Podcast Episode Details
Back to Podcast Episodes
Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-20 at 21:03
HEADLINES
1. Israel Strikes Iran Amid Escalating Regional Tensions
2. Iran Demands Ceasefire Before Diplomacy Resumes
3. Israel Intercepts 15 Drones in Intense Sky Battles
The time is now 05:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Today, the escalation in the Middle East continues to dominate the headlines. Israeli military sources report that in the past hours, Israeli aircraft targeted Iranian Revolutionary Guard missile storage facilities in the Shiraz region of southern Iran. This follows a series of coordinated strikes by the Israeli Air Force, which has intercepted over fifteen unmanned aerial vehicles launched from Iran towards Israeli territory since the morning, with some of these drones being shot down off the coast of Haifa. Additionally, Israeli fighter jets conducted a wave of airstrikes in western Iran, targeting missile launch sites and storage sites, utilizing approximately thirty munitions.
The Israeli Defense Forces have confirmed that these actions are part of a broader effort to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, amid ongoing hostilities. Israeli military officials also report the thwarting of a missile barrage through targeted attacks on launchers in western Iran. Meanwhile, Israel’s elite counterterror units are actively involved in civilian rescue operations following Iranian missile strikes on urban centers, with recent scenes reminiscent of combat zones, yet occurring within Israeli cities such as Tel Aviv and Ramat Gan.
On the ground, reports from Haifa and surrounding areas describe loud explosions and intercepted drones, with authorities investigating suspected targets. In the south, a ballistic missile struck the Al-Jarina Mosque in Haifa, injuring one of its clerics, while in Lebanon, a targeted Israeli drone attack on a motorcycle in the Baraachit area resulted in one death and one injury. Across the northern border, Lebanese sources report a fatality and injury following an Israeli drone attack near Baresheet.
In the midst of these military actions, diplomatic efforts persist. European diplomats, including British, French, and German representatives, held talks in Geneva with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, emphasizing the importance of returning to diplomatic negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. Iran, however, insists that it will only consider diplomacy once Israeli military actions cease, framing the ongoing conflict as a barrier to talks.
Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump commented that it would be very difficult to ask Israel to halt its strikes given its recent military successes, suggesting that Iran is currently suffering from significant setbacks. Trump also indicated that Iran was close to obtaining nuclear weapons within weeks, and while he acknowledged ongoing talks with Iran, he expressed skepticism about European involvement in negotiations, hinting at a possible temporary ceasefire rather than a resolution.
The situation remains volatile, with ongoing military strikes, intercepted attacks, and regional tensions. Israeli authorities also report the discovery of unexploded ordnance, urging caution in areas where remnants of missiles and ammunition have been found. The Israeli military continues to defend its airspace aggressively, thwarting numerous drone attempts and targeting Iranian military assets, as it seeks to prevent further escalation of the conflict.
In summary, the region is experiencing a complex and intense period of hostilities, with Israel actively countering Iranian and Hezbollah threats, while diplomatic channels attempt to prevent broader regional escalation. The international community watches closely, as the potential for further escalation remains high.
Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.<
Published on 3 weeks, 2 days ago