On 17 June 2025, President Trump threatened Iran's Supreme Leader over social media, urging "unconditional surrender," as the situation continues to escalate. The previous day, the United States (U.S.) Embassy in Jerusalem issued a Security Alert directing U.S. government employees and their families to continue sheltering in place until further notice. The Security Alert states: "The U.S. Embassy is not in a position at this time to evacuate or directly assist Americans in departing Israel."  

Israel's airspace remains closed, with no commercial or charter flights operating. El Al and Sundor flights departing Israel are cancelled until 23 June. Seaports in Israel are also closed. On 18 June, limited El Al repatriation flights to Israel are scheduled from Larnaca, Athens, Rome, Milan, and Paris, but no outbound passenger flights will operate. Israel's land crossings with Jordan and Egypt remain open.

US faces daunting security task in reopening Syrian embassy

"You have to look at it from the perspective of, what would it take to have a successful evacuation or hostage rescue happen from this facility? That would need to happen before you put diplomats in; you have to make sure that the physical security is completely understood."

In the Washington Examiner, Global Guardian Vice President of Client Risk Management Seth Krummrich provided insight into what needs to happen before the United States would re-open its long-shuttered embassy in Syria. 

Israeli military claims 'full' aerial control over Tehran

"Israel is going to take away the voice of Iran, talking to their people, and replace it with their voice. And it’s going to force Iran to make some tough choices.”  

Global Guardian VP of Client Risk Management, Seth Krummrich, again joined ABC News to share his expert analysis on the evolving conflict between Israel and Iran. In his latest appearance, Seth explains how Israel’s air dominance over Tehran—and efforts to disrupt Iran’s internal communications—could shift public sentiment and destabilize the regime’s grip on information. 

IRAN LAUNCHED UNDER 100 ROCKETS TOWARD ISRAEL IN 2 SALVOS, IDF SAYS

“At some point, as the emotions die down and they [Iran] have to look at the longevity—or what their number one goal is, which is survival—I believe it will shape them back to the negotiating table.”

Global Guardian’s Vice President of Client Risk Management,Seth Krummrich, joinedABC Newsto share expert insights on the unfolding situation in the Middle East—including Israel’s recent strikes and Iran’s retaliatory actions. Drawing on his extensive experience in the Middle East, Seth brought both clarity and strategic perspective to the conversation, outlining the current dynamics and what may come next.

Growing fears of escalation as Israel and Iran retaliate

"There are two very different and distinct fights going on, but both are very important to watch, especially in the skies over Iran." 

Global Guardian’s Vice President of Client Risk Management,Seth Krummrich, joinedABC Newsto share expert insights on the continuing conflict between Israel and Iran and explain the dual theaters of war—drawing on years of experience in the region as he broke down the strategies of all nations involved. 

Iran spent the weekend retaliating against Israel with multiple waves of ballistic missile strikes. At the same time, Israel continued to fly sorties into Iranian airspace having established complete air superiority in Western and Central Iran, conducting dozens of airstrikes on military and infrastructure targets across the country.

Israeli interceptor missiles have neutralized most of the barrages, but with significant damage reported where Iranian missiles have made it through, including in Bat Yam, Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, Rishon Lezion, Rehovot, Haifa, Tamra, and other sites. In Haifa, an Iranian strike reportedly damaged the port and oil refinery.

Israeli Defense Force (IDF) airstrikes have targeted Tehran’s Shahran oil depot, Mashhad Airport, Tabriz Airport, and Mehrabad Airport in Tehran. Airstrikes on 15 June targeted the Defense Ministry headquarters. Other strikes have targeted missile launcher sites, radar installations, air defense installations, electrical substations and power supplies, and laboratories and research facilities across Iran. Notably, Israel targeted Iranian nuclear sites, including Parchin, Iran's nuclear weapon research facility, and Esfahan, the site where Iran could convert enriched uranium gas to metal for a warhead. 

Iran cancelled nuclear negotiations with the U.S. scheduled for 15 June in Oman.

As predicted, Israel's air force conducted multiple strikes on Iranian targets across the country overnight on 12-13 June following breakdown in talks between the U.S and Iran over its nuclear program. 

Targets included military installations, air bases, and nuclear facilities. Israel killed Hossein Salami, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corp (IRGC); Mohammad Bagheri, Iranian Armed Forces chief of staff; and Amir Ali Hajizadeh, Commander of the IRGC’s Aerospace Forces, along with other officers and scientists in attacks on Tehran and elsewhere.

As of morning hours EST, Israeli strikes were still ongoing, targeting the Natanz nuclear site and military operations at Mehrabad and Bushehr airports. Israel has said they are planning for 14 days of military operations if needed, while President Trump issued a statement saying, "it will only get worse" for Iran and says a deal must be made "before there is nothing left."

Iran retaliated with a mass drone swarm, but almost all were intercepted before making it to Israeli airspace with remaining drones shot down by Israel's Iron Dome air defense system. The IRGC has pledged a "proportionate and decisive" response at a time of its choosing. Israel is bracing for several major waves of ballistic missile barrages. 

Tensions are rising in the Middle East as nuclear negotiations with Iran are faltering. On 11 June 2025, the United States (U.S.) ordered embassies within range of Iran to convene emergency action committees and report back to Washington on their risk mitigation measures. In Iraq, the U.S. Embassy officially began to draw down non-essential staff. Iran has vowed to strike U.S. forces across the region should its nuclear installations come under attack. With negotiations at an impasse, the region is preparing for conflict ahead of a possible final round of negotiations in Oman on 15 June 2025.

Ukraine Braces for Putin's Retaliation

"Ukraine's attack might slow the massive aerial bombardments of the major Ukrainian cities. However, the only way to bring the Russians to the negotiating table would be to halt their advances on the battlefield."

In an article in Newsweek, Global Guardian Head of Research and Intelligence Zev Faintuch provided more perspective on how Ukraine's "Operation Spiderweb" drone attack across Russia has rattled the country and what comes next in the conflict. 

Putin Suffers His Worst Week of 2025

"...this operation can be seen as an opening move in a strategic campaign involving deception, covert prepositioning and strategic psychological warfare."

In an article in Newsweek, Global Guardian Head of Research and Intelligence Zev Faintuch weighed in on the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) launching a drone attack across Russia, its impact, and what comes next in the war.