HEADLINES
1. U.S. Bombs Iran’s Nuclear Sites in Massive Strike
2. Iran Launches Deadly Missile Attacks on Israel
3. Regional Tensions Surge as Strait of Hormuz Threatened
The time is now 01:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
$final_report
At one o'clock in the afternoon, this is your update on the ongoing developments across the Middle East and related international responses.
Earlier this week, the United States launched a significant military operation against Iran's nuclear infrastructure, marking one of the most extensive strikes in recent history. The operation involved over 125 aircraft, including seven B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, which flew from the United States in a carefully orchestrated deception mission. These aircraft dropped 14 Massive Ordnance Penetrator bombs—powerful bunker-busters designed to reach underground facilities—on the Fordow nuclear site, along with attacks on Natanz and Isfahan. The strikes also included over two dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles fired from a US submarine, targeting key military sites. US military officials have reported that the damage inflicted was extremely severe, with initial assessments indicating substantial destruction to Iran’s nuclear capabilities. President Donald Trump characterized the operation as a "spectacular military success," emphasizing that Iran's nuclear program had been "devastated." Despite the military blow, Iran has claimed that most of its uranium was moved from Fordow prior to the attack, a point supported by Iranian sources, which could shift the focus of future Israeli and US operations toward ballistic missile delivery systems.
In response to the strikes, Iran launched a series of retaliatory missile attacks on Israeli territory, targeting central and northern regions. These missile barrages resulted in 25 fatalities and over 2,700 injuries, with widespread damage reported across multiple sites. Iran’s armed forces also claimed to have targeted Israeli assets, including Ben Gurion Airport, with reports of casualties and damage. Iranian state media circulated false reports claiming the downing of Israeli F-35 fighters and the capture of a female Israeli pilot, though these claims have been debunked by Israeli officials and independent analysts. Iran’s leadership, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, has publicly vowed to respond to what they describe as unjustified aggression, emphasizing that Iran will defend itself "by all means necessary."
Meanwhile, Israel continues its military operations across Iran and its proxies. Israeli fighter jets targeted several military sites in Iran, including a strategic missile command center near Yazd, where long-range Khorramshahr missiles are stored. Reports indicate that dozens of military targets have been hit, and Iranian forces have suffered casualties, including the killing of four Revolutionary Guard members in strikes on a military base in Bushehr. Israel also conducted strikes in western Iran and in Qom, with reports of significant explosions and damage. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Western Wall in Jerusalem, offering prayers for peace and expressing gratitude for the support from US President Donald Trump, emphasizing Israel’s strength and resilience.
In Lebanon, Hezbollah has prepared for possible escalation, with reports of internal divisions within the pro-Iranian camp. Some factions oppose participation in further conflict, while others are expected to follow Tehran’s directives. The Lebanese military remains cautious amid fears of a broader regional war. In Iraq, Iran-backed militias and Hezbollah operatives are on alert, with some reports of their involvement in potential retaliatory actions.
The broader regional picture remains tense. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital conduit for global oil shipments, faces potential threats
Published on 2 weeks, 6 days ago
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