Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-12 at 09:08 cover art

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-12 at 09:08

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-12 at 09:08

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 HEADLINESPahlavi urges broader protests, fly pre-revolution flagLA U-Haul rammed into Iran protestersIsrael trims cash aid, expands defense tiesThe time is now 4:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Iranian opposition leader Reza Pahlavi announced what he described as a new phase in the nationwide protests that have swept the country for two weeks, urging Iranians to broaden actions inside the country and to target institutions that "propagate" the regime. In statements circulated on social media, Pahlavi said that government employees and members of the armed and security forces have a choice: join the people or align with those he described as murderers. He called for Iranian diplomatic missions abroad to fly the pre-revolution flag and suggested that embassies are owned by the Iranian people, not the regime. He added that international support would arrive and urged diaspora communities to intensify demonstrations, including actions at embassies.In Tehran, Tehran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said the situation in Iran is "under total control," even as Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf told state media that Iran is fighting enemies on four fronts—economic, cognitive, military, and anti-terrorism. Iran’s leadership has blamed the United States and Israel for fomenting unrest in the country, arguing that external pressure and statements by Western officials have contributed to the violence, according to Iranian officials quoted by state outlets. Iran’s channels have also shown pro-government rallies, and state media have aired chants targeting the United States and Israel.Across the country, videos and posts circulated showing protests in Tehran, Mashhad, and other cities, with civilians chanting against the regime. Internet access in Iran remained largely shut down, with the outside world receiving corroboration of unrest mainly through social media and satellite feeds. Iranian authorities have warned against participation in demonstrations, sending public text messages and warnings from the Revolutionary Guard’s intelligence apparatus to families, urging restraint and caution. The demonstrations began December 28 amid a collapse in the rial and broad economic pressure tied to sanctions and Tehran’s nuclear program. Human rights groups put the death toll in the hundreds, with unverified counts varying as security forces crack down on protesters; Iranian authorities have not released comprehensive figures through official channels.In Los Angeles on Sunday, police responded after a speeding U‑Haul box truck plowed into a crowd of demonstrators supporting Iran’s protesters. One person was injured and others were treated for minor injuries; the driver was detained for further investigation. A banner on the vehicle read a message invoking a 1953 US coup, reflecting the broad emotions surrounding events linked to Iran and its standing in the diaspora.On the international front, US President Donald Trump said Iran has proposed negotiations over a new nuclear accord and that Washington was prepared to coordinate with allies on next steps. He noted that the United States is monitoring the situation closely, with the option to act if Iran harms US bases, and indicated that a meeting with Iranian leadership could be arranged if conditions permit. Trump also said Iran had reached out to discuss a potential return to talks, while US and Iranian officials signaled different aims and expectations amid ongoing protests inside Iran. Tehran’s foreign ministry and other officials, by contrast, insisted the regime would not be pressured and that Tehran would respond to any threats with resolve.Israel’s security establishment has been watching developments with particular attention to its own strategic posture and US policy. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that Israel intends to scale down the direct US security aid package over time, a plan developed with defense leadership. The emerging approach would gradually reduce reliance on cash-based assistance and pivot toward deeper joint work between Israeli and American defense industries. In the early years, the plan would expand procurement—potentially including new fighters or refueling aircraft, helicopters, and air defense capabilities—while preserving the US security relationship. After an initial five-year phase, the proposal envisions a shift toward greater industrial cooperation, with Israeli defense firms integrated into US development and production. Officials stress that this would be designed to sustain Israel’s security needs and to strengthen the country’s defense sector, while also addressing broader fiscal and political considerations in Washington. The plan would require substantial investment and would depend on political dynamics in both capitals, but Israeli officials say it could offer a path to increased resilience and independence in defense ...
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