Global Flashpoints: Iran, Ukraine, and the Rushdie Verdict
Explosions in Kyiv and Damietta, a guilty verdict in New York, and Trump's Iran options crystallize.
Global Flashpoints: Iran, Ukraine, and the Rushdie Verdict — Explosions were heard today in Kyiv after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned of Russian attacks.[^1] The blasts follow reports that Russia plans a massive missile attack, possibly tonight.[^2] Ukraine is preparing to repel what it expects to be a major assault. In Egypt, an explosion struck a liquefied natural gas facility in Damietta this evening. Two security sources told Reuters that tankers storing natural gas may have been hit by drones there.[^3] The incident comes days after Iran threatened to attack the port, and an Israeli source noted that "both countries have a common problem - drones."[^3] In New York, Hadi Matar was found guilty on Wednesday of federal terrorism charges for stabbing and partially blinding author Salman Rushdie in 2022, after attempting to provide material support to Hezbollah.[^4] The verdict closes a high-profile case that tested the boundaries of free expression and militant extremism. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump convened a secret emergency meeting on Air Force One after four American soldiers were killed in an Iranian missile attack in Jordan.[^5] Trump now faces three options: a deal, continuation of the naval blockade of Iran, or resumption and intensification of strikes.[^6] CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper pushed for an intensive air campaign lasting ten to fourteen days, while Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine warned of a dwindling inventory of American interceptor missiles.[^7] A senior Israeli source confirmed that Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is alive, saying "I say this with full confidence."[^8] Iran is estimated to have 1500-1600 missiles left, with only about 21% to 22% of its missile array intact and operational after previous strikes. A new poll by Dutch research institute GAMAAN found that 51% of Iranians express a positive attitude towards Prime Minister Netanyahu, while 73% hold a negative attitude towards Putin. The survey suggests unusual public sentiment inside Iran as the regime faces external pressure and internal dissent. Eisenkot threats, Haskel coalition play, and Levin rabbinate appointment — Gadi E