HEADLINES
1. Israel Destroys Iran’s Nuclear Power, Sets Back Years
2. Israel Eliminates Top Iranian Commanders in Precision Strikes
3. Iran’s Proxy Attacks Fail to Meet Escalation Expectations
The time is now 04:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At 4:00 a.m., this is the latest update on the unfolding Middle Eastern conflict and its wider implications. Over the past two weeks, Israel has conducted a significant military campaign against Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure, claiming notable success. According to a leading war studies think tank, the Institute for the Study of War, Israel achieved its primary objectives in its recent operation, which included destroying key nuclear facilities, such as Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, and killing top nuclear scientists involved in Iran’s weaponization efforts. The operation, supported by the United States, resulted in heavy damage to Iran’s nuclear capacity, with assessments indicating that Iran’s ability to produce weapon-grade uranium has been set back by many years. Israeli officials report that the damage to nuclear sites is systemic and severe, with some estimates suggesting the destruction of most centrifuges and infrastructure, though Iran’s supply of uranium remains largely intact, meaning efforts to reassemble enrichment capabilities are expected to resume.
In addition to nuclear targets, Israel struck Iran’s ballistic missile program, destroying approximately half of Iran’s missile launchers and attacking multiple missile production facilities, including those manufacturing explosives, engines, and rocket fuel. Israeli air defenses have intercepted over 99% of Iranian attack drones and hundreds of missiles, minimizing civilian casualties but still causing property damage and infrastructure disruption.
On the ground, Israel’s operations have targeted Iran’s senior military chain of command, eliminating at least sixteen high-ranking Iranian commanders, including the Chief of Staff of Iran’s armed forces and key IRGC leaders. The Israeli military also reported killing numerous lower-level commanders and hundreds of IRGC and Iranian soldiers. These strikes aimed to weaken Iran’s capacity for escalation and sabotage its regional proxies.
However, Iran’s proxy forces—Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and various militias across Iraq—failed to deliver the anticipated coordinated retaliation. While Iran’s proxies launched thousands of missiles and drones, most were intercepted or caused limited damage, with some penetrating defenses in populated areas. Notably, Iran’s missile and drone attacks did not reach the levels expected, and Iran’s overall strategic posture remains resilient but weakened.
International reactions have been mixed. The European Union issued calls for moderation, largely avoiding direct criticism of Iran or Israel, and expressed concern about escalation. European nations continue to avoid taking a firm stance, instead urging dialogue and restraint while their diplomatic channels remain strained. Meanwhile, some European countries have expressed disappointment over Israel’s military actions, reflecting their cautious approach and internal political considerations.
The United States under President Trump has publicly supported Israel’s efforts, emphasizing the importance of deterring Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The White House has indicated ongoing communication with Iranian leaders and Gulf states, emphasizing that the goal remains regional stability. Despite the recent military strikes, President Trump reaffirmed that Iran’s nuclear program has been significantly degraded, and efforts to rebuild are expected to take years. The administration expressed willingness to act again if Iran attempts to restore its nuclear capabilities, although the decision to cease hostilities was made in coordination with Is
Published on 1 week, 6 days ago
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