Welcome to Monday! Get your day started with SOFREP’s Morning Brief, offering key updates on defense and global affairs for June 16, 2025. Today’s headlines: Trump blocked Israel’s plan to assassinate Iran’s supreme leader to avoid wider conflict. Israeli forces killed 59 in Gaza, including 17 near US- and Israeli-backed aid sites, prompting international backlash. Trump escalated immigration enforcement in Democratic cities, ordering mass deportations. Vance Boelter was captured after killing ex-Speaker Melissa Hortman and wounding a state senator in recent targeted attacks. At the G7 summit in Canada, tensions rose over Trump’s trade threats and the Israel-Iran crisis. Meanwhile, Ukraine struck deep in Russia with drones, prompting a large retaliatory attack as both sides exchanged war dead.
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Trump Rejected Israeli Plan to Assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader
US President Donald Trump blocked a recent Israeli proposal to assassinate Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to a US official familiar with the matter.
According to a report by The Associated Press, Israeli officials informed the Trump administration that they had developed a credible plan, but the White House dismissed it over concerns it would inflame the ongoing conflict and destabilize the region.
During a Fox News interview, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not confirm or deny the plan but stated, “We’ll do what we need to do.” A Netanyahu spokesperson later labeled the reports “fake.”
Trump warned Iran against any retaliation toward US forces, stating that any attack would trigger overwhelming American military action. While denying US involvement in Israel’s recent strikes on Iran, he emphasized US support for its ally and urged both sides to pursue a deal.
Despite calls for de-escalation, Trump acknowledged the possibility that the conflict may need to “play out.”
Welcome to Monday! Get your day started with SOFREP’s Morning Brief, offering key updates on defense and global affairs for June 16, 2025. Today’s headlines: Trump blocked Israel’s plan to assassinate Iran’s supreme leader to avoid wider conflict. Israeli forces killed 59 in Gaza, including 17 near US- and Israeli-backed aid sites, prompting international backlash. Trump escalated immigration enforcement in Democratic cities, ordering mass deportations. Vance Boelter was captured after killing ex-Speaker Melissa Hortman and wounding a state senator in recent targeted attacks. At the G7 summit in Canada, tensions rose over Trump’s trade threats and the Israel-Iran crisis. Meanwhile, Ukraine struck deep in Russia with drones, prompting a large retaliatory attack as both sides exchanged war dead.
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Trump Rejected Israeli Plan to Assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader
US President Donald Trump blocked a recent Israeli proposal to assassinate Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to a US official familiar with the matter.
According to a report by The Associated Press, Israeli officials informed the Trump administration that they had developed a credible plan, but the White House dismissed it over concerns it would inflame the ongoing conflict and destabilize the region.
During a Fox News interview, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not confirm or deny the plan but stated, “We’ll do what we need to do.” A Netanyahu spokesperson later labeled the reports “fake.”
Trump warned Iran against any retaliation toward US forces, stating that any attack would trigger overwhelming American military action. While denying US involvement in Israel’s recent strikes on Iran, he emphasized US support for its ally and urged both sides to pursue a deal.
Despite calls for de-escalation, Trump acknowledged the possibility that the conflict may need to “play out.”
2/ MORE: Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed on June 15 that an Israeli airstrike killed IRGC Intelligence Organization Chief Brigadier General Mohammad Kazemi and his deputy, Hassan Mohaghegh.
Iran Update Special Report, June 15, 2025, Evening Edition: https://t.co/yIFMQWI0pK pic.twitter.com/rYbAT2AeDi
— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) June 16, 2025
The brewing Israel-Iran crisis will be a major topic at the upcoming G7 summit in Canada, where Trump plans to meet with world leaders. He touted his record of conflict de-escalation in previous flashpoints like India-Pakistan and Serbia-Kosovo, asserting that peace between Israel and Iran is possible.
Inside Trump’s political circle, opinion is split. Isolationist conservatives like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Charlie Kirk, and Tucker Carlson have warned against deeper involvement, citing Trump’s non-interventionist appeal. Meanwhile, hawkish allies like Sen. Lindsey Graham have urged full support for Israel, including joint military operations if diplomacy fails.
Israeli Forces Kill Dozens Near Gaza Aid Sites Backed by US and Israel, Drawing Global Outcry
Israeli forces killed 59 Palestinians across Gaza on Sunday, including at least 17 who were attempting to obtain food at aid distribution sites run by the controversial US and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health.
Witnesses and medics described the aid zones as “execution sites,” as Israeli troops reportedly opened fire on desperate civilians without warning.
In central Gaza, three civilians were killed and dozens injured near the GHF site at the Netzarim Corridor. Additional deadly shootings occurred in southern Gaza and Rafah, where over 10 were killed and 50 wounded.
Israeli airstrikes also hit Beit Lahiya, Nuseirat refugee camp, and other locations, killing at least 27 more Palestinians.
🚨At dawn today in southern Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on starving Palestinians who had gathered in hopes of receiving flour.
As the world remains distracted by the Israel-Iran conflict, Gaza’s civilians are being gunned down while searching for food. pic.twitter.com/MObhU5Wkf2— Gaza Notifications (@gazanotice) June 16, 2025
The GHF began distributing aid in late May after Israel partially lifted a months-long blockade. Since its launch, at least 274 people have been killed and over 2,000 wounded near its food distribution points. The Israeli military has admitted to firing on aid seekers but claimed it only targeted individuals who strayed from designated routes.
Hamas accused Israel of turning hunger into a weapon and converting aid stations into ambush sites.
The United Nations sharply criticized the GHF effort, calling it unsafe, uncoordinated, and a violation of humanitarian standards. The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs stated the GHF has failed to deliver aid safely or effectively, as most of Gaza’s population faces famine conditions amid ongoing Israeli strikes.
The Israeli military has not commented on Sunday’s incidents. Israel and the US claim the new aid system bypasses Hamas, which they accuse—without presenting evidence—of diverting UN aid.
Meanwhile, Israel has acknowledged supporting armed gangs in Gaza that have reportedly looted humanitarian supplies.
The war has killed nearly 55,300 Palestinians, most of them civilians, and displaced millions, pushing Gaza to the edge of humanitarian collapse.
Trump Orders Mass Deportation Push in Democratic Cities, Escalates Clash with Local Authorities
President Trump directed federal agencies on Sunday to intensify deportation operations in Democratic-led cities, naming Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York as primary targets.
Declaring the effort the “single largest Mass Deportation Program in History,” Trump framed the campaign as a crackdown on what he called a “Mass Destruction Migration” undermining US cities.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump claimed millions of undocumented immigrants live in these cities and repeated discredited claims that they vote in elections. He accused Democratic leaders of fostering lawlessness and pledged full federal support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Pentagon, and State Department in executing the expanded enforcement drive.
“The American People want our Cities, Schools, and Communities to be SAFE and FREE from Illegal Alien Crime, Conflict, and Chaos.” @POTUS Trump pic.twitter.com/PbPgvfGALj
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) June 16, 2025
The move follows unrest in Los Angeles after recent ICE raids and Trump’s controversial deployment of 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines—against the objections of California’s leadership. California has sued the federal government, challenging the legality of Trump’s control over the state’s National Guard, with the case pending in court.
Trump’s post vilified Democrats as promoting open borders and cultural decay, while rallying support from what he called “REAL Americans.” He urged law enforcement agencies to focus on “crime-ridden and deadly Inner Cities,” portraying the crackdown as necessary to restore law and order.
The directive marks a sharp escalation in Trump’s hardline immigration agenda heading into the election season, signaling increased federal-state conflict and raising the stakes in America’s ongoing immigration and civil liberties battles.
Suspect in Minnesota Political Assassinations Captured After State’s Largest Manhunt
Vance Boelter, the man suspected of killing former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and wounding State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, was captured Sunday after a massive two-day manhunt.
He was arrested in a wooded area near his home in Sibley County after crawling to officers in surrender.
Boelter, now charged with two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder, allegedly posed as a police officer and carried out targeted shootings early Saturday.
Authorities say he fatally shot the Hortmans at their Brooklyn Park residence and wounded the Hoffmans at their home in nearby Champlin. Police intercepted Boelter during the second attack and exchanged gunfire, prompting his escape and triggering the largest manhunt in Minnesota history.
A criminal complaint revealed Boelter had modified a vehicle to resemble a police cruiser and left behind documents listing roughly 70 names, including state and federal lawmakers, abortion rights advocates, and healthcare personnel. While a motive has not been confirmed, officials say the violence likely would have continued without timely police intervention.
The FBI offers a reward of up to $50,000 for info leading to the arrest and conviction of Vance L. Boelter, suspected of shooting two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses at their residences on June 14, 2025: https://t.co/XjawGOt5lq pic.twitter.com/tZ9RE97OHk
— FBI Most Wanted (@FBIMostWanted) June 14, 2025
Boelter, a former political appointee who once served on the same workforce development board as Hoffman, sent farewell texts to friends Saturday morning, hinting at his actions but offering no explanations.
Governor Tim Walz condemned the attack as a dark moment for the state, and Senator Amy Klobuchar shared a message from survivor Yvette Hoffman, who confirmed she and her husband sustained 17 gunshot wounds but are recovering.
The killings have shocked Minnesota and reignited fears of escalating political violence. Flowers and tributes have filled the steps of the state capitol in memory of the Hortmans, with mourners remembering Melissa as a powerful and principled leader.
G7 Summit Opens in Canada Under Cloud of Israel-Iran Conflict and Trump Trade Turmoil
Leaders of the G7 nations convened Sunday in Kananaskis, Alberta, amid rising global tensions following Israel’s strikes on Iran and a growing trade standoff led by US President Trump.
The summit, hosted by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, is expected to focus on security, trade, and de-escalation efforts in the Middle East, while grappling with Trump’s unpredictable influence.
Trump recently vetoed an Israeli plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader, highlighting the volatile backdrop of the Israel-Iran conflict. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed ongoing talks with Trump and Israeli leaders to calm the crisis and warned of “intense discussions” at the summit.
In a break from tradition, Carney has opted not to issue a joint communique, citing expected disunity. Trump’s threats to impose tariffs—and his inflammatory rhetoric about annexing Canada and Greenland—have disrupted summit cohesion.
French President Emmanuel Macron, who stopped in Greenland en route, publicly rebuked Trump’s claims, declaring the territory “not to be sold, not to be taken.”
The #G7 is committed to working with outreach countries and organizations to grow our economies, promote peace and security, and help tackle global challenges like energy security. Learn more: https://t.co/S3g5OoVmpX #G7Kananaskis2025 pic.twitter.com/hbpEup5cyo
— G7 (@G7) June 14, 2025
Carney will meet with Trump one-on-one Monday before formal sessions begin. Meanwhile, leaders from non-G7 nations including India, Ukraine, South Africa, and Mexico are also attending.
Trump has signaled possible new trade deals but offered no specifics.
Former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien advised leaders to ignore Trump’s provocations, calling him a “bully.” Tensions have also surfaced over Starmer’s outreach to Trump, with Canadian officials criticizing his failure to publicly counter Trump’s 51st state remarks about Canada.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will attend, likely meeting with Trump despite their recent contentious encounter in Washington. German officials pushed back on narratives framing the summit as “six against one,” while acknowledging Trump remains the unpredictable wildcard.
Ukrainian Drone Strike Hits Deep in Russia as Both Sides Trade Attacks and Repatriate War Dead
A Ukrainian drone strike on Sunday killed one person and injured 13 in Russia’s Tatarstan region, nearly 750 miles from the frontline.
Regional officials said debris from the intercepted drone ignited a fire at a vehicle manufacturing plant in the Yelabuga district. Russia’s defense ministry reported downing six Ukrainian drones overnight.
In retaliation, Russia launched a massive overnight barrage of 183 drones and 11 missiles at Ukraine. Ukrainian air defenses destroyed 111 drones and eight missiles, with an additional 48 drones jammed.
Ukrainian officials said the attack damaged energy and agricultural facilities in the Poltava region, though no casualties were reported.
On the battlefield, Russia claimed its forces captured the village of Malynivka in Donetsk. Ukraine has not confirmed the report.
NEW: Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to portray Russia as an effective and necessary international partner for the United States amid ongoing Iran-Israel tensions.
Russia conducted a large drone and missile strike against Ukraine on the night of June 14 to 15,… pic.twitter.com/okaZb5ntNs
— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) June 15, 2025
The latest attacks followed a phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, during which Trump urged Putin to end the war.
Separately, Russia repatriated the bodies of 1,200 Ukrainian soldiers under a June 2 agreement reached during Istanbul peace talks. Ukraine has not returned any bodies so far, according to Russian officials.
The exchange of war dead and prisoners remains the only tangible outcome from the ongoing dialogue.
Sources: AFP, Al Jazeera, The Associated Press, and other News Agencies
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