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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-16 at 00:07
Published 1 month, 1 week ago
Description
HEADLINES
US weighs broad strike against Iran
Iran crackdown sparks UN Security Council debate
Israel drills Arrow defense amid Iran threat
The time is now 7:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Good evening. Here is the latest international update with a focus on the Middle East, Israel’s security frame, and related global diplomacy.
Officials familiar with conversations told The Wall Street Journal that President Donald Trump has been advised a broad strike against Iran would be unlikely to topple the Islamic Republic and could provoke a wider conflict. The discussions underscore a cautious approach as Tehran faces domestic demonstrations. The president has indicated he will monitor how Iran handles the protests before deciding on the scope of any potential action. American defense planners say any major operation would require more firepower in the region to protect United States forces and to shield allies, including Israel, should Iran retaliate. At the same time, officials note that smaller actions could lift morale among protesters without ending the crackdown on dissent.
The White House has signaled that grave consequences would follow continued violence against protesters. A spokesperson said the administration has told the Iranian regime that further killings would come with costs, even as President Trump has not yet made a final decision and has asked for some military assets to be moved in position in case of escalation. Reports also indicate that the United States is weighing how quickly to move carriers and other assets toward the region, with one account noting that the carrier Ronald Reagan may be repositioned toward the Middle East over about a week.
In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly urged caution, asking President Trump to delay any strike on Iran. The White House confirmed the two leaders spoke by phone, but did not disclose details. Israeli officials have said they would support Washington’s decisions while not pressing for unilateral action, and a network report described ongoing consultations in Israel’s defense leadership. Israel’s security outlook remains anchored in a readiness to defend against possible Iranian retaliation while continuing to assess opportunities for diplomacy.
At the United Nations Security Council, United States Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz reiterated that all options are on the table to deter violence and protect civilians in Iran. Dissidents invited to speak described their experiences under Tehran’s regime, while Iran’s deputy ambassador Gholamhossein Darzi argued that Tehran seeks restraint and warned that any aggression would be met with a decisive response. Russia’s envoy warned against what he called interference in Iran’s internal affairs, urging Washington to step back. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for maximum restraint and cautioned against measures that could worsen the violence or trigger a broader regional crisis. Denmark’s ambassador joined with others urging Iran to listen to the Iranian people’s call for a peaceful path to rights and reforms. A note of concern accompanied the session about the risk that external military actions could destabilize an already volatile moment in Iran.
The scope and tempo of protests in Iran have shaped the security conversation. Demonstrations, some described as among the largest in the republic’s history, have faced a harsh crackdown, with activists reporting a rising death toll as authorities cut much of the internet access that previously helped organize demonstrations. The two dissidents invited to address the council—Masih Alinejad and Ahmad Batebi—described the danger and the resolve of many Iranians demanding change. Iran’s government has argued that Western meddling is complicating matters, while Washington and its allies e
US weighs broad strike against Iran
Iran crackdown sparks UN Security Council debate
Israel drills Arrow defense amid Iran threat
The time is now 7:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Good evening. Here is the latest international update with a focus on the Middle East, Israel’s security frame, and related global diplomacy.
Officials familiar with conversations told The Wall Street Journal that President Donald Trump has been advised a broad strike against Iran would be unlikely to topple the Islamic Republic and could provoke a wider conflict. The discussions underscore a cautious approach as Tehran faces domestic demonstrations. The president has indicated he will monitor how Iran handles the protests before deciding on the scope of any potential action. American defense planners say any major operation would require more firepower in the region to protect United States forces and to shield allies, including Israel, should Iran retaliate. At the same time, officials note that smaller actions could lift morale among protesters without ending the crackdown on dissent.
The White House has signaled that grave consequences would follow continued violence against protesters. A spokesperson said the administration has told the Iranian regime that further killings would come with costs, even as President Trump has not yet made a final decision and has asked for some military assets to be moved in position in case of escalation. Reports also indicate that the United States is weighing how quickly to move carriers and other assets toward the region, with one account noting that the carrier Ronald Reagan may be repositioned toward the Middle East over about a week.
In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly urged caution, asking President Trump to delay any strike on Iran. The White House confirmed the two leaders spoke by phone, but did not disclose details. Israeli officials have said they would support Washington’s decisions while not pressing for unilateral action, and a network report described ongoing consultations in Israel’s defense leadership. Israel’s security outlook remains anchored in a readiness to defend against possible Iranian retaliation while continuing to assess opportunities for diplomacy.
At the United Nations Security Council, United States Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz reiterated that all options are on the table to deter violence and protect civilians in Iran. Dissidents invited to speak described their experiences under Tehran’s regime, while Iran’s deputy ambassador Gholamhossein Darzi argued that Tehran seeks restraint and warned that any aggression would be met with a decisive response. Russia’s envoy warned against what he called interference in Iran’s internal affairs, urging Washington to step back. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for maximum restraint and cautioned against measures that could worsen the violence or trigger a broader regional crisis. Denmark’s ambassador joined with others urging Iran to listen to the Iranian people’s call for a peaceful path to rights and reforms. A note of concern accompanied the session about the risk that external military actions could destabilize an already volatile moment in Iran.
The scope and tempo of protests in Iran have shaped the security conversation. Demonstrations, some described as among the largest in the republic’s history, have faced a harsh crackdown, with activists reporting a rising death toll as authorities cut much of the internet access that previously helped organize demonstrations. The two dissidents invited to address the council—Masih Alinejad and Ahmad Batebi—described the danger and the resolve of many Iranians demanding change. Iran’s government has argued that Western meddling is complicating matters, while Washington and its allies e