HEADLINES
Iran Protests Rage On; 17 Dead
Israel Strikes Lebanon, Targeting Hamas and Hezbollah
Maduro Transfer Triggers Iranian Alarm

The time is now 3:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

This is the hourly news update. In the Middle East, tensions and uncertainty remain front and center as Iran’s protests persist and regional actors weigh their options in a shifting security environment.

Across Iran, demonstrations entered a difficult ninth day as security forces continue to confront dissent over economic hardship and the regime’s leadership. Rights groups report at least 17 people killed in the latest round of unrest, with violence spreading to major cities and a continued presence of security forces in public squares. Authorities have signaled a cautious approach, offering a mix of dialogue and control while insisting protests are illegal, and they have sought to highlight economic measures aimed at easing living costs. Amid the turmoil, Tehran has moved to reassure domestic audiences with promises of reform and targeted subsidies, including a new monthly electronic credit program for lower-income households beginning January 10, as the rial remains volatile and inflation runs well into double digits. Iranian officials stress that the protests reflect broader economic grievances and political demands, while outside observers and foreign capitals watch closely for any shift in the regime’s suppression tactics or willingness to negotiate.

In Washington’s orbit, US policy and public rhetoric continue to influence calculations in Tehran. President Trump has reiterated warnings about Iran’s behavior, including threats to intervene if protesters are harmed, a posture that has rippled through regional capitals and allied capitals in the Gulf and beyond. The United States has concurrently pursued actions aimed at pressuring Iran’s leadership over its nuclear program and regional activities, while signaling readiness to back partners and allied governments if pressure on protests grows or if Iran moves to escalate. Iran’s leadership faces a dilemma as domestic unrest coincides with external pressure, with some officials privately signaling concern that a broader conflict could unfold if Washington and its regional allies decide to act decisively. Tehran’s leadership has not clarified its ultimate response, even as the regime tries to project stability at home.

The events in Venezuela add a separate dimension to the strategic context. Following the US operation that led to the transfer of Nicolás Maduro to the United States, Iranian officials and security aides have expressed concern that Washington’s leverage could extend to other theaters. Iranian officials cited the Caracas operation as a signal that Washington is prepared to use targeted, high-precision actions to advance its priorities, and they warned that Israel and the United States could escalate pressure on Iran if demonstrations at home intensify or if Tehran reflects a willingness to press back through external channels. In Tehran and Beirut, officials indicated an awareness that regional dynamics can shift quickly when outside actors demonstrate an ability to act decisively, even when such moves carry broad risks for all sides.

In Lebanon, the Israeli Defense Forces have conducted a new wave of airstrikes in eastern and southern Lebanon. The strikes targeted sites used by Hamas and Hezbollah, following precautionary evacuation warnings issued to residents in four southern villages. The military said it would continue operations to remove immediate threats, while Lebanon’s health authorities and aid organizations monitor casualties. The strikes come amid ongoing concerns that Hezbollah is rebuilding its capabilities and amid international pressure, including from the United States and Israel, to disarm the group as part of broader...