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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-20 at 09:04
HEADLINES
Israel Targets Tehran Nuclear Sites in Key Strikes
Iran Launches Over 100 Drones in Escalating Assaults
Global Powers Urge De-Escalation Amid Rising Tensions
The time is now 05:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At 5:00 AM, the situation in the Middle East remains highly tense and volatile, with intense military activity and diplomatic developments unfolding across the region. Israel’s armed forces continue their targeted operations against Iranian infrastructure and missile launch sites, as part of what they describe as efforts to degrade Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities. Over the past 24 hours, Israeli military sources report striking dozens of targets in Tehran, including a center for nuclear weapons research and development, military manufacturing sites, and missile production facilities. These operations follow an Iranian missile attack that wounded five civilians in Beersheva early this morning, marking the latest in a series of assaults since the escalation began on June 13.
The Israeli Defense Forces also confirmed intercepting numerous Iranian drones and surface-to-surface missiles launched at Israeli territory. Over ninety-five percent of such threats have been successfully neutralized, but the persistent barrage underscores the ongoing threat from multiple fronts. Israeli officials emphasize their commitment to defensive measures, with Brigadier General Ephraim Defrin stating that the military is operating continuously across seven fronts to protect civilians and maintain strategic objectives.
In Iran, authorities are dismissive of diplomatic overtures, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declaring that Iran will not negotiate as long as Israeli attacks persist. Tehran accuses Western powers of complicity and has refused to engage in negotiations, instead escalating its missile and drone campaigns. Iran claims to have launched over 100 combat and suicide drones at Israel recently, while its Revolutionary Guards have reported striking dozens of targets in Israel’s north and in Tehran itself. Iran also announced the appointment of a new intelligence chief following the death of the previous head in an Israeli strike last week.
Amidst these hostilities, international diplomatic efforts are underway. European foreign ministers, including those from France, Germany, and Britain, are engaging with Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi in Geneva, urging de-escalation. The United Nations Security Council is also convening for a second session to address the conflict, with support from Russia, China, and Pakistan, highlighting the global concern over the escalating violence.
The United States remains cautiously involved. President Donald Trump has indicated he will decide within the next two weeks whether to join Israel’s military actions against Iran, citing the possibility of a diplomatic resolution. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the Trump administration remains prepared for direct talks with Iran’s leadership, despite recent comments from Trump demanding Iran’s unconditional surrender. This ambiguity underscores the unpredictable nature of US policy at this critical juncture.
In the broader regional landscape, hostilities extend to Lebanon and southern Syria. An Israeli attack targeted a vehicle in Al-Aabbassiyah, south Lebanon, resulting in the death of one individual. Additionally, Israeli forces reportedly struck a large Iranian drone storage site in Daraa, southern Syria, which has become a significant repository following Israeli interceptions of Iranian UAVs.
On the ground within Israel, the toll continues to mount. Since the start of "Operation Rising Lion," over 2,500 individuals have been hospitalized due to missile injuries, with five more civilians wounded in Beersheva this morning. Israeli authorities also report ongoi
Published on 3 weeks, 3 days ago