Morning Brief: US strikes set back Iran’s nuclear program by up to two years – Pentagon reports

The world’s flashpoints are lighting up ahead of Independence Day. Israeli hardliners want to redraw borders before Netanyahu meets Trump. The Pentagon says Iran’s nuclear clock just got reset—but only temporarily. US ammo shortages freeze more Ukraine aid, while Florida opens a swamp-side detention center that’s raising alarms. From border militarization to a Marine turned domestic terrorist, from Haiti’s collapse to Australia’s arms race—here’s your sharp intel to start the day squared away.

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Israeli Lawmakers Urge Netanyahu to Annex West Bank Ahead of Trump Meeting

Fifteen Israeli cabinet ministers and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana signed a petition Wednesday urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to annex the West Bank before parliament recesses at the end of the month.

The push comes ahead of Netanyahu’s meeting with US President Donald Trump, where a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal will top the agenda.

The petition, backed by senior Likud figures, calls for the immediate application of Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria—biblical terms used to describe the West Bank, which Israel captured during the 1967 war.

Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a close Netanyahu ally currently in Washington, did not sign the petition.

Signatories argue the October 7 Hamas-led attack exposed the dangers of a two-state solution and insist the time is right to act, citing recent Israeli military gains and strong US support under Trump. They framed annexation as necessary to eliminate internal threats and prevent future massacres.

Fourteen Israeli ministers, along with Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, have signed a joint letter demanding that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu immediately annex the occupied #WestBank, as reported by Anadolu Agency.

The letter, shared publicly by far-right Finance Minister… pic.twitter.com/EAdMawWYKA

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) July 3, 2025

Most of the international community considers Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal under international law. The expansion of settlements continues to fragment Palestinian territory, undermining the viability of a future Palestinian state and complicating peace efforts.

The annexation push reflects renewed confidence among Israeli hardliners as Trump returns to power, particularly after his controversial suggestion that Palestinians should leave Gaza—an idea that has drawn widespread condemnation across the region.

Pentagon: US Strikes Set Back Iran’s Nuclear Program by Up to Two Years

The Pentagon announced Wednesday that US airstrikes carried out on June 22 have degraded Iran’s nuclear program by an estimated one to two years, a significantly more optimistic assessment than initial intelligence suggested.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the latest evaluation, based on internal Defense Department assessments, supports claims that key facilities were “completely obliterated.”

The operation targeted three nuclear sites using over a dozen 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs and more than two dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles. President Donald Trump previously claimed the strikes had “obliterated” Iran’s program, a view now echoed by the Pentagon.

Earlier reports from the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) had indicated only a modest setback of several months, but that assessment is now considered outdated and low-confidence, according to administration officials.

Iran’s nuclear program degraded by up to two years following US strikes under Operation Midnight Hammer, says Pentagon #UnitedStates #OperationMidnightHammer #Iran #IranIsraelConflict pic.twitter.com/uC8mRw8MbP

— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 3, 2025

While the US remains confident about the destruction of physical infrastructure, questions persist about Iran’s uranium stockpile. The head of the UN nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, warned that Iran could resume uranium enrichment within months.

Experts also suspect Tehran may have relocated some enriched material before the strikes. However, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said there’s no intelligence indicating such a move occurred.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi acknowledged in a CBS News interview that the Fordow site suffered “serious and heavy” damage, though the full extent remains uncertain.

The evolving intelligence will continue to shape strategic assessments, but current US analysis suggests the operation met its objective of significantly disrupting Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

Trump Admin Freezes Key Munitions to Ukraine, Citing Depleted US Arsenal

The Pentagon has paused weapons deliveries to Ukraine for a second time under the Trump administration, citing concerns over declining US munitions stockpiles as the country balances global security commitments.

The halt comes as Russia intensifies missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.

Since 2022, the US has provided more than $67 billion in military aid to Ukraine, including Abrams tanks, HIMARS, millions of artillery rounds, and advanced air defense systems like Patriots, National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS), and Homing All the Way Killer (HAWK) missiles. However, rising demand in other theaters—such as the Middle East and Indo-Pacific—has forced a reassessment of US inventory.

Pentagon spokesman @SeanParnellAtSD on Ukraine military aid: “This capability review…is being conducted to ensure U.S. military aid aligns with our defense priorities…we will not be providing any updates to specific quantities or types or munitions being provided to Ukraine.” pic.twitter.com/59ApQYz6SM

— CSPAN (@cspan) July 2, 2025

The current pause affects critical munitions including Patriot PAC-3 interceptors, AIM-7 Sparrow and Stinger missiles. These systems are essential to Ukraine’s air defense, and analysts warn the delay could lead to more civilian casualties as Russian missiles increasingly penetrate Ukrainian defenses.

Pentagon officials say the pause is part of a global review of resource allocation and readiness. The US military is also stretched thin, having recently used Patriot missiles to repel Iranian attacks in the Middle East and fired dozens of Tomahawks in Red Sea operations—far exceeding yearly procurement rates.

Despite a $60 billion Ukraine aid package aimed at expanding industrial capacity, production remains slow. Patriot missile output has only increased to 48 per month, while HIMARS production rose from 5 to 8 units monthly—still insufficient to meet current global demands.

NEW: The United States paused weapons supplies to Ukraine, including critical air defense interceptors, artillery shells, missiles, and rockets. ⬇️(1/2)

The decision to suspend military aid to Ukraine will likely force Ukrainian forces to continue to husband materiel, although… pic.twitter.com/RKf8DzUlJe

— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) July 3, 2025

Defense Undersecretary Elbridge Colby said the administration is balancing support for Ukraine with preserving the readiness of US forces amid rising threats, particularly from China. Critics argue the US should accelerate weapons production rather than reduce aid to an active warzone.

The pause underscores the strain on US defense stockpiles and the administration’s pivot to prioritize long-term strategic readiness over immediate support in Ukraine.

Florida Opens “Alligator Alcatraz” Immigrant Detention Center in Everglades

Florida officials began receiving detainees Wednesday at a newly constructed immigrant detention facility deep in the Everglades, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz” by state leaders.

The center, located at a remote airport training site, is part of a broader crackdown by Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Trump administration targeting immigrants arrested under the federal 287(g) program.

Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that “hundreds of criminal illegal aliens” would be processed at the site, which will initially house up to 1,000 detainees and expand to 5,000 beds by early July. Built in just eight days, the facility is fortified with over 28,000 feet of barbed wire, 200+ security cameras, and staffed by 400 security personnel.

Critics, including environmental groups and Native American tribes, denounce the project, citing threats to the fragile Everglades ecosystem, extreme heat, mosquito exposure, and the facility’s location on sacred tribal land. Heavy rains have already caused flooding in tents, including during a visit from President Trump, though officials claim the site can withstand a Category 2 hurricane.

President Trump: “It’s known as alligator alcatraz, which is very appropriate, because I looked outside and it’s not a place I want to go hiking anytime soon…We’re surrounded by miles of treacherous swampland and the only way out is really deportation.” pic.twitter.com/vAcOPWifwX

— CSPAN (@cspan) July 1, 2025

State and federal leaders say the facility’s harsh conditions and remote location are intended to deter illegal immigration.

Officials have promoted the center on conservative media, selling merchandise and memes portraying the compound guarded by alligator-themed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) mascots.

US Navy Sees Renewed Interest from Former Sailors Separated Over COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate

Approximately 100 former sailors separated over the COVID-19 vaccine mandate have expressed interest in reenlisting since April, according to the US Navy.

This follows a Pentagon directive requiring military branches to reach out to those involuntarily discharged after President Donald Trump issued a January 2025 executive order allowing reenlistment with back pay.

To date, ten Navy personnel have reenlisted—all before the April policy went into effect. The Navy separated 1,878 sailors involuntarily over vaccine refusal, though it’s unclear how many left voluntarily during the same period. About 30,600 sailors separated for various reasons while the mandate was active.

Those reenlisting under the new policy must serve four years of active duty, or two years if they are retirement eligible. Voluntarily separated sailors can reenlist for a two-year term but are not eligible for back pay or benefits.

The reenlistment deadline is April 1, 2026. Across all service branches, 703 former service members have expressed interest in returning, with 97 applying to correction boards. So far, 13—all from the Army—have officially reenlisted.

Cold Case Solved: Long-Lost US Army Veteran Laid to Rest with Full Military Honors

Decades after vanishing, US Army veteran Reba Caroline Bailey was honored with a military funeral this week in Illinois, following a cold case breakthrough that identified her posthumously.

Known in her later years only as “Seven,” Bailey died in 2015 in a Chicago care facility with no known identity or family. She was buried in an unmarked grave as a ward of the state.

Investigators from the Cook County Sheriff’s Office reopened the case in 2023, using fingerprints to trace her to a 1961 Army record.

Bailey, formerly of Danville, Illinois, had served in the Women’s Army Corps but disappeared after leaving the military. She later became homeless and took on the name “Seven,” cooking at a Chicago shelter and losing memory of her past due to suspected brain trauma, possibly linked to a fatal car accident in 1950 or chemical exposure during military service.

With no immediate family surviving, distant relatives, including Mark Bailey and his son Cole, attended the emotional ceremony.

“I want to let Reba know we’re part of the circle and part of the family,” Mark said, placing a Chicago Cubs cap marked “7” on the headstone.

The original numbered marker was replaced with a military plaque reading: “Reba Caroline Bailey, PFC US Army.”

The service included a 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, and participation from sheriff’s investigators and members of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart called the ceremony a long-overdue honor, stating the veteran deserved more than “being forgotten and left as an anonymous number.”

Bailey’s identification offers closure to a mystery that spanned generations and reflects ongoing efforts to give lost service members their due recognition. Relatives plan to display her folded flag at the American Legion in Potomac, Illinois.

Marine Veteran Sentenced to Life for Plot to Attack FBI, Assassinate Officers After January 6 Arrest

A federal judge sentenced Marine Corps veteran Edward Kelley to life in prison on Wednesday for plotting to attack an FBI field office and assassinate law enforcement officers in retaliation for his arrest stemming from the January 6 Capitol riot.

Kelley, 36, of Maryvale, Tennessee, was convicted last year of conspiring to murder federal employees, soliciting violence, and threatening federal officials.

Kelley, one of the earliest rioters to breach the Capitol, received a pardon from President Donald Trump for his January 6-related convictions. However, US District Judge Thomas Varlan ruled the pardon did not apply to his separate 2022 case in Tennessee, which involved plans to bomb the FBI office in Knoxville and kill 36 officers involved in his earlier arrest.

Prosecutors said Kelley was remorseless, radicalized, and saw his actions as part of a broader mission to launch a civil war. Evidence showed he trained with co-defendant Austin Carter and discussed the plot on encrypted messaging platforms. Carter, who pleaded guilty in January, is set to be sentenced in August.

FLASH: Former Jan 6 defendant Edward Kelley is sentenced to LIFE IN PRISON in plot to target and murder law enforcement, including agents, officers, and employees of the FBI pic.twitter.com/b8l0yMGMUC

— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) July 2, 2025

During sentencing, Kelley’s attorney argued the case lacked concrete planning or execution and invoked his First Amendment rights, but the judge sided with prosecutors, applying a terrorism enhancement.

Kelley has been jailed since December 2022.

Pentagon Expands Military Role on US-Mexico Border with New Federal Land Transfers

The Pentagon is expanding its military presence along the southern US border, with 140 miles of federal land in Arizona being transferred to the Department of Defense to create a new military zone near Marine Corps Air Station Yuma.

This marks the fourth such zone established under the Trump administration, bringing the total to more than 600 miles of border now under military control.

These zones, part of a broader Trump administration push to integrate the military with immigration enforcement, are designed to bolster border security efforts and enable criminal charges against unauthorized entrants. Recent land transfers also include 250 miles along the Rio Grande assigned to the Air Force as an extension of Joint Base San Antonio.

Other zones are already active near Fort Huachuca in Arizona and Fort Bliss in West Texas, where some migrants have already been prosecuted for entering restricted military areas.

The Defense Department says over 3,500 patrols—150 of them joint with the Mexican military—have occurred since March.

WE WILL HAVE 100% OPERATIONAL CONTROL OF OUR SOUTHERN BORDER:@SeanParnellATSD “Approximately 8,500 military personnel assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border continue to enhance U.S. Customs and Border Patrol’s capacity to identify, track and disrupt threats to border… pic.twitter.com/LsFBSdHmXa

— DOD Rapid Response (@DODResponse) July 2, 2025

Approximately 8,500 active-duty personnel are now involved in Joint Task Force Southern Border operations, with about 7,600 positioned directly at the border. The discrepancy in numbers reflects support roles and personnel loaned to Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The Pentagon is also preparing the first ICE detention facility on a military base, a temporary site at Fort Bliss, funded by the Army but operated by contractors.

While officials tout operational success, including a stretch with zero reported border “get-aways,” the mission’s growing scale raises concerns over military funding.

The Pentagon has budgeted more than $5 billion for border operations in the coming fiscal year and is seeking congressional approval to replenish diverted funds. In the meantime, it has reallocated $1 billion from the Army’s barracks budget, further straining infrastructure already criticized for poor conditions.

UPDATE ON LOS ANGELES:@SeanParnellATSD “Approximately 5,000 military personnel assigned to Task Force-51 continue the important mission to protect federal functions, personnel, and property.

These federalized California National Guard Soldiers and U.S. Marines have supported… pic.twitter.com/olVzrkNUzY

— DOD Rapid Response (@DODResponse) July 2, 2025

Defense and legal experts warn the trend risks militarizing immigration enforcement and stretching the military’s traditional role. Nonetheless, Pentagon officials say they are moving toward “100% operational control” of the border.

UN Warns of Haiti’s Collapse as Gangs Tighten Control Over Capital

Haiti’s capital is nearing complete gang control, with 90% of Port-au-Prince under the grip of armed criminal groups, according to UN officials who briefed the Security Council on Wednesday.

Ghada Fathy Waly of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime said gangs are expanding into previously stable regions, overwhelming the state’s authority and paralyzing public services and commerce.

Gang control has disrupted key trade routes, triggered food and fuel shortages, and created parallel governance structures. Violence has escalated in southern and eastern regions, including attacks on police and customs officers at border crossings like Belladere and Malpasse.

Miroslav Jenca, UN Assistant Secretary-General, warned that without urgent international intervention, a total collapse of state presence in the capital is imminent. Gangs have risen to dominance since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, exploiting political chaos and a fragmented response to the crisis.

UN says gangs have control of 90% of Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince, despite Kenya led mission to re-capture the nation.

“We have continued to witness a sharp erosion of state authority and the rule of law. Brutal gang violence affects every aspect of public and private life,”… pic.twitter.com/fKWadQSM41

— African News (@SaharaWire) July 3, 2025

The Kenya-led, UN-backed multinational force deployed to support Haitian security remains understrength, with only 40% of the 2,500 personnel originally planned.

A UN proposal for additional logistical support, including drones and transport, remains stalled in the Security Council.

Compounding the crisis, vigilante and private security groups have proliferated, some colluding with gangs. Over the past three months, they reportedly executed more than 100 suspected gang affiliates.

The Haitian National Police have also been implicated in 281 extrajudicial killings this year, including women and children.

Sexual violence is surging, with 364 gang-related incidents reported in just March and April. A new UN expert report highlights the role of corrupt political actors using gangs to destabilize Haiti’s transitional government and block progress toward elections, now tentatively set for 2026.

More than 1.3 million people have been displaced in #Haiti as surging gang violence, lawlessness, and impunity expose the population – especially women and girls – to heightened risks of exploitation and sexual violence. https://t.co/I58fxY3L3J pic.twitter.com/ZiNVWWMv6N

— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) July 3, 2025

Despite a UN arms embargo, gangs continue to acquire heavy weapons through civilian markets and police stockpiles in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Without a stronger international response, experts warn gangs will retain the upper hand and further destabilize the nation.

Nigerian Opposition Leaders Form Coalition to Challenge Tinubu in 2027

Nigeria’s leading opposition figures have launched a new political coalition aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 presidential elections.

The alliance, unveiled Wednesday in Abuja under the banner of the Africa Democratic Congress, includes prominent former rivals Abubakar Atiku and Peter Obi—both top contenders in the 2023 election—along with ex-governors and lawmakers from across the political spectrum.

Former Senate President David Mark, now serving as interim coalition chairman, said the alliance is designed to prevent Nigeria from sliding into a one-party state.

The move follows allegations that Tinubu’s administration is using state power to lure opposition figures into the APC—an accusation the president denies, though many of his allies appear to support the effort.

BREAKING: The Government of Saint Lucia is pleased to announce that, the Governor General has conferred the title of Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL) upon H. E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. pic.twitter.com/uQcluaJ0vX

— OPMSaintLucia🇱🇨 (@opmsaintlucia) July 1, 2025

The political realignment mirrors the opposition strategy that ended the 16-year rule of the People’s Democratic Party in 2015. Growing dissatisfaction with Tinubu’s economic reforms, including subsidy removals and a floating currency, has triggered high inflation and fueled public unrest.

Security issues have also escalated, with renewed attacks by armed groups.

Analysts say a unified opposition presents the only credible path to challenging Tinubu’s second-term ambitions.

“You cannot remove a sitting government if the opposition is disunited,” said Cheta Nwanze of SBM Intelligence.

The coalition marks a significant escalation in Nigeria’s electoral battle, more than two years before the vote.

Russian Strike on Odesa Injures Five, Including Two Children

A Russian overnight attack on the southern Ukrainian port city of Odesa injured five people, including a 7-year-old boy and a 9-year-old girl, Ukrainian officials reported Thursday.

Regional Governor Oleh Kiper said the children suffered smoke inhalation and were hospitalized, while three injured adults received treatment at the scene.

The strike damaged a multi-storey residential building and other civilian infrastructure, destroying six apartments and partially damaging 36 others. Emergency responders evacuated 50 residents and extinguished the resulting fire.

This night is over, and the morning reveals the black traces of Russia’s crimes. This is the home of Ukrainians, a home in the city of Odesa.

As long as Russia continues to bring destruction and death to our land, we will speak out and tell the world about it. pic.twitter.com/bBp52Idncv

— Katerina Horbunova (@blue_eyedKeti) July 3, 2025

The full extent of the damage remains unclear, and Russia has not commented on the incident. Both nations deny targeting civilians, though thousands of Ukrainian noncombatants have been killed since Russia’s 2022 invasion.

Australia Confirms $1.3B Purchase of US Missiles Amid Defense Spending Debate

Australia has confirmed a two billion Australian dollars ($1.3 billion) purchase of advanced supersonic missiles from the United States, reinforcing its defense modernization drive even as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pushes back against US calls to commit to a 3.5% GDP defense spending target.

Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy announced Thursday that Australia will acquire AIM-120C-8 and AIM-120D-3 missiles from Raytheon Technologies. The missiles will be deployed on the Royal Australian Air Force’s F/A-18 and F-35 fighter jets, as well as by a new army brigade tasked with long-range aerial strike missions up to 500 kilometers.

The missile deal follows the US Congress’s April approval of the 400-missile sale through the Foreign Military Sales program.

Australia and the US are at odds over proposed defence spending, with a multi-million dollar missile deal still up in the air.#usa #america #trump #donaldtrump #defence #defencespending #australia #albanese #albo #sunriseon7

WATCH SUNRISE FOR MORE | @7plus ☀️ pic.twitter.com/Y1Ujs9s1Z5

— Sunrise (@sunriseon7) June 30, 2025

In June, the US also notified Congress of a separate $2 billion proposed sale of electronic warfare systems for Australia’s Super Hornet and Growler jets.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong, after meeting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasized that Australia follows a “capability approach” and has already committed to the largest peacetime increase in defense funding.

Defense spending is forecast to reach 2.3% of GDP by 2033, still short of Washington’s 3.5% goal.

Albanese’s planned meeting with President Trump at the G7 summit was canceled due to the US president’s early departure over Middle East tensions. Both sides are now working to reschedule.

In 2023, Australia pledged 74 billion Australian dollars ($47 billion) for missile acquisitions, including 21 billion Australian dollars to launch a domestic Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise to counter growing Chinese military capabilities in the region.

Sources: News Agencies