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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-13 at 13:05
HEADLINES
Israel Launches Massive Airstrikes Targeting Iran’s Nuclear Sites
Iran Vows Revenge Amid Deadly Israeli Attacks and Drone Warfare
Global Markets Plunge as Middle East Conflict Sparks Energy Crisis
The time is now 09:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At 9:00 a.m., the international community remains on high alert amid Israel’s ongoing military operations in the Middle East, as the region faces the most intense escalation in recent years. Israel has launched a comprehensive series of airstrikes targeting Iranian military and nuclear sites, with over 200 fighter jets involved in the operation, which Israeli officials have named "Rising Lion." These strikes aimed to neutralize key Iranian military personnel, including top officers and nuclear scientists, and have reportedly killed several high-ranking figures, such as Iran’s Armed Forces Chief of Staff and Revolutionary Guard Corps commander.
The Israeli government emphasizes that these actions are preemptive and defensive, seeking to prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear weapons program, which Israeli officials say was months away from completion. The strikes also targeted Iran’s missile infrastructure, destroying dozens of ground-to-ground missile launchers and strategic command centers across Iran, including in the west of the country. Israel asserts that these measures are vital to protect its sovereignty and prevent a future threat.
Iran’s response has been fierce, with reports from Tehran indicating that 78 Iranian citizens have been killed in the recent attacks, and hundreds more wounded. Iran’s state media claims that the Israeli strikes have destroyed key military installations, including at Tabriz Airport, and have targeted air defense systems. Tehran’s leadership has vowed retaliation, with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemning Israel’s actions as a “crime,” warning of “bitter and painful” consequences, and declaring that Iran’s response will have “no limits.”
Meanwhile, Iran has launched approximately 100 UAVs towards Israel, all of which were intercepted by Israeli missile defense systems. Iran’s military also reports launching retaliatory strikes with drones against Israeli targets, while Iran’s proxy groups in Lebanon, Gaza, and Yemen have issued mixed messages. Hezbollah, a major Lebanese militant group, condemned Israeli actions but stated it would not initiate its own attack for now, although it criticized what it called “brutal Israeli aggression.”
The escalation has triggered a global ripple effect. Oil prices surged by over 8 percent, reaching levels unseen since January, amid fears of a wider conflict that could disrupt Iranian oil exports. Stock markets across Europe and Asia declined sharply, reflecting investor anxiety over potential regional instability. The United States has publicly supported Israel’s right to defend itself, with President Donald Trump urging Iran to accept a diplomatic solution, warning that further Iranian aggression could lead to even more severe consequences.
European nations have expressed concern but largely avoided direct condemnation; Germany reaffirmed Israel’s right to self-defense and pledged increased security at Jewish and Israeli sites within Germany. The Czech Republic explicitly supported Israel’s military actions, citing Iran’s nuclear ambitions and support for regional proxies as justification for the strikes. France, while cautious, acknowledged Israel’s right to defend itself but urged restraint to prevent regional escalation.
In the broader context, Iranian opposition figures abroad have called for the overthrow of the current regime, citing Israel’s strikes as evidence of Iran’s vulnerability. Meanwhile, Iranian exiles and opposition leaders have expressed hope that the recent military actions might catalyze internal unrest, aligning with calls for civ
Published on 4 weeks ago