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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-17 at 00:04
HEADLINES
1. US Deploys Third Aircraft Carrier Amid Israel Iran Tensions
2. Iran Launches Heavy Missile Barrage, Tehran Explodes
3. China Urges Citizens to Flee Israel as War Escalates
The time is now 08:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At eight p.m., the situation in Israel and its surrounding region remains tense and rapidly developing. The Chinese embassy in Israel has issued an unusual warning, urging Chinese citizens to leave the country via land crossings immediately, citing escalating security concerns. Meanwhile, the United States Central Command reports that Iran is preparing for a large-scale, unprecedented offensive against Israel, fueling fears of a broad regional conflict.
In a notable diplomatic development, French President Emmanuel Macron revealed that US President Donald Trump informed G7 leaders about ongoing discussions aimed at securing a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Macron indicated that the Americans have proposed meetings with Iranian officials, and he views Trump's early departure from the summit as a potentially positive step toward de-escalation.
The US President has also ordered the National Security Council to remain on high alert, as tensions escalate further. Reports suggest that the US is reinforcing its military presence in the Middle East, with the deployment of a third aircraft carrier alongside two already stationed in the region, and additional support from allied nations. The Pentagon's Defense Secretary confirmed that the US is increasing defensive capabilities amid fears of imminent Iranian aggression.
Throughout the region, signs of conflict continue to intensify. In southern Syria, air defenses intercepted multiple unmanned aerial vehicles aimed at Israeli territory, prompting alerts in the Golan Heights. In Iran, powerful explosions and heavy gunfire have been reported in Tehran, amid reports of missile strikes and active defense systems at key nuclear sites such as Natanz. Iran's Revolutionary Guard has declared that its operations against Israel will persist through the night, threatening continued missile barrages.
Tensions on the ground are mirrored by political efforts to prevent further escalation. France, Britain, and Germany have called on Iran to return to negotiations without preconditions, urging a de-escalation to avoid regional and nuclear confrontation. Conversely, US President Donald Trump has publicly reiterated that Iran should not possess nuclear weapons, emphasizing that Iran should evacuate Tehran immediately due to the threat of an American military response.
In the backdrop, reports of military movements include US aircraft carriers and bombers arriving in the region, while Iranian defenses reportedly work under blackout conditions amid recent intense explosions in Tehran and Natanz. The Iranian military leadership has vowed to continue operations against what they describe as Zionist targets, sending missiles at a pace of several per hour, according to official statements.
Adding to the volatility, Israeli forces engaged in security operations in East Jerusalem, where two residents were severely wounded after clashes involving gunfire, rocketing tensions in the occupied capital. Meanwhile, in Iran, multiple explosions have rocked the city of Natanz, with initial reports suggesting sabotage or covert strikes targeting nuclear infrastructure.
International efforts to contain the crisis continue, with diplomatic channels urging Iran to return to dialogue and avoid further military escalation. However, the mounting military deployments and aggressive rhetoric from both sides suggest that the region remains on the brink of a larger conflict, with global powers closely watching developments.
This is the latest update on a situation that remains unpredictable and dangerous. Further deve
Published on 3 weeks, 5 days ago