Transcript [00:00] President Trump interrupted the NATO summit and approved a massive strike in Iran. Iran [00:06] is warning of harsh revenge against the United States military after suffering American air [00:10] strikes more than 80 targets. Thran is warning that it will act with a crushing response that [00:16] will crush the American military. Is the Middle East once again on the brink of explosion and a [00:22] return to full war? And why did the revolutionary guards in Iran decide to go to war once more? [00:29] Following an Iranian attack, a Qatari gas tanker is going up in flames and could explode at any [00:34] moment in the straight of Humus. And the United States is closing the trap and the tap on Iran. [00:40] Multiffront escalation and drama in the Persian Gulf. The United States launched a particularly [00:46] powerful sequence of strikes against targets in Iran in response to the hit on ships in Homos. And [00:52] Washington delivered another severe blow to Iran following the Iranian escalation in the Strait of [00:59] Homus. And Iran is returning fire alarms in Bahin and Kuwait following Iranian missile attacks. It [01:08] all began after Iran attacked Saudi and Qatari oil tankers in the Strait of Homus. The United States [01:16] is cancelling the license for the export and sale of Iranian oil and Iran is immediately demanding [01:22] that Washington cancel its opposition to transit fees in the straight of Homus. And meanwhile, [01:29] after the renewal of sanctions on Iran, oil prices are spiking. At the very same time, as [01:35] the American attack in Iran, the IDF is attacking southern Lebanon. And at the NATO summit, [01:41] the president of the United States committed to removing the sanctions imposed on Turkey. The race [01:48] between Israel and Syria has begun. In Jerusalem, they're looking for a new alliance in the Middle [01:54] East. So, what are the chances that the war will resume? Let's put things in order. I'm Aati [02:02] Shosani. Tonight, Yay Pinto is on vacation and I'm replacing him because he too deserves rest. [02:08] And we are boots on the ground bringing you all the truth about what is happening in Israel and [02:13] also all the truth about what's happening in our neighborhood, the Middle East. Today is July the [02:20] 8th. Let's get into it. This all began, all of it, when the revolutionary guards decided to stretch [02:27] the line with the United States to the limit. A gas tanker that the Iranians attacked with a [02:34] missile in the street of Hummus the day before yesterday could explode at any moment following [02:40] a fire that broke out in its engine room. And last night, a Saudi tanker and a Qatari tanker [02:46] were also attacked with missiles by Iran. In the afternoon, at least one additional incident was [02:52] reported in Homus when the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Agency with the lovely acronym [02:58] of UK MTO announced that a tanker was hit by a drone launched by the Iranians. Now look, [03:05] the Qatari gas tanker that was hit last night was carrying liqufied natural gas and after it was hit [03:12] on its left side, it transmitted distress signals and requested assistance. A short time later, [03:18] a fire broke out on it and right now it could explode at any minute. Washington rightly blames [03:24] Thran for these attacks and announced that this is a violation of the ceasefire agreement. And Iran, [03:31] on the other hand, rejects the accusations and claims that the United States is the one [03:36] escalating the tensions. And since the United States and Iran agreed on the memorandum of [03:41] understanding, which was meant to once again allow safe passage through the Straight of Humus, [03:47] at least four commercial ships have been attacked or damaged, including the three ships that were [03:52] attacked last night. The shooting last night took place after the talks between the sides in Kata [03:58] last week, which as far as I know did not lead to significant progress in the context to achieve [04:04] a final and permanent agreement. I'm just saying while the United States was celebrating its 250th [04:10] birthday, the revolutionary guards in Iran, well, they attacked at least four different tankers, [04:16] one of them was hit so badly that it could explode. Now, the Iranian move required a military [04:23] response. And last night, an American official said that the United States had decided to cancel [04:28] the licensing that allowed the sale of Iranian oil after at least three tankers were attacked, [04:34] as stated by Iran. At the same time as the renewal of sanctions, the same official warned that Iran's [04:41] actions in Humus are completely unacceptable and said that they would have consequences. And the [04:49] consequences did indeed arrive at full force. Following the attacks on commercial ships in [04:56] the Strait of Humus, the United States denounced the opening of a new air campaign against Iran. [05:03] Iranian media reports that several explosions occurred in the early morning hours of July the [05:08] 8th in Rumuzagan province in southern Iran. These reports include the port areas of Bander Rabbas, [05:16] Sirik and Kasim Island or Kashm Island, I believe it's pronounced, located near the narrowest part [05:23] of the straight of Homos. Now, the United States Central Command Sentcom had announced shortly [05:28] after midnight, Israel time that its forces had begun a series of powerful strikes across Iran. [05:35] And in Iran, explosions were reported during the night in the port city of Sirik, on Keshim Island, [05:42] in the port city of Bander Abbas, and on the oil island of Kh. Sentcom statement said that [05:49] the strikes were intended to exact a heavy price from Iran for the harm to ships crewed by innocent [05:56] civilians. The United States Central Command had also announced that it had completed the round of [06:02] strikes in Iran during which more than 80 targets were attacked using precision munitions. Now, [06:08] according to the statement, air defense systems, command and control networks, coastal radar sites, [06:14] capabilities for launching anti-ship missiles, and more than 60 small boats of the revolutionary [06:20] guards in and around the straight of Hummus were all attacked. Sentcom said that American forces [06:27] are positioned and ready to act against Iran in the event of further violations of the agreement. [06:34] And in response to the American air strikes, well, the Iranians began launching missiles [06:39] towards Kuwait and Bahin. And afterwards, the FA news agency reported that Iran launched missiles [06:48] and drones towards American naval targets. And the revolutionary guards claimed that they [06:54] shot down an American MQ9 drone in the south of the country. And all of this, absolutely all of [07:02] this is happening while in Iran, the funeral of Supreme Leader Ali Kamayi continues. The coffin [07:09] of Iran Supreme Leader arrived in the Shi holy city of Najif in Iraq. The coffin was received [07:15] at Najif International Airport by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al- Zedi and the other senior Iraqi [07:21] officials. Iranian President Masud Bazashan also arrived in the city to take part in the ceremonies [07:27] and the coffin was carried by the crowd that came to receive it. But a short time after the attacks [07:32] on the tankers, Iran's president left Iraq and returned to his country following the American [07:38] strikes. The Katame Nabia headquarters, Iran's emergency command, accused the United States, [07:44] these are their words, of blatant aggression following the strikes and warned that with [07:49] the Iranian armed forces would respond with a crushing response was further stated that Thran [07:55] will not allow the United States to interfere in the management of the Strait of Hummus and [07:59] that the only safe route for commercial ships and oil tankers is the one determined by Iran. [08:05] The speaker of the Iranian parliament, Mahmud Bager Galibbah, referred in a post he wrote on [08:10] X to the American strikes, the return of sanctions on oil and what is happening in the state of Hmus. [08:15] And he said that the era of bullying and extortion is over. He also said that it leads nowhere. We [08:21] are not folding. Now look, before the renewal of the strikes in Iran and the announcement about [08:26] canceling the suspension, the United States warned Iran through the mediators Qatar and Pakistan and [08:31] the message was clear. If Iran continues attacking tankers and ships in the straight of Humuz, [08:36] the sanctions will return. That's exactly what happened, by the way. Now, Iranian Foreign [08:41] Minister Abasaraki, he replied that the leaders of the revolutionary guards demand that Washington [08:48] remove its opposition to imposing transit fees throughout the straight of Hummus. And Qatar added [08:53] a warning of its own after a liqufied natural gas tanker owned by it was attacked and it still could [08:59] explode at any moment. And in DHA, they informed Tehran that Qatar would not advance the unfreezing [09:06] of Iranian funds deposited throughout its banking system. However, it appears that at this stage, [09:13] the United States will not return to implementing the naval blockade and will make do with enforcing [09:18] the sanctions as they were before the war started. This is a cruel game. Iran is left alone with [09:25] enormous oil surpluses at sea. The global oil market is overloaded right now. Iran's enormous [09:32] oil reserves in its tankers, but they have nowhere to be sold. 40 million barrels of oil are stuck at [09:40] sea. As you can see, this is a very tense night in the Middle East. This night is shaping up to [09:46] be one of the most tense nights in the region in recent times. While global attention is focused [09:52] on the combined attack led by the United States against military targets in Iran as a [09:58] direct response to the attack on the ships in the straight of Humuz. Israel's northern front also [10:04] does not remain quiet. Sources in Lebanon report that air force fighter jets struck in the early [10:10] mornings in the area of the outskirts of Nabatia Alakqua and in the village of Meodun. This appears [10:18] to be a determined Israeli action meant to make clear to its enemies that even when the world is [10:23] looking somewhere else, our security remains at the top of the priority list. So, we have a lot [10:29] ahead of us. Let's dive into the details. I'm Mati Shosani and Y Pinto is not here today and we are [10:37] on boots on the ground. We bring you all the truth about what's happening in Israel and about the war [10:42] against the revolutionary guards in Iran. the head of the axis of evil in the Middle East. And one [10:48] second before we begin, I want to call on you to keep spreading the truth. Share our content with [10:54] as many people as possible. Click the subscribe button. And most importantly, don't forget to look [11:00] for me, Mati Shosani, and Yah Pinto on social media. to get a view through our eyes of what [11:07] it's like to live in Israel under war. Guys, as missiles once again fall across Israel from Iran, [11:14] and other enemies, many people are asking how they can stand with Israel in a meaningful way. [11:20] And your answer is simple. Help us rebuild. We invite you to take part in something real and [11:27] of substance, something rooted in the land and in the heart. The Rebuild Israel campaign continues [11:33] bringing life back to Israel's north. Along Israel's northern border, an area marked by war, [11:38] displacement, and loss. We're planting an apple orchard, not as a symbol for a single moment, but [11:45] as part of a long-term commitment to restore what was damaged and strengthen Israel's future. And at [11:52] a time when Israel is under attack continuously, planting trees is a powerful declaration. We are [11:59] still here. We are rebuilding. We are growing. And we are not leaving. God promised this land [12:05] to the people of Israel. And together, we can help it flourish once more. This orchard is [12:10] more than agriculture. It creates jobs for local families. It helps communities return and rebuild. [12:18] It sends a clear message to the people of Israel. You're not alone. When you donate, you are not [12:24] just giving. You are rebuilding. Your support puts trees in the ground, restores livelihoods, [12:31] and transforms lands scarred by war into land that grows once more. This is how renewal takes root. [12:38] This is how Israel rebuilds after war. We call you to stand with Israel today, to plant hope, to [12:44] restore the north, to strengthen Israel's future. Go to tbn.org/rebuild Israel or call 800847895. [12:56] Rebuild the land, restore hope, and bless the future. Let's get back to the news. Tonight, [13:02] the war returned through the sea. The United States launched a powerful wave of [13:07] strikes in southern Iran after at least three commercial ships and tankers were hit in the [13:12] area of the Straight of Humus. Explosions were reported in Sirik, in Bander Rabbas, [13:17] in Keshim Island and Khag Island. And the American message was very clear. An attack on freedom of [13:24] navigation will not pass without a price. And the question now is whether this is a limited [13:31] response or the beginning of a new round between the United States, Israel, Iran, and the Islamic [13:37] Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran. According to statements from US Central Command at Sentcom, [13:44] the strikes began shortly after midnight Israel time and continued for several hours. More than [13:50] 80 targets were struck with precision munitions. Among the targets were air defense systems, [13:55] command and control networks, coastal radar sites, anti-ship missile launch capabilities, [14:01] drone launch sites, port facilities, and more than 60 small IRGC boats, mosquito boats operating in [14:08] and around the Strait of Humus. Now, this was not a symbolic strike. This was an operation designed [14:14] to dismantle an entire operational layer around the Strait of Hummus, the ability to detect chips, [14:21] to track them, to threaten them, and strike them from Iran's coastal space. At the same time, at [14:27] least 14 American military aircraft were reported operating over the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of [14:33] Oman, including around 12 refueling aircraft, a P8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, and a refueling [14:40] aircraft from the United States or the United Arab Emirates. That is an important detail because [14:46] aerial refueling is what allows strike aircraft to stay in the air for long hours to apply continuous [14:51] force and conduct a broad operation without relying on a nearby landing site. And in Iran, [14:58] reports described hits at a commercial pier in the city of Sirik. Fires on several boats in Banderbas [15:05] and explosions on Keshim Island. Explosions were also heard on Ka Island, Iran's most important oil [15:11] export hub. Hog is not just another point on the map. It is the island through which a huge share [15:17] of Iranian oil exports usually pass. And that is why every sound there is heard not only in Tehran [15:24] but also in global markets. This American strike came after a series of incidents in the straight [15:30] of Humus. A liqufied natural gas tanker linked to Katal was hit near the coast of Oman. As it was [15:37] leaving the straight, it was struck on its left side near the engine room, sent distress signals, [15:42] and requested assistance. At the same time, there were reports of damage to a Saudi tanker [15:48] and another tanker hit by a drone. Among the vessels mentioned were the Elat, the Wedan, [15:54] and the Cypress Prosperity. Now, Katau responded decisively. It summoned an Iranian representative [16:00] and placed full responsibility on Thran for the attack. Dha has also made clear that it would [16:06] not advance the release of Iranian funds held in Qatari banks as long as Iran continues to endanger [16:12] maritime security. This is no longer only a military crisis. It's a direct hit to Iran's [16:18] pockets through one of the countries Tehran tried to keep close and Iran for its part claimed that [16:24] it is carefully honoring its commitments under the memorandum of understanding but in the same breath [16:30] hinted the vessels do not coordinate their route with Iran or taking a risk. That is the heart of [16:36] the story. Tan is trying to turn the street of hummus from an international shipping lane into [16:42] a space where it decides who passes through which route and at what price. I call that unacceptable. [16:50] Even before the strikes, Washington warned through the mediators Qatar and Pakistan that if the [16:56] attacks on tankers and ships in the straight continue, the sanctions will return. Iran's [17:02] foreign minister Abbasaraki responded that the heads of the revolutionary guards are demanding [17:07] that the United States remove its opposition to transit fees in hummus. Now in other words, [17:13] Iran does not only want safe passage, it wants recognition of its right to charge a price for [17:19] that passage. Now Washington, Washington didn't accept that. The US Treasury Department cancelled [17:26] the authorization granted on June the 21st for the sale for the production and transport of [17:31] Iranian origin crude oil, fuel products, and prochemical byproducts. Until July the 17th, [17:39] only essential actions will be allowed to close deals that had already begun. This is not an [17:44] extension of the license. This is an orderly closing of the entire door. Oil prices reacted [17:51] immediately in global markets. Brent crude rose above $74 a barrel, its highest level since late [17:57] June. And at certain stages, it climbed several percentage points within hours. That's exactly [18:02] what makes Homu such a sensitive point. Every missile that hits a tanker near Oman is later [18:08] felt at gas stations, in insurance contracts, in governments, and in trading rooms on the [18:13] other side of the world. Guys, what you see on YouTube is only part of the story. [18:18] Get closer firsthand reports, behindthe-scenes moments, and stories of faith, resilience, [18:23] and hope from Israel at tbn.org/journeys/boots. Or text boots to 316316 for direct updates from us, [18:32] me, Mati, and Yahil, who report directly from Israel. You're not just watching the news, [18:37] you're witnessing what's happening on the ground because we bring you honest, firsthand coverage [18:43] from the ground in Israel to viewers around the world. And that's why TBN Israel shares [18:48] what's really happening through a Judeo-Christian perspective rooted in truth, in faith, and the [18:54] people living it every day. Your support helps deliver on the ground reporting, real stories [19:00] of resilience and hope, and trusted coverage that connects Christians and Jews to what's [19:05] happening in Israel. Let's get back to the news. In Iran, the response was furious. Atame Nabia, [19:12] the emergency command of the armed forces, accused the United States of blatant aggression and warned [19:17] of a crushing response. The Iranian statement said that Thran will not allow American interference in [19:24] the management of the Strait of Humus and that the only safe route for commercial ships and [19:29] tankers will continue to be the one determined by Iran. The speaker of Iranians parliament, [19:36] Muhammad Bager Khalibah, wrote that the era of bullying and extortion is over and added, "We [19:42] will not fold." He also linked the crisis in Homus to what he called Israel's ongoing aggression in [19:48] Lebanon. That's not accidental. Iran is trying to expand the crisis from the sea to every arena [19:55] where it has leverage to Lebanon, the Gulf, oil, and the nuclear negotiations. The revolutionary [20:02] guards claimed in response that they had struck dozens of American targets in Bahin and Kuwait [20:07] and even claimed they had downed an American MQ9 Reaper drone. At the same time, sirens were heard [20:15] in Bahin and Kuwait. Bahin is especially sensitive because it hosts the headquarters of US fifth [20:21] fleet which is responsible for American naval presence throughout the region. So every siren [20:27] there is not just a local event. It touches the nervous system of American power in the Gulf. Now, [20:35] all of this is happening while the funeral procession of the late Supreme Leader Ali [20:41] Kami is still underway. His coffin was flown to Najaf in Iraq, the holy Shiad city, where [20:47] it was received by Iraqi officials and religious figures. From there, the procession is expected [20:53] to continue to Karbala and then back to Iran for burial in the city of Mashad. Iranian President [20:59] Masud Pazashan came to Iraq to take part in the ceremonies. But after the American strikes, he [21:05] left immediately and returned to his country. Now, this funeral is not only a religious ceremony. [21:10] The Iranian regime is shaping it as a display of regime continuity. After the elimination [21:16] of a leader who ruled for almost four decades, wants to show that the system has not collapsed, [21:22] that the street is still mobilized, and that the threat of a re revenge remains alive. That is [21:28] why this the chance against the United States and Israel, the signs, the flags, and the atmosphere [21:33] in the streets are all part of the effort to rebuild deterrence that was so severely damaged. [21:39] While Thran is trying to project strength, it's also facing a severe economic problem. The global [21:46] oil market is no longer waiting for Iranian oil as it once did. China, which was a major customer, [21:53] has significantly reduced the pace of its oil purchases from Iran. And according to the figures [21:59] that are presented in June, the volume of Iranian oil supplied to China fell to only 654,000 barrels [22:06] per day. At the same time, the market is talking about tens of millions of barrels of Iranian [22:11] oil sitting on tankers without stable and clear buyers. Now, this is a very dangerous situation [22:18] for Tehran. On the one hand, it is using hummus to pressure the world. But on the other hand, [22:24] every disruption to shipping pushes customers even farther away from Iran, raises insurance premiums, [22:31] complicates payments, and pulls Iran deeper into dependence on middlemen. That's what a pressure [22:36] reliever looks like when it gradually becomes a burden as well. And this is where the Israeli [22:43] arena also enters the picture. While the United States is striking Iran, the IDF struck targets [22:49] in southern Lebanon. In Lebanon, these strikes were reported in the area of Nabatia El Fala [22:56] and the village of Mafdun. At the same time, IDF forces operating in the security zone in [23:02] southern Lebanon located weapons depots in the village of Taloo, including explosive charges, [23:08] anti-tank launchers, and missiles. Of course, RPG rockets, vests, helmets, all the weaponry [23:13] that terrorists use. Some of them inside a bedroom in a civilian home. This is exactly the way tries [23:21] to preserve its capabilities under civilian guise and cover. A house becomes a weapons [23:28] depot. A bedroom becomes an equipment point. And a village looking innocent becomes part of a combat [23:34] network. I've seen this with my own eyes. The IDF is operating there not only to create a headline [23:39] but to remove the threats before they become fire on the communities of northern Israel as they were [23:45] in the past. In Bingbal, there was also another encounter inside a building when abal terrorist [23:51] opened fire at a force from the reserve brigade. A female soldier from the Okitz unit returned fire [23:58] and eliminated them. An Okitz dog was killed and there were no casualties among the troops. [24:04] These are the small details that tell the reality in northern Israel. Not only air strikes, [24:09] but searches from building to building, room to room in an area wherebalah is trying to breathe [24:15] once more. And while the fire is expanding from the east and the north, another arena is unfolding [24:21] in Ankara. US President Donald Trump arrived at the NATO summit in Turkey where he met Rasip Tip [24:29] Elder Dugan. Trump said he would reconsider the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. He also spoke [24:36] about removing sanctions imposed on Ankara after its purchase of the S400 system, which is an air [24:42] defense system from Russia. And in Israel, that sets off a very loud warning light. Prime Minister [24:49] Minyamin Netanyao warned that Turkey is not a friendly country to the United States in the way [24:54] some are trying to present it and argued that this is a regime connected to the Muslim Brotherhood, [25:00] one that supports and funds Hamas, threatens Greece, holds parts of Cyprus hostage, and also [25:06] threatens Israel. From a Jerusalem perspective, giving F-35s to Turkey could change the aerial [25:13] balance of power in this entire region. And the problem is not just one aircraft. The problem is [25:19] the trend. Turkish naval vessels have already disrupted an Israeli navy exercise. Turkey is [25:25] trying to establish a foothold in Syria, including attempts to deploy systems in Damascus or near the [25:31] border. Turkeykey's weapons industry is growing rapidly, and the Turkish military is holding [25:36] exercises with Egypt at sea and in the air. To top all of this, the NATO summit in Ankara gives [25:44] Erdogan international legitimacy. Just as he is trying to return to a position of regional power, [25:50] Israel understands that the campaign is not only against Iran. It is also against shipping lanes, [25:56] alliances, military technology, and the question of who will set the agenda in the [26:01] eastern Mediterranean. That's why Netanyahu came to the naval base in Hifa and defined a clear goal [26:07] to secure Israel's shipping routes and freedom of maritime trade. That is a message to Iran, [26:13] but also to Turkey. Anyone looking at Hifa understands that Israel does not intend to remain [26:18] a bystander while the region is being divided once more. Now, in the broader background of the story, [26:25] there's a race over new energy routes. Turkey is trying to build a broad Sunni access with Qatar, [26:31] Egypt, Syria, parts of Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and other countries. In Syria, there's already talk of [26:38] possible gas and oil infrastructure from the Gulf to the Mediterranean, a route that would bypass [26:43] the Iranian choke point in Homus. For Israel, this is both danger and an opportunity. If those routes [26:51] pass through Syria and Turkey, Ankara will grow stronger. If Israel succeeds in building its own [26:56] alliance with the Gulf States, Greece, Cypress, Romania, and others, it can become part of the [27:01] regional solution and not only a country reacting to threats. Now, Europe also understands that [27:07] the world is changing. Ahead of the NATO summit, European countries, quite a few of them actually, [27:12] are showing an increase in defense spending. And five members of the alliance are expected to reach [27:17] the new target of 3% 3.5% of GDP for defense already this coming year. That's Lithuania, [27:25] Estonia, Latvia, Poland, and Greece are leading that trend. This shows that the [27:30] crisis in the Middle East is not disconnected from the global picture. Iran, Russia, Turkey, [27:35] China, NATO, and the sea. They're all part of the same pressure cooker that we're witnessing. [27:42] This night showed that a ceasefire without clear deterrence can turn within hours into a maritime, [27:48] aerial, and diplomatic war. And if Hmus, Lebanon, and Turkey enter the same equation together, [27:55] are we seeing one American response or the opening of a far greater dangerous regional chapter? Guys, [28:03] keep spreading the truth. Follow us and most importantly, don't forget to click [28:07] the subscribe button so that you stay tuned into the truth in real time and never miss an [28:13] episode of Boots on the Ground. Keep looking for me, Matthew Shosani, Andy Pinto on social [28:18] media to see life in Israel through our eyes. And as always, I want to end with a prayer for [28:25] the people of Israel. I want to encourage you at home. This isn't a passive experience. I want to [28:30] encourage you to pray for people's peace, for the people of Israel, for the government of Israel, [28:35] but pray also for the people of the Middle East. They're not alone in this. They too are loved by [28:39] God. They too have a plan and a destiny for their life. Pray for the people of Iran. Pray for the [28:44] people of Syria. Pray for the people of Lebanon. Pray for the people of Gaza to all have a virtuous [28:49] and good leadership. And even though Israel isn't isn't perfect, and we never claim to be perfect, [28:54] we are thankful for God's protection and provision. And I ask that you continue praying [28:59] along those lines. And if you don't know how to pray, you just say the Lord's Prayer that God's [29:04] will will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Be blessed, guys, and we'll see you all next time.
