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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-22 at 03:04
HEADLINES
US strikes Iran’s nuclear sites, sparks regional crisis
Iran vows retaliation after US destroys key facilities
Israel boosts security amid escalating Middle East tensions
The time is now 11:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At 11:00 PM, the Middle East remains in a state of heightened tension following the recent US military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Over the weekend, the United States announced that it carried out extensive attacks targeting three key sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict with Iran. President Donald Trump confirmed the operation via social media, stating that the nuclear reactors had been "obliterated" and emphasizing that all aircraft returned safely. The strikes involved the use of GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs, capable of penetrating deep into mountainous terrain, particularly over Fordow. This action represents the first direct US attack inside Iranian territory since the 1979 revolution.
Iran has officially acknowledged the strikes, condemning them as a brazen breach of international law and vowing retaliation. The Iranian Atomic Energy Organization issued a statement condemning the attack and warning that Iran will take legal and other measures to defend its nuclear program. Iranian officials have also suggested that Fordow, which has long been fortified and partially underground, was prepared for such operations, and they have asserted that critical knowledge and infrastructure remain resilient.
The broader regional picture indicates that Iran may retaliate against US and allied targets. Potential Iranian responses include strikes on American military bases in the Middle East, such as Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, and other strategic sites like Al Asad Air Base in Iraq and Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. Iranian officials have also threatened to target US ships in the Red Sea and to escalate at sea, including mining the Strait of Hormuz—an action that could severely impact global oil supplies.
In Israel, the government has responded to the US strikes with increased security measures. The Home Front Command announced the implementation of the highest level of restrictions, including restrictions on gatherings and non-essential activities, as a precaution against potential Iranian retaliation. Military sources have reported that Israeli air forces targeted Iranian F-14 fighters in Iran, and Israeli officials have indicated that sensitive sites, including the Dimona nuclear reactor, could become legitimate targets if the conflict intensifies further.
International reactions continue to pour in. The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concern over the use of force, warning that the region is on the brink of a dangerous escalation that threatens international peace and security. Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has appointed new potential successors to ensure continuity of leadership, signaling that Iran is prepared to endure and respond to ongoing pressures.
The geopolitical landscape is further complicated by Iran’s actions in the Gulf region, including increased troop movements and missile activity. Monitoring stations report unprecedented movement of missile launchers and warning signs that Iran may prepare for further military operations. Iran’s oil exports have sharply declined, from about 2.5 million barrels per day to approximately 150,000, reflecting the impact of sanctions and the recent conflict.
The United States has also begun evacuating American citizens from Israel and the West Bank amid fears of escalation, with rescue flights departing for Greece. Meanwhile, Iranian state media broadcasted maps indicating American targets in the Middle East, alongside threats that all US inte
Published on 3 weeks ago