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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-19 at 23:05
HEADLINES
Israel Strikes Iran Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions
US Moves Military Assets as Region Braces for War
Iran Threatens Nuclear Site as Drone Attacks Surge
The time is now 07:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At seven o'clock in the evening, we begin with a snapshot of the ongoing security tensions and military actions across the Middle East, driven by Israel’s current military operations and Iran’s responses.
Israeli forces continue a series of intensive strikes across multiple fronts, including in the Gaza Strip, where recent bombardments have targeted Hamas infrastructure amid ongoing hostilities. Israeli military officials report that these operations aim to dismantle militant capabilities and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. The situation remains volatile, with reports of continued exchanges of fire and missile attacks from Palestinian factions.
In Iran, a heavy Israeli airstrike has targeted the Lavizan district in Tehran, a neighborhood believed to be where Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is based. Reports indicate this was a significant attack, with some sources claiming the neighborhood was heavily bombed. Additionally, there are reports of a major Israeli assault in Shiraz, in the mountains behind Sultan Abad, suggesting a wider targeting campaign against Iranian military sites.
Meanwhile, in Tehran, local sources report two powerful explosions at midnight, between Velayat and Novin Yad, in the northeast of the city. Iran’s defense systems reportedly intercepted drones originating from the west of Tehran, with the Iranian air defense activating in Isfahan as well. Iran’s military and intelligence agencies have announced the appointment of a new chief for the Revolutionary Guards' intelligence service, signaling continued internal security adjustments amid the heightened tensions.
Regional escalation is further exemplified by reports of drone attacks in southern Lebanon, specifically in the village of Khula, and the interception of unmanned aerial vehicles over Syrian skies. Iran's military claims to have neutralized multiple drone threats, while Iranian sources describe a series of explosions in the Velayat area, where some believe Iran’s nuclear facilities or military bunkers are located.
In the broader context, the United States is adjusting its military posture in the region. Satellite imagery shows that dozens of US military aircraft have been moved from the Al Udeid base in Qatar, possibly to reduce vulnerability amid fears of Iranian strikes. The White House indicates that President Trump is considering whether to join Israel in military operations against Iran, with a decision expected within the next two weeks. Meanwhile, US military assets in the Middle East are on heightened alert, with reports of a significant reduction in visible aircraft at key bases, and an increase in movements of refueling aircraft from Europe to the region.
Iran continues to threaten escalation, with official warnings issued against the evacuation of the Dimona nuclear site in Israel. Iran’s defense systems have engaged in multiple intercepts of incoming drones and missiles, and there are reports of heavy bombardments in the Velayat area, where some believe Iran’s nuclear bunker is located.
In the political sphere, Italy’s Prime Minister Georgia Meloni has publicly stated that regime change in Iran should only occur through the will of the Iranian people, emphasizing diplomatic pathways amid the mounting military tensions.
Adding to the complexity, reports from Iranian sources mention that the country’s military and intelligence agencies have identified a list of 300,000 Israeli personnel across various security agencies, prompting fears of targeted operations or internal security concerns in Israel.
In summary, th
Published on 3 weeks, 3 days ago