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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-15 at 21:05
HEADLINES
1. Israel Launches 170+ Strikes on Iran Amid Escalating War
2. Iran Threatens Gulf Oil Blockades as Regional Tensions Surge
3. US Deploys Carriers as Middle East Conflict Sparks Unrest
The time is now 05:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At 5:00 PM, the situation in the Middle East remains highly volatile, with Israel engaged in a broad and intense military campaign against Iran and its proxies. Israeli forces reported striking multiple targets across Iran, including Tehran, Shiraz, Kermanshah, and other strategic sites, as part of an ongoing series of airstrikes aimed at degrading Iran’s military infrastructure. The Israeli military claims to have conducted over 170 airstrikes since June 13, targeting more than 720 sites across Iran. These operations follow a series of aggressive actions, including the targeting of Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and oil facilities in Bandar Abbas, in response to Iranian missile and drone attacks from Yemen by Houthi forces.
Meanwhile, Iran’s leadership remains under significant pressure. Reports indicate that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was moved to an underground bunker near Tehran shortly after Israeli strikes began last Friday, signaling fears of an escalation that could threaten his safety. Sources suggest Israel deliberately avoided killing Khamenei on the first night, instead offering him a last chance to halt Iran’s uranium enrichment efforts, which are believed to be advancing toward nuclear weapons capability.
Iranian military and intelligence figures have suffered losses; reports confirm the assassination of Iran’s chief intelligence officer and his deputy in recent Israeli operations. Iran’s response has been relentless, with missile and drone attacks from Yemen continuing, while Iran’s military command asserts it will retaliate against any perceived threats, including potential strikes on regional oil infrastructure. Iranian officials have also warned that if their oil facilities are severely damaged, they will prevent any nearby countries from using their oil resources, hinting at possible future attacks on Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar.
Internationally, the United States maintains a heightened alert. A senior American official confirmed the deployment of additional aircraft carriers to the region, signaling preparedness for possible escalation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described Iran as “enemy number one” for the United States, emphasizing the direct threat Iran poses to regional stability and US interests. Netanyahu also highlighted Iran’s efforts to assassinate former US President Donald Trump, underlining the risks Iran’s leadership perceives from Israeli and American actions.
In the broader geopolitical arena, France has clarified it did not participate in any military cooperation with Israel, asserting that Israel did not request such assistance. Russia has also stated it cannot mediate between Iran and Israel at this stage. Meanwhile, Pakistan has publicly refused to assist Iran in its conflict with Israel, citing concerns over regional stability.
On the ground in Iran, civilian populations are facing increasing hardships. Reports describe Iranians fleeing Tehran amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes, with some seeking refuge in subway tunnels due to shortages of shelters. In Tehran and other cities, the government has announced that city and provincial authorities will operate remotely until June 18, as military activity intensifies.
Domestically in Iran, tensions are visible with reports of small anti-regime demonstrations in Tehran, reflecting growing unrest amid the crisis. Meanwhile, Iran’s government continues to issue stern warnings, with senior officials suggesting that if Iranian oil infrastructure is severely damaged, they will respond by targeting oil
Published on 3 weeks, 6 days ago