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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-20 at 15:05
HEADLINES
1. Israel Strikes Iran Nuclear Sites in Escalation
2. Iran Launches 25 Missiles, Injuring Civilians
3. Regional Tensions Soar Amid Iran Israel Conflict
The time is now 11:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
The ongoing conflict in the region has entered a critical phase, with Israel engaging directly against Iran and its proxies. Israeli forces launched a series of targeted strikes in Iran, including attacks on Revolutionary Guard bases near Ahvaz and in Hawza, reportedly targeting missile launch sites and regime infrastructure. These operations follow a wave of missile and drone attacks from Iran and its affiliated groups, with over twenty-five missiles launched toward Israel, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries, including civilians and soldiers. Notably, in Haifa, approximately twenty-five missiles caused serious injuries, including a man in his 40s and a teenage boy, with shrapnel injuries and damage to property.
In response, Israel has intensified its military actions, including precision drone strikes that reportedly eliminated a senior Iranian nuclear scientist in Tehran, further escalating tensions. Israel claims to have intercepted many of the incoming missiles, with Israeli officials estimating that from Iran alone, about 520 missiles were launched, but fewer than five percent fell short of their targets. Israeli jets are now focusing on degrading Iran’s military infrastructure, including missile factories and nuclear sites such as Natanz and Fordow, aiming to delay Iran’s nuclear capabilities significantly.
Meanwhile, the Israeli Defense Forces have completed comprehensive planning and training for a broader campaign, including a large-scale operation targeting Iran's entire military leadership and nuclear scientists. The strategic shift was accelerated after recent successes in weakening Hezbollah in Lebanon and eliminating key Iranian figures involved in nuclear weaponization. Israeli intelligence has also been actively tracking and assassinating Iranian scientists involved in nuclear development in Tehran and other locations, aiming to dismantle Iran’s nuclear progress at its human source.
The regional picture remains volatile. In Iraq, thousands gathered in Baghdad and Kufa, protesting against Israel and the United States, with slogans condemning Israeli actions and American involvement. Pro-Iranian factions, including supporters of Moqtada Sadr, expressed opposition to any Israeli military action, warning of regional escalation. In Lebanon, Hezbollah supporters staged demonstrations, though the group has publicly stated it would only defend itself if attacked, refraining from direct intervention at this stage.
Iran vigorously responds to Israel’s aggression, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei posting on X that “the enemy’s punishment is deserved,” amid widespread protests across Iran condemning Western and Israeli actions. Iran’s regime has also announced a 48-hour internet blackout, limiting communication and information flow, possibly to control the narrative and prevent internal unrest.
Internationally, the United States under President Trump has imposed new sanctions targeting Iranian entities, including those in Hong Kong, aiming to curb Iran’s military procurement and nuclear pursuits. Meanwhile, China is reportedly airlifting military aid to Iran, with recent flights landing in Iran, strengthening Tehran’s military capabilities amid ongoing tensions. Russia continues to assist Iran at the Bushehr nuclear facility, indicating a coordinated effort among Iran’s allies.
Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, with Iran engaging in negotiations with Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the European Union in Zurich, seeking to manage the crisis diplomatically, though prospects remain uncertain. The situation remains highly sensitive, with
Published on 3 weeks, 2 days ago