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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-13 at 05:04
HEADLINES
Israel launches bold strike on Iran’s nuclear sites
Iran warns of harsh retaliation as nuclear damage mounts
Regional tensions soar amid Israel Iran escalation
The time is now 01:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At 1:00 AM, the situation in Israel and the broader Middle East remains highly tense and rapidly evolving. Israel has launched a significant preemptive military operation, dubbed Operation Rising Lion, targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, missile sites, and military command centers across Iran. Reports indicate that dozens of sites have been hit with precision strikes, including the nuclear enrichment site at Natanz and locations associated with Iran’s missile capabilities. The Israeli Defense Forces have confirmed the elimination of senior Iranian military officials, including the Iranian Chief of Staff, Mohammad Bagheri, and Revolutionary Guards Commander Hussein Salami, among others. The operation involved extensive use of Israeli aircraft, advanced intelligence, and missile capabilities, with initial assessments suggesting that the damage to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure is substantial, potentially setting back Iran’s nuclear progress significantly.
Iran's response is anticipated to be severe, with Iranian officials warning of a harsh retaliation, including missile attacks. Iran's leadership, led by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has publicly condemned the Israeli strikes, with Khamenei warning that Israel will face a severe punishment. Reports suggest that Iran is mobilizing its military assets, including its air defense systems and proxies in Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, to prepare for potential retaliation. Notably, the Iranian nuclear site at Natanz is reported to be severely damaged, and Iranian sources confirm the destruction of critical nuclear infrastructure, including underground uranium enrichment facilities.
The international response has been mixed. Saudi Arabia publicly condemned the Israeli operation, emphasizing the importance of respecting sovereignty and warning against escalation. Jordan has closed its airspace to prevent spillover conflicts, asserting it will not allow its territory to become a battlefield. The United States, under President Biden, has maintained a cautious stance, emphasizing support for Israel’s right to defend itself but urging restraint and warning Iran against escalation. President Biden has also indicated that the US has increased its missile defense stockpiles in Israel and remains committed to diplomatic efforts, though the recent actions have complicated negotiations with Iran.
In the region, reports of explosions and gunfire have been heard in Iraq, with authorities closing airspace and mobilizing defenses amid fears of escalation from Iranian-backed militias and proxies. The conflict has also extended to Lebanon, where Hezbollah has issued warnings, and Syria, where Israeli strikes targeted Iranian and Hezbollah positions. The operation’s timing and scale mark a significant escalation, with Israeli officials asserting that this is a decisive moment aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and dismantling its military capabilities.
Meanwhile, Iran has announced the appointment of a new military commander, General Habib-Allah Siyari, signaling the regime’s intent to strengthen its military leadership amidst ongoing hostilities. Iranian media reports confirm the destruction of key nuclear and military sites, with some sources suggesting the damage may delay Iran’s nuclear ambitions but not halt them entirely.
The broader geopolitical implications are profound. Former US President Donald Trump publicly supported Israel’s right to act but emphasized that the United States was not involved militarily. There are concerns that Iran’s response could involve extensive missile attacks, possibly with the involveme
Published on 4 weeks, 1 day ago