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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-17 at 11:05
HEADLINES
Israel Targets Iran’s Nuclear and Military Assets
Iran Faces Cyber Attacks as Conflict Escalates
Regime Change in Iran? Israel’s Bold Military Moves
The time is now 07:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Today, at seven in the morning, we begin with the latest developments from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Israel remains firmly engaged in its military operations against Iran, with recent reports indicating significant strikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities. Israeli officials emphasize that their primary goal is to neutralize Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities, though some sources suggest that regime change could be an unintended consequence of these actions.
In a notable statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Israel’s current military campaign as an opportunity for Iran’s regime to be brought to an end. He reiterated Israel’s commitment to eliminating the threat of nuclear weapons and ballistic missile arsenals, emphasizing that Israel’s actions aim to defend its citizens and prevent Iran from attaining regional dominance. Netanyahu also expressed support for the Iranian people, highlighting the brutal regime’s oppression and asserting that Iran’s tyranny is nearing its end.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military reports ongoing strikes across Iran, including the destruction of Iran’s nuclear backup archive, which contained critical organizational knowledge on nuclear weapon development. Experts suggest that this action, combined with the targeted killing of 14 Iranian nuclear scientists since the operation began, significantly hampers Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Israeli officials also claim that their recent air strikes have targeted Iranian-backed proxies in the region, including Lebanon’s Hezbollah—significantly weakened by Israeli operations— and Iranian forces in western Iraq.
Despite Israel’s assertive military posture, diplomatic efforts continue. The Qatari foreign minister has stated that negotiations between the United States and Iran are making positive progress, contradicting recent reports of stalled talks. However, the Kremlin has indicated that there is no current interest from Israel in mediating a ceasefire or pursuing diplomatic solutions with Iran, suggesting a focus on military objectives.
On the international front, there are rising tensions. Iran's Foreign Ministry has called on the global community to intervene and halt the conflict, while Tehran’s spokesperson has accused Israel of using “sorcerers and demons” to locate Iranian officials. Iran’s banking sector faces a massive cyber attack, with reports indicating that critical financial infrastructure, including the Sepah Bank linked to the Revolutionary Guards, has been targeted.
In the United States, former President Donald Trump has publicly expressed skepticism about engaging in peace negotiations with Iran at this time. He has reiterated his stance that Iran should not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons and hinted that the current conflict may lead to significant changes within Iran, including regime instability. Trump also dismissed claims of a US-backed ceasefire, suggesting that the situation will clarify in the coming days.
Regionally, Iraq continues to tread a delicate line. Iranian missiles and drones have crossed into Iraqi airspace during Israeli operations, raising fears of broader spillover into Iraqi territory. Baghdad is actively working to prevent its soil from becoming a battleground, urging both the US and Iran to exercise restraint. Nonetheless, pro-Iranian factions within Iraq threaten to escalate the conflict, especially amid upcoming legislative elections.
Across the region, Iran faces internal unrest. Reports from Iran suggest that the Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, is experiencing health issues, and high-ranking mili
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