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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-18 at 10:05
HEADLINES
Israeli Strikes Hit Iran’s Nuclear Sites Intensify
Erdogan Condemns Israel, Urges Justice and Defense Rights
Yemen Houthi Attacks Escalate Amid Regional Turmoil
The time is now 06:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At 6 a.m., the situation in the Middle East remains highly tense and rapidly evolving. The Israeli Air Force has conducted targeted strikes against Iranian military assets, confirming the engagement of five Iranian AH-1 attack helicopters at a military base in Kermanshah, Iran. These actions are part of an ongoing series of air operations aimed at degrading Iran’s military capabilities and preventing further escalation. Israeli officials state that over 1,000 targets within Iran have been struck since the beginning of these operations, reflecting a significant effort to weaken Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure.
In response, Iran has issued threatening rhetoric, with state television broadcasting a warning to use atomic weapons if necessary. Iranian officials also report damages to key nuclear sites, including a research center in Tehran where centrifuge rotors are produced, and facilities in Karaj involved in centrifuge component manufacturing, indicating damage to Iran’s nuclear development efforts. The International Atomic Energy Agency has confirmed that two Iranian centrifuge production facilities suffered damage in recent Israeli strikes.
The conflict has also extended to confrontations in the air, as Israel reports engaging and downing five Iranian combat helicopters attempting to intercept Israeli aircraft. Additionally, Israel’s missile defense system, including the Arrow interceptors, is reportedly under strain, with some sources indicating low stockpiles amid ongoing hostilities. The Israeli military confirms that in the past night, approximately 30 missile launches were intercepted, with no casualties reported so far.
Meanwhile, in Gaza, Israeli forces maintain their operational objectives, emphasizing continued efforts to free hostages and dismantle Hamas’ governance structures. Israeli Defense Forces reiterate that their military targets in Gaza remain unchanged, and they are committed to full operational success.
On the regional diplomatic front, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has issued sharply critical comments about Israeli actions, comparing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s policies to those of Adolf Hitler and expressing hope that Netanyahu will face international justice. Erdogan also stated that Iran has the right to defend itself amidst ongoing negotiations over its nuclear program, asserting that Turkey will escalate its deterrence measures to prevent attacks.
In Lebanon, Hezbollah has been reported to have suffered significant losses due to Israeli strikes, and Lebanon continues efforts to expel remaining militant groups. The Houthi movement in Yemen has resumed missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and other regional interests, further adding to the regional instability.
International reactions are mixed. The United States, under the current administration, continues to support Israel’s right to self-defense, with officials stating that the US has engaged in extensive operations against Iranian targets, including over a thousand strikes within Iran itself. President Trump has cautioned Iran against escalation, warning that any attack on US personnel will be met with force.
The United Kingdom’s embassy has begun evacuating diplomats and their families from Israel due to the heightened threat level. Meanwhile, Israel’s economy shows resilience, with stock markets in Tel Aviv rising slightly over the past few days, and the shekel strengthening against the dollar.
Domestically, Israel’s Ministry of Labor plans to ease some restrictions on office work, allowing businesses with bom
Published on 3 weeks, 4 days ago