Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-21 at 18:04
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HEADLINESIsraeli Airstrikes Target Iran Amid Rising TensionsIran Threatens War Over Nuclear Enrichment StandoffGlobal Protests Erupt Over Gaza Humanitarian CrisisThe time is now 02:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.As of this hour, the situation in the Middle East remains highly tense and complex. Israel continues to confront a multi-faceted threat landscape, with its military actively engaging targets across the region. Israeli forces have conducted recent airstrikes on the Iranian province of Khuzestan, targeting what they describe as key missile sites and military infrastructure. These strikes come amidst reports of escalating Iranian missile activity and military build-up, signaling a hardening stance by Tehran. An Iranian senior official has publicly stated that if Iran must choose between halting uranium enrichment or risking war, the regime prefers conflict, underscoring the deepening confrontation.Meanwhile, Iran’s regional proxies remain active. Reports from opposition sources suggest that Iranian-backed militias, including Iraqi factions, have suffered significant losses, with the assassination of several senior figures believed to be linked to Iranian military and militia networks in Tehran. Additionally, there are unconfirmed reports of Iranian drones approaching Israeli airspace from Iraq, heightening fears of expanded hostilities.The Iran-Israel conflict has also prompted a sharp response from the United States. Washington has transferred six stealth B-2 bombers to the Pacific island of Guam, signaling a strategic posture prepared for potential escalation. US officials confirmed the deployment, which follows a series of over 1,000 Israeli strikes inside Iran targeting missile systems and military commanders. The Biden administration remains cautious yet prepared, with some reports indicating that President Trump may convene a National Security Council meeting to deliberate on further steps.Tensions extend beyond the immediate battlefield. In Cyprus, Israeli authorities announced the arrest of an individual linked to Iran’s regime, accused of plotting a terror attack against Israelis. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has publicly credited Cypriot security forces with thwarting the attempt, emphasizing Iran’s ongoing efforts to target Israeli citizens abroad. Similar threats have been reported in Lebanon, where Hezbollah’s military strength has been severely diminished by Israeli operations, and in Yemen, where Houthis continue missile and drone attacks into the Red Sea region, threatening shipping lanes and regional stability.International reactions are mixed. Saudi Arabia condemned Israel’s recent targeted operations against Iran, calling them illegal and a violation of international law. Conversely, Iran dismisses diplomatic efforts, with Iranian officials rejecting overtures from the United States and Europe, emphasizing their preference for continued resistance and military posture. Reports indicate that Tehran has refused to halt its nuclear program, with some officials signaling readiness for war should negotiations falter.Domestically within Israel, the military is considering adjustments to civil defense protocols, aiming to allow partial resumption of activities like academic exams and work under protective measures. Meanwhile, the Israeli government continues to combat internal threats, including arrests of suspects involved in violence and illegal weapons possession in cities like Ramat Gan and Rishon Lezion.Global protests have surged, with tens of thousands rallying in London and Berlin, condemning the violence in Gaza and warning against broader regional escalation. Protesters voiced concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where fatalities have surpassed 55,600, according to the Gaza health ministry. The international community remains deeply divided; while Israel defends its military actions as necessary for national security, critics highlight the disproportionate toll on civilians and accuse regional powers of fueling the conflict.In diplomatic developments, reports reveal that former US President Donald Trump attempted to initiate direct negotiations with Iran, but Tehran rebuffed these efforts. Iran also rejected a European ceasefire proposal, insisting that it will not abandon its ballistic missile and nuclear programs, preferring conflict over concessions.Amid these tumultuous developments, the United States has also begun extracting American citizens from Israel and the Palestinian territories, urging those with US citizenship to register for evacuation flights. Security agencies remain cautious, aware that the situation could escalate into wider regional warfare, especially if Iran chooses to escalate its missile and military activities.This ongoing crisis underscores the fragile balance of power and the precarious path toward de-escalation. As the region braces for possible further hostilities, the international community watches closely, aware that the stakes have never been higher.Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. 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