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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-23 at 05:04
HEADLINES
U.S. Strikes Iran’s Fordo Nuclear Site
Iran Evacuates Assets Amid Retaliation Threats
Israel Intercepts UAV, Prepares for Escalation
The time is now 01:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At one o'clock in the morning, this is the latest update on the ongoing tensions and military actions in the Middle East.
Recently, the United States claimed a significant victory with a targeted strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, primarily focusing on the fortified Fordo site, along with installations in Natanz and Isfahan. President Donald Trump publicly declared that "Fordo is gone," and American defense officials asserted that Iran's nuclear program has been severely damaged. However, Israeli officials have expressed cautious optimism, noting that Iran had already evacuated highly enriched uranium and sensitive equipment prior to the attack, which complicates immediate assessments of the strike's total impact.
This operation marks a deepening strategic alliance between the United States and Israel, with the US affirming its commitment to preventing Iran from reaching nuclear capability. The strike also served as a ceremonial farewell for outgoing US Central Command Commander Michael Kurilla, who played a key role in fostering operational cooperation between the two nations.
Meanwhile, Iran has responded indirectly; reports indicate that the country evacuated assets from Fordo, and Iranian officials have issued defiant statements. Notably, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei posted on social media, condemning the actions and hinting at possible retaliation, though he later deleted the post. Iran continues to develop its missile capabilities, with recent reports of missile launches shifting eastward to avoid Israeli interception, yet Iran remains capable of launching significant barrages, underscoring the ongoing threat to Israeli territory.
Iran faces critical choices: escalate to full-scale conflict, which could include closing the Strait of Hormuz and attacking US and regional targets; surrender and accept a temporary deal that might be undermined later; or continue fighting on its own terms. Internationally, US officials hope for a resolution that avoids broader regional escalation, though unpredictability remains, especially under the current administration.
In the broader regional context, Iranian-backed militias in Iraq have entered a heightened state of alert, repositioning forces and preparing for potential hostilities. Reports from Lebanese sources describe pro-Iranian groups readying to strike US bases if ordered, warning that retaliation could begin in Iraq and be particularly severe.
Israel continues to manage multiple fronts. Its military intercepted an unmanned aerial vehicle flying toward Israeli territory near Eilat, with no damage or injuries reported. The Israeli Air Force has been conducting targeted operations in Iran, including strikes on military infrastructure in Kermanshah. Domestically, there are reports of Iranian sources possibly attempting to gather intelligence from Israeli citizens, as well as a reported execution of an individual accused of spying for Israel.
Meanwhile, in Gaza, Israel remains focused on the ongoing hostage crisis, with coordinated efforts by the Shin Bet and military forces to recover the bodies of hostages taken during October 7. The situation remains tense, with the possibility of renewed hostilities, and the broader goal remains securing the return of all captives.
Weather conditions across Israel today are partly cloudy with a slight drop in temperatures, especially in mountainous and inland areas. Winds in the Mediterranean are moderate, and the sea remains rough and dangerous for swimming. The week ahead is expected to stay partly cloudy with temperatures gradually rising toward the weekend.
Published on 2 weeks, 5 days ago