclear energy in the name of peace. We built a nuclear reactor in Iran and signed contracts for two more. We continue that work; we haven’t evacuated our people from there. Isn’t that support for Iran?” (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)