TOP STORIES
U.S. Targets Iranian Bridges in Bid to Choke off Regime’s Supply Routes | Wall Street Journal
“The U.S. struck multiple bridges in Iran on Thursday in an effort to cut off supply routes to a port city and naval base in the Strait of Hormuz that Iran uses to attack ships and project power, according to a senior U.S. official.”
Iran Attacks Kuwait Water and Power Plants as Hostilities Worsen | Bloomberg
“Iran attacked Kuwaiti water and power plants in counterstrikes against the US, underscoring how the conflict in the Middle East is worsening and threats on civilian sites are increasingly under threat.”
Iran Hit at Least 3 Bases Hosting US Assets in Latest Strikes: Visual Analysis | ABC News
“Even as President Donald Trump boasts the U.S. ‘demolished’ the Iranian military, Iran is continuing to flex its muscles having struck and damaged at least three American bases in the Middle East since the resumption of hostilities with the U.S. in early July, an ABC News analysis found. An ABC News analysis of satellite imagery and video suggests that bases in Jordan, Bahrain, and Qatar sustained damage in Iranian-claimed missile and drone strikes.”
UANI IN THE NEWS
“The first-ever public display in Florida of an Iranian-made Shahed-136 drone was held during a press conference by United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), a nonprofit policy organization formed to combat threats posed by the Islamic Republic of Iran. Joining former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, who chairs the group, and other officials for follow-up discussion were FIU engineering faculty with expertise in the technology. Much of the conversation centered around the potential impact of such devices much closer to home. UANI CEO Mark Wallace and Congressman Carlos Gimenez referred to the possible ‘Cuban drone crisis’ threat emerging from public reports.”
“Back in May, Axios reported that, according to classified intelligence its staff viewed, ‘Cuba has acquired more than 300 military drones and recently began discussing plans to use them to attack the U.S. base at Guantanamo Bay, U.S. military vessels and possibly Key West, Fla., 90 miles north of Havana.’ . . . Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush brought this up at a United Against Nuclear Iran event last week. ‘I think it’s important to recognize that Iran has consistently been working with Cuba, Venezuela prior to the departure of Maduro from the regime, creating instability in not just in Cuba, but certainly in the region,’ he said.”
The US Blockade Is Forcing Iran’s Energy Tankers to Zig-Zag and U-Turn | Bloomberg
“A quartet of Iran-linked tankers changed course in waters just outside the Strait of Hormuz, evidence that a reimposed US blockade on the Islamic Republic’s shipping is once again squeezing Tehran. . . . Some 91 Iran-linked oil, LPG and petrochemical tankers—including empty ones—have been spotted in satellite images in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman over the past seven days, according to figures from nonprofit organization United Against Nuclear Iran.”
US Strikes Oil Tanker with Missiles as It Enforces New Iran Blockade | BBC News
“Analysts with advocacy and monitoring group United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) and shipping experts TankerTrackers.com estimate that between the end of the blockade and its resumption Iran has exported at least 74 million barrels of oil. UANI has said this has an estimated value of more than $6bn (£4.4bn).”
What Is Iran’s Pickaxe Mountain—And Why Is Trump Talking About It? | Daily Wire
“‘The U.S. and Israel reportedly didn’t bomb Pickaxe Mountain before because of its depth and due to an assessment that it wasn’t really operational,’ Jason Brodsky, policy director at United Against Nuclear Iran, told The Daily Wire. ‘But Pickaxe Mountain can be used as a site where the Iranians breakout should they decide to develop a nuclear weapon. This necessitates that Pickaxe Mountain be neutralized.’”
Interview with UANI Policy Director Jason M. Brodsky | i24
“President Trump has actually spoken about taking Kharg Island since the 1980s, so I would not be surprised if this is part of the Situation Room discussions. Now the United States has to escalate in order to change the strategic picture in the region and sharpen the choices of the Iranian regime. And [the regime’s] pain is only increasing in recent days as the US military attacks have increased in their tempo and tenor. And the United States is showing the ability to escalate here, and that’s what it’s going to have to do.”
“For many observers of Iranian politics, the most important question after the 2026 war and ceasefire is whether the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps would support the Memorandum of Understanding and whether the Memorandum could lead to a fundamental change in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ identity and strategy. The Guard’s own messaging suggests the answer is no.”
“According to data from United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) , which monitors sanctions against Iran, a total of 91 Iranian-linked oil, LPG, and petrochemical tankers have been detected in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman in the past seven days.”
Going Dark: Legal Risks of GPS Jamming and AIS Spoofing—Sanctions and Cargo | HFW
“Such AIS spoofing typically comes to light later, often through investigations by pressure groups such as United Against Nuclear Iran, which use satellite imagery to expose the deception.”
Ships with Iranian Oil Signal Pakistan as Next Stop | The News Pakistan
“Previously, when the US blockade was in place, several empty Iran-linked tankers idled in the area in order to stay close to the Persian Gulf as they waited for the right time to sail back in for more cargoes, according to nonprofit organization United Against Nuclear Iran. ‘If this trend is re-emerging, it may reflect operators’ assessment that remaining near Pakistan offers a relatively secure location from which to wait out developments, rather than any intention to discharge Iranian oil or cargo into Pakistan,’ said Charlie Brown, an adviser to UANI.”
Iranian Oil Tankers Signal Karachi as Destination Amid Renewed U.S. Sanctions | Energy Update
“During previous periods of U.S. sanctions, several vessels associated with Iranian oil reportedly remained offshore near Pakistan while waiting for opportunities to return to the Persian Gulf for additional cargoes. Charlie Brown, an adviser to the non-profit organisation United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), said that if this pattern is re-emerging, it likely reflects shipping operators’ preference for remaining close to the Gulf in a relatively secure location rather than any intention to deliver Iranian crude to Pakistan.”
Iran Oil Stranded at Sea as China Teapots Choose Gulf Supplies | Discovery Alert
“An estimated 63 million barrels of Iranian crude are currently afloat with no confirmed buyer or delivery destination, according to analysis from United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI). The volume is staggering—and the commercial clock is ticking.”
U.S. Hits Belma in Hormuz as Brent Spikes | NAI 500
“The Belma itself fits the pattern Washington says it is trying to break. Worldports.org identifies the tanker as a 160,000 dwt crude carrier built in 2005, traveling in ballast and linked to Iran’s shadow fleet by United Against Nuclear Iran.”
“Appendix: Sources and Links . . . United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) Iran Tanker Trackers (May/June 2026): https://www.unitedagainstnucleariran.com/analysis/may-2026-iran-tanker-tracker and June edition.”
MILITARY MATTERS & STRAIT OF HORMUZ SITUATION
US Strike Hits Key Bridge, Airport in Southern Iran—IRGC Outlet | Iran International
“US airstrikes hit the Bandar Abbas-Kahurestan-Lar bridge, a key road link between Bandar Abbas and Shiraz, as well as Iranshahr Airport in southeastern Iran, the IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News Agency reported Thursday. Tasnim said the attacks targeted Bandar Khamir and the Kahurestan district in Hormuzgan province, where several explosions were heard and electricity was cut in some areas.”
Iran Strikes Eastern Syria, in First Such Attack During Current War | Reuters
“Iran struck eastern Syria on Friday, Iranian state media and a Syrian military source said, in the first known attack by Tehran on Syrian territory since a regional war erupted earlier this year. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they had attacked a U.S. special operations command centre at al-Tanf in Syria in retaliation for the killing of Iranian soldiers in Iranshahr, state media reported. Reuters could not independently verify the claim. A Syrian military source told Reuters that Iran had carried out an attack near Tanf but that it had not hit the base itself. The source said there were no casualties or material damage.”
India Orders Halt to Indian Seafarers Crossing Hormuz | CNN
“India has ordered shipowners and operators not to deploy the country’s seafarers on vessels traveling through the Strait of Hormuz amid renewed hostilities in the region.”
Iran Says Airstrike Knocked Out Half of Lavan Refinery’s Capacity | Iran International
“Iran’s Lavan refinery in southern Iran lost half of its production capacity after coming under attack on the first day of the ceasefire with the United States on April 8, the head of the National Iranian Oil Products Distribution Company said Thursday.”
Iranian Attacks Cause Damage in Kuwait, Defense Ministry Says | CNN
“Waves of Iranian drones caused material damage in Kuwait, the Persian Gulf country’s Defense Ministry said Thursday. The attacks targeted ‘several vital facilities,’ and interception operations caused debris to fall in residential areas, resulting in damage but no casualties, the ministry added.”
Iran State Media Accuse Kuwait, UAE of Involvement in Airstrikes | Iran International
“Overnight strikes on the southwestern Iranian city of Ahvaz on Wednesday were carried out using HIMARS surface-to-surface missiles launched from Kuwait, a commentator on Iranian state television said. Nima Akbarkhani said much of the footage he reviewed was recorded by Shiite residents of southern Iraq, where the launch systems had moved closer to Iran. The IRGC-affiliated Sabereen News also released a video that purportedly showed a drone strike in Bandar Abbas, which it said was a UAE-made Yabhon aerial vehicle.”
Dubai Denies Reuters Report of Explosions in Downtown | Iran International
“The Dubai Government Media Office denied a Reuters report that explosions had been heard in downtown Dubai on Thursday.”
DIPLOMACY
White House Says Iran Still Talking to US, Wants to Make a Deal | Iran International
“Iran continues to hold talks with the United States and wants to reach a deal, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Thursday. ‘Iran very much continues to talk to the United States of America and has expressed that they want to make a deal with us because they are suffering devastating blows’ from the US military, Leavitt said. . . . ‘President Trump is not going to sit by and allow these active acts of terrorism to take place in the Strait without ensuring Iran pays consequences for that,’ she said.”
PROXY WARS
Iran Tells Regional Allies, Hezbollah to Prepare for Broader Conflict | Times of Israel
“Iran has told its regional allies, including Hezbollah, to prepare for the possibility of a broader conflict amid military escalations with the United States, Lebanon’s Nidaa Al Watan newspaper reports, citing information obtained from meetings held in Tehran on the sidelines of the recent funeral of former supreme leader Ali Khamenei. According to the report, leaders of the Iran-backed regional ‘Axis of Resistance’ told allies that the period of waiting is nearing an end and that preparations for military scenarios have become a priority.”
Houthi Leader Threatens Saudi Oil Facilities If Riyadh Escalates in Yemen | Iran International
“Yemen’s Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi said all Saudi oil and other vital facilities would become targets for the Iran-backed group’s missiles if Riyadh joined what he called a ‘comprehensive aggression’ against Yemen and escalated its involvement.”
ASSASSINATION THREATS & PLOTS
Iran’s State TV Airs Video Identifying Places to Target Trump | Iran International
“Iran’s state TV aired a video analyzing US President Donald Trump’s Secret Service motorcade in New York and Florida and highlighting alleged security vulnerabilities and locations where he could potentially be targeted.”
‘Strike Their Leaders in America,’ Iranian Official Urges | Iran International
“Iran must strike US leaders and tear up treaties in retaliation for ‘ongoing assassinations and expanding sanctions,’ said Hassan Rahimpour Azghadi, a member of Iran’s Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution.”
Tehran Billboard Hints Trump Is the ‘Next One’ After Graham’s Death | Iran International
“A new billboard unveiled in central Tehran after the death of US Senator Lindsey Graham appears to allude to US President Donald Trump as the next potential target, extending a campaign of public threats against perceived enemies of the Islamic Republic. The billboard, most prominent in Tehran, is controlled by the IRGC-linked Owj Arts and Media Organization and is frequently used to project messages aligned with Iran’s hardline establishment.”
INTEL
Man Charged with Spying Offences Linked to Iran | BBC News
“A 39-year-old man has been charged with assisting Iran's intelligence service. Vahid Aberi, of Liverpool, was arrested in Birmingham on Wednesday following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing.”
PROTESTS & HUMAN RIGHTS
Story of Dena Karari: The Iranian-American Who Couldn’t Leave Iran for 19 Months | IranWire
“Dena Karari, an Iranian-American dual citizen who had been subjected to security restrictions and a travel ban in Iran since December 2024, has left the country after approximately 19 months. Her release was first announced by US President Donald Trump, and her identity was confirmed hours later by her attorney. … Karari, a 53-year-old resident of California, had travelled to Shiraz to visit family when her passport was confiscated by Islamic Republic authorities, depriving her of the ability to leave the country.”
Iran Teachers’ Union Leader Held in Solitary Confinement for 16 Days | IranWire
“Masoud Farhikhteh, a prominent teachers’ union activist and member of the Coordinating Council of Iranian Teachers’ Trade Associations (CCITTA), has been held in solitary confinement at Karaj Central Prison for 16 days.”
SANCTIONS, BUSINESS RISKS & OTHER ECONOMIC NEWS
Iran’s Rial Hits New Low as Dollar Nears 1.92 Million | Iran International
“The US dollar reached a record 1,918,000 rials on Iran’s open market Friday, surpassing its previous high as war, inflation and worsening economic prospects continued to weaken the currency.”
Hilton Plans Frankfurt Hotel Exit as US Sanctions Iranian Owner | Bloomberg
“Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. is preparing to terminate two controversial hotel management agreements in Frankfurt after the US sanctioned the longtime registered owner of the properties and called him a ‘key financier’ for Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, according to people familiar with the matter.”
IRANIAN INTERNAL DEVELOPMENTS
Iranians Suffer New Uncertainty and Anxiety as US Steps up Attacks | Reuters
“Hiwa, who lives in the city of Mahabad, also said he had no desire to leave [Iran]. He sees the mounting economic issues amplified by the war as seeds for social change. ‘The continuation of this war can activate social elements because with the continuation of the current trend of inflation, there is no conceivable alternative but street riots,’ he said.”
Iran MP Threatens ‘Massacre’ of US Troops If Washington Launches Ground War | Iran International
“US forces would either be captured or ‘massacred’ if Washington launched a ground attack on Iran, a member of the presidium of the Iranian parliament’s national security and foreign policy committee said Thursday. ‘If US attacks are repeated, countries astride the Persian Gulf will be plunged into complete darkness,’ Behnam Saeedi added.”
Petition Tells Iran Hardliners: Fight the US War Yourselves | Iran International
“Nearly 100,000 people signed a petition within a day urging members of Iran’s ultraconservative Paydari Front to visit the southern war zone, reflecting anger at hardliners who oppose talks with Washington while remaining far from the fighting.”
CONGRESS & IRAN
House Republicans’ $95 Billion Iran War Package Clears First Hurdle | Associated Press
“Republicans on the House Budget Committee advanced a $95 billion package Thursday for the Iran war … With Iran war funding making up the bulk of the package, some $60 billion, [House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey] Arrington acknowledged that people can debate ‘why we’re there’ in the overseas conflict. But he said the money is needed for basic supplies—‘just the bombs, bullets and battlefield readiness for our men and women in uniform to finish the fight successfully and return home safely — that’s it.’”
PAKISTAN & IRAN
Pakistan Worries About Being Drawn Into US-Iran Conflict After Houthis Attack Saudi Arabia | Reuters
“Attacks on Saudi Arabia by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis this week have frustrated Pakistan and threaten to draw Islamabad into the conflict, complicating any future role it may have as a mediator between the United States and Iran. Nuclear-armed Pakistan, which helped broker an interim deal last month in the war between Washington and Tehran, signed a mutual defence agreement with Saudi Arabia last year and thousands of Pakistani soldiers have been deployed to the kingdom, alongside a squadron of fighter jets. . . . ‘Our top civil and military leaders have conveyed to Iran at the highest level that the attacks on Saudi Arabia are attacks on Pakistan,’ a Pakistani official told Reuters. ‘It is our red line.’”