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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-26 at 22:03
HEADLINES
Israel eyes peace deal amid internal political clashes
Iran halts IAEA cooperation after US-Israel attacks
US seeks regional peace as Iran threatens escalation
The time is now 06:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At six o'clock in the evening, the security and diplomatic landscape in the Middle East remains highly tense and fluid. Israel continues to pursue efforts for a comprehensive agreement aimed at ending the Gaza conflict, securing the return of hostages, and expanding the Abraham Accords. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described this as a "dramatic opportunity," but faces internal political challenges. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has warned that he lacks a mandate for any deal that could lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state, while opposition leader Yair Lapid advocates for an immediate end to the war. Discussions are reportedly underway regarding a possible visit by Netanyahu to the White House, signaling the importance of US-Israel relations in shaping upcoming diplomatic moves.
Meanwhile, the situation with Iran continues to be fraught with tension. The Iranian government has announced it will suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, citing violations of its sovereignty and attacks on nuclear facilities by the United States and Israel. This move follows recent damage assessments indicating that uranium enrichment centrifuges at Iran’s underground Fordow facility are no longer operational, after US military strikes. Iranian officials have emphasized that their nuclear ambitions remain intact, with some leaders warning of major decisions ahead if Western nations activate the JCPOA’s snapback mechanism. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi reiterated that Iran’s demands for uranium enrichment rights and sanctions relief remain unchanged, despite the ongoing conflict.
On the military front, reports of explosions in the city of Tabriz have emerged, with sources indicating loud blasts near military and missile facilities. Iran has claimed to have switched to manual counting of days until what they call "the destruction of Israel," a stark sign of ongoing hostility. Additionally, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has issued warnings against what he describes as threats from Israel, asserting that any attack would result in significant costs for the Zionist regime.
In the broader regional context, the United States under the current administration is engaged in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that President Biden remains committed to peace and is actively engaging with Iran and Gulf states to forge agreements. There are indications that some Arab nations, including Lebanon and Syria, could potentially join the Abraham Accords, further shifting regional alliances.
The security situation remains volatile with ongoing hostilities. Notably, a civilian on an electric scooter was seriously injured after being hit by a vehicle in Ashdod, highlighting the persistent threats to civilians amidst the conflict. In Iraq, the Pentagon has announced a significant reduction—over 40 percent—in funding for counter-ISIS operations, reflecting a strategic shift in US military priorities in the region.
In other developments, there have been reports of a series of strong explosions near military industrial sites in Iran, suggesting possible covert actions or internal instability. The Israeli government continues to face domestic pressure, with hostage families protesting in Tel Aviv, demanding a full deal to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza, criticizing Prime Minister Netanyahu’s handling of the war.
As the evening progresses, the regional picture remains complex, with diplomatic initiatives, military actions, and internal political debates shaping the pro
Published on 2 weeks ago