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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-13 at 12:04
HEADLINES
Israel launches bold strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites
Iran retaliates with 100 UAVs in deadly skirmish
Global powers call for calm amid Middle East chaos
The time is now 08:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At 8:00 AM, the escalation in the Middle East continues to dominate the global security landscape. Israel has launched a broad and preemptive military operation targeting Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure, aiming to neutralize imminent threats. Early Friday, Israeli jets struck dozens of locations across Iran, including military installations, nuclear sites, and key command figures. Reports confirm the elimination of senior Iranian military leaders, such as Hossein Salami, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, alongside nuclear scientists and strategic targets. Iran responded by launching approximately 100 UAVs toward Israel, all intercepted successfully by Israeli defenses.
This operation marks a significant escalation, with Israel asserting that the strikes were carefully coordinated and aimed at degrading Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Israeli officials have stated that the initial wave targeted air defense systems, missile sites, and high-ranking officials, including Iran’s General Staff. The Israeli Defense Forces have also reported striking significant targets in Syria, including missile launch sites, and have conducted maneuvers involving aircraft conducting refueling operations over eastern Syria.
Regional reactions are varied. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the attack, warning that Israel’s actions will lead to a bitter fate for the Zionist regime. Iran’s military officials, including the commander of its air defense, have reportedly been killed in recent strikes, with some sources suggesting that over twenty senior Iranian military personnel have been eliminated by Israeli forces. Iran’s allies, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, have issued condemnations but stopped short of promising retaliation, though Hezbollah described the attack as “brutal Israeli aggression” and warned it could ignite regional instability.
International reactions call for restraint. The United States’ President Donald Trump publicly urged Iran to return to negotiations, warning that further Israeli strikes could lead to more severe conflict. The United Nations and European Union have called for de-escalation, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy. Russia condemned the strikes as “unacceptable” and “unprovoked,” while China expressed deep concern about the potential for regional destabilization. Countries like Jordan and Oman have emphasized their positions to avoid becoming battlegrounds, with Jordan closing its airspace in response to the increased hostilities.
Adding to the tension, Israel reports intercepting multiple UAVs and unmanned aircraft, with initial indications of attempted reconnaissance or attack missions originating from Iraq and possibly other regional actors. Israeli military sources have confirmed that the strike on Iran targeted nuclear enrichment facilities, including the Natanz site, which was significantly damaged. The Israeli Defense Ministry has issued statements indicating that the operation is ongoing and that preparations are underway for a prolonged campaign.
Meanwhile, intelligence reports suggest that Iran’s top military advisor and close associates, including the deputy commander of the Revolutionary Guards, were killed in recent covert operations, with some sources indicating they were caught unprepared at their residences, highlighting Israel’s strategic intelligence capabilities. The situation remains volatile, with fears of further escalation as Iran and its proxies prepare for potential retaliatory actions, including missile and drone attacks.
In the broader context, regional leader
Published on 4 weeks ago