Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-21 at 17:04
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HEADLINESIsrael strikes Iran’s military and nuclear sites amid rising tensionsIran warns it will choose war over halting uranium enrichmentUS deploys stealth bombers and evacuates citizens as region heats upThe time is now 01:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Tonight's top story: Israel continues its military actions amid escalating tensions with Iran and its proxies across the Middle East. The Israeli government reports ongoing strikes against Iranian missile facilities and key military targets deep within Iran, including a significant aerial operation that disrupted Iran's top military command and damaged crucial nuclear infrastructure. Israel asserts that these actions are defensive measures to prevent further aggression and protect its citizens.Meanwhile, Iran remains defiant. A senior Iranian official has publicly declared that if Iran is compelled to choose between halting uranium enrichment and engaging in war, Tehran will opt for conflict. Iran's leadership signals a readiness to escalate, with reports of increased missile and drone activity from their allies in Yemen, specifically the Houthi movement, which has threatened to renew attacks on the Red Sea should the United States become involved militarily against Iran. The Houthis also issued explicit warnings that they would target American naval forces in the region if the US joins Israel in military actions.International developments include a thwarted Iranian-backed terror plot in Cyprus. Israeli authorities confirmed the arrest of an individual linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, who was planning an attack against Israelis in Cyprus. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar expressed appreciation for the swift counter-terror efforts by Cypriot authorities and emphasized Iran's ongoing campaign to target Israeli civilians abroad.The United States has increased its military posture in the region. Confirmed reports indicate that six B-2 stealth bombers have been deployed to the Pacific, possibly in preparation for potential strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. US military commanders, led by CENTCOM chief General Michael Kurilla, have adopted a notably hardline stance, advocating for increased deployments and readiness to respond to threats from Iran and its proxies. The US Secretary of State has also announced that the Department of State is assisting American citizens in Israel and the West Bank with evacuation efforts, urging those holding American passports to register for flights out of the region.Diplomatic efforts appear stalled. Reports suggest that President Donald Trump attempted to initiate direct negotiations with Iran, but Tehran rebuffed these overtures. Iran also rejected a European ceasefire framework that would require it to cease uranium enrichment and dismantle ballistic missile programs, indicating a preference for conflict over concessions.Adding to regional volatility, Israel claims to have conducted airstrikes on Iranian military bases in the Khuzestan province, targeting what the IDF describes as command and control centers involved in missile and drone operations. Israeli military spokespeople assert that their operations have significantly degraded Iran’s offensive capabilities and disrupted their plans to threaten regional stability.On the ground, Israel’s Home Front Command is considering modifications to its civil defense policies, aiming to allow partial resumption of academic activities and public gatherings under protective conditions. This comes amidst continued rocket and drone attacks from Gaza, where the death toll has surpassed 55,600, according to regional health authorities. Israel maintains its stance that it is conducting a proportional response to Hamas’s October 7 attack, which resulted in over 1,200 Israeli casualties.In Lebanon, UN peacekeepers have been reported to be learning yoga instead of performing their mandated duties, raising concerns about their effectiveness. Across the region, there is also rising tension from the Iranian-backed Houthi movement, which has issued a stark warning that any US involvement in Iran’s conflicts will be met with direct attacks on American naval forces in the Red Sea.Overall, the situation remains extremely tense. Israel’s military actions, Iran’s provocative rhetoric, and the involvement of regional and global powers continue to threaten to ignite a broader regional conflict, with the potential for escalation into a wider war involving multiple nations and proxy groups. The international community watches closely as diplomacy struggles to find a pathway to de-escalation amid growing military readiness and hostile rhetoric.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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