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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-25 at 20:03
HEADLINES
Israel claims major success in Iran nuclear strikes
U.S and Israel operate covertly inside Iran's nuclear sites
Hezbollah declares victory, vows resistance against Israel
The time is now 04:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At 4:00 PM, the situation across the Middle East remains highly tense and complex. Israel continues to assert its offensive against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, claiming significant success in recent strikes. US President Donald Trump has stated that Israeli commandos entered Iran’s Fordow nuclear site following American military action earlier this week, describing the damage as “total obliteration.” While some US intelligence reports suggest Iran’s underground facilities may not have been fully destroyed, top Israeli officials confirm that Iran’s nuclear capabilities have been severely degraded, setting back Tehran’s nuclear timeline by years.
The cooperation between Israel and the United States appears to be unprecedented, with Israeli special forces operating covertly inside Iran during the recent conflict, according to IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. The Mossad’s director, David Barnea, publicly affirmed Israel’s long-term presence inside Iran, emphasizing that the agency’s operatives have achieved “unimaginable” successes in disrupting Tehran’s nuclear efforts. He also renewed Israel’s commitment to recovering hostages from Gaza, where Iranian-backed groups like Hamas continue to hold dozens of captives.
Iran, meanwhile, has responded with increased internal security measures. The regime has deployed troops to Kurdish regions, set up checkpoints, and arrested over 700 individuals, including three executed for espionage. Reports also indicate that Iranian air defense systems have been active in Tehran and near the city of Parand, amid ongoing reports of explosions and unidentified aerial activity. Iranian officials have suspended cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, further escalating regional tensions.
In Lebanon, Hezbollah has declared victory over Israel, praising Iran’s “glorious divine victory” and signaling the start of a “new historical phase” in resisting American and Israeli influence. The group claims its missile strikes and responses to recent attacks have demonstrated Iran’s regional strength, despite international assessments suggesting Iran’s nuclear program has only been delayed temporarily. Hezbollah’s support for Iran remains firm, with leaders emphasizing their alliance and opposition to Western influence.
Meanwhile, Syria’s internal security situation continues to deteriorate. The arrest of Wassim Assad, cousin of President Bashar al-Assad and a key figure in Syria’s shadow financial system, signals a potential shift in accountability efforts. Additionally, reports from Iranian sources indicate the killing of over thirty Iranian officers during recent operations targeting Iranian military personnel, highlighting the ongoing proxy conflicts and regional violence.
In the broader regional context, Iran's domestic landscape is also experiencing upheaval. The government has deployed forces to Kurdish areas, increased arrests, and carried out executions amid fears of uprisings following the recent unrest. In Israel, incidents of violence persist, including clashes in the West Bank and attacks on Israeli civilians.
Internationally, the Biden administration continues to monitor the evolving situation, though current US policy under the Trump administration’s stance emphasizes a hardline approach—warning that further strikes will occur if Iran attempts to rebuild its nuclear program. European leaders are calling for de-escalation, but the prevailing consensus among Israel and the US remains that decisive action was necessary to prevent Iran from achieving a nuclear weapons capabilit
Published on 2 weeks, 3 days ago