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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-18 at 05:04
HEADLINES
Iran Threatens Missile Strike Against US Allies Amid Escalating Tensions
Israel Launches Heavy Attacks on Tehran Targets in Rising Conflict
US Deploys F-35 Jets as Iran and Israel Tensions Explode
The time is now 01:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At 1:00 AM, the region remains tense amid ongoing military developments and escalating tensions between Israel, Iran, and their respective allies. Recent reports indicate that Iran is preparing for a potential missile attack against US military targets in the Middle East, should the United States become involved in hostilities with Iran. US officials have reviewed intelligence suggesting that, in response to American military actions—particularly if they target Iran’s nuclear facilities—Iran-backed militias and groups such as Houthi forces in Yemen are expected to retaliate by launching missile strikes against US assets across the region. These assets include bases in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, with Iranian missiles reportedly within range of these sites.
The United States has heightened its military alert status, deploying additional fighter jets, including F-16, F-22, and F-35 aircraft, to bolster regional defenses. President Donald Trump, who has publicly expressed a firm stance against Iran’s nuclear ambitions, has suggested that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei is a vulnerable target, although he indicated that the US currently prefers to avoid direct confrontation. Meanwhile, US military officials are monitoring Iranian movements, with reports of Iranian missile tests and threats, including the possibility of mines being laid in the Strait of Hormuz to disrupt maritime traffic.
In the broader regional context, Israel continues its military operations against Iranian-backed targets. Israeli forces reported striking over 50 targets in Tehran, including a centrifuge production site and military targets, using a large deployment of fighter jets. The Israeli military also intercepted a suspicious aerial target following recent alerts about potential incursions from hostile aircraft. The tension extends to the Gaza Strip, where Israel has intensified its operations, and tensions remain high with ongoing hostilities and hostage concerns.
Internationally, diplomatic efforts are ongoing. The United States has expressed openness to resuming negotiations with Iran if Iran withdraws from its nuclear commitments, with reports suggesting the US under President Trump’s administration is considering joint military actions with Israel against Iran’s nuclear facilities. German officials have also issued strong warnings, emphasizing that Iran’s nuclear program must be dismantled if Tehran refuses to surrender.
Meanwhile, in other news, Israel has successfully evacuated and repatriated dozens of Israeli citizens stranded abroad through a coordinated operation, part of the "Safe Return" initiative. The operation involved a flight from Larnaca and was conducted with heightened security measures, including escorting vessels and rapid processing at Ben-Gurion Airport.
In domestic developments, Israel’s education ministry announced a comprehensive plan for the end of the school year amid security restrictions. The plan includes personal online meetings between students and teachers, virtual graduation ceremonies, and special recognition for students whose parents serve in the military or security forces. The initiative aims to preserve a sense of community and achievement during a period of heightened alertness and ongoing conflict.
On the security front, the Israel Defense Forces reported intercepting and neutralizing a hostile aircraft after alerts of incursions in northern Israel. Additionally, multiple missile salvos from Iran resulted in around 25 ballistic missile launches overnigh
Published on 3 weeks, 4 days ago