News Digest — 6/18/25
IDF Reports It Struck Tehran Nuclear Facility And Military Targets With Over 50 Fighter Jets
The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit reported early Wednesday (18th) that more than 50 Israeli Air Force fighter jets, guided by precise intelligence from the Military Intelligence Directorate, carried out a series of strikes overnight on military targets in the Tehran area.
“As part of the broader effort to damage Iran’s nuclear weapons program, a centrifuge production facility in Tehran was targeted. The facility was designed to help the regime expand the scope and speed of its uranium enrichment for nuclear weapons development,” the statement read. “It’s important to emphasize that civilian nuclear programs do not require enrichment at such levels.”
The IDF added that throughout the wave of attacks, multiple weapons production sites were also struck, including a facility producing raw materials and components for surface-to-surface missiles used by Iran against Israel. Additional targets were hit, including manufacturing sites for systems and components used in surface-to-air missiles designed to target aircraft.
Sirens sounded early Wednesday (18th) in several northern Israeli towns following reports of Iranian drone infiltrations. Israel’s emergency service Magen David Adom said no injuries were reported so far.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei published a third tweet Wednesday (18th) – in Hebrew – declaring, “Force must be used against the Zionist terrorist entity; we will not show leniency toward the Zionists.”
Iranian media reported early Wednesday (18th) that the Israeli Air Force struck the ballistic missile production facility in Khojir, near Tehran – a site previously targeted by Israel during its attack on the Islamic Republic last October.
The reports added that Israeli jets struck the Imam Hossein University in eastern Tehran, an institution affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Chief Of Staff: When The Home Front Is Strong, We Have The Strength To Keep Operating
IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir visited the impact site of an Iranian missile in the Israeli city of Bat Yam and held a situational assessment with the Head of the Hone Front Command, MG Rafi Milo, the Dan District Commander, Col. Shani Gershi; district senior commanders and the Mayor of Bat Yam, Tzvika Brot.
The assessment focused on the search and rescue efforts by Home Front Command Troops, the importance of protective measures, and strict adherence to Home Front Command guidelines.
Chief of Staff Zamir stated: “We have no choice but to fight this war, and its being waged across all dimensions. We are determined to complete our missions, and we will deliver on everything we’ve been tasked to do. We’re in an extraordinary situation.”
“Right now at this very moment, we’re hunting surface-to-surface missiles; our UAVs are out there, our fighter jets are out there – it’s absolutely extraordinary, 1,500 kilometers from Israel, we are hunting down and destroying those surface-to-surface missiles,” he said.
“Now it’s your layer coming into action, and it’s a critical one. When something is hit, forces are needed, and people draw strength from seeing you, from knowing that you arrive quickly, rescue people safely, and of course, treat the injured and respond. And sadly, in events like these, there are also fatalities. Civilian resilience is critical for us – It’s a central pillar of our ability to keep functioning. You said so: we are not stopping now, we are not stopping. Why aren’t we stopping? Because the civilian homefront is resilient. When that resilience is strong we have the strength to keep operating.” the Chief of Staff concluded.
Israel Expects U.S. To Join Strike On Iran Soon: Netanyahu Convenes Emergency Meeting
Israeli officials say they expect the United States will soon participate in a military strike against Iran, amid growing tensions over Tehran’s nuclear program and regional activities.
Israel has made it clear that it needs American support to destroy the heavily fortified Fordo nuclear facility deep in the mountains.
Earlier Tuesday (17th) Israeli Air Force F-15s escorted two US B-52 bombers through Israeli airspace, highlighting the growing coordination between the two militaries.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was scheduled on Tuesday (17th) to convene a small ministerial security forum at 10: p.m. from a secure bunker. The group, including senior defense and intelligence officials, meets nearly every night to direct operations related to Iran.
US officials told Reuters on Tuesday evening (17th) that the US military is deploying additional fighter jets to the Middle East and expanding its air presence in the region to bolster defense.
The developments follow posts on President Donald Trump’s Social platform. He wrote: “We know exactly where the so-called Supreme Leader is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there – we are not going to take him out (kill), at least not for now. But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin.”
In a separate post, Trump demanded “unconditional surrender” from Iran.
Trump also claimed US military capabilities surpassed Iran’s defences. “Iran has strong aerial surveillance systems and a lot of defensive equipment, but it’s no match for what the US has designed and built. Nobody does it better than good old America,” he said, according to multiple outlets.
Trump reportedly prefers to avoid direct US military involvement and is exerting substantial pressure behind the scenes. With tensions escalating, all eyes are now on Iran’s response – will it seek a diplomatic resolution or retaliate with force.?
German Chancellor: ‘Israel Is Doing The World’s Dirty Work In Iran’
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed strong support for Israel’s military actions against Iran, stating that Israel is undertaking the “dirty work” on behalf of the international community. In an interview with ZDF, Merz emphasized that if Iran does not retract its nuclear program, the complete destruction of its nuclear capabilities is on the table. He also noted that Israel alone cannot achieve this goal.
“This is the dirty work Israel is doing for all of us. We are also victims of this regime. This mullah regime has brought death and destruction to the world,” he said.
Merz highlighted the significant weakening of Iran’s regime due to recent Israeli strikes on its nuclear facilities, suggesting that Tehran may not return to its previous strength. He reiterated Germany’s commitment to supporting diplomatic efforts if negotiations resume.
The German Chancellor’s remarks are notable as a strong show of support for Israel in its conflict with Iran from the leader of a major European nation.
On Sunday (15th), Merz wrote in a post on social media, “Israel has the right to defend its existence and the security of its citizens. Iran’s nuclear weapons program is an existential threat to the State of Israel.”
Israel Airlines Set To Launch Repatriation Flights Wednesday To Bring Citizens Home
Israeli airlines El Al, Arkia and Israir have been given the green light to prepare for operating repatriation flights on Wednesday (18th) to start bringing back the more than 100,000 Israelis stranded abroad.
Following the approval of the Transportation Ministry and aviation authorities, El Al will pick up Israelis from Larnaca in Cyprus, Athens in Greece, Rome and Milan, in Italy, and Paris in France.
Passengers for these flights have already been assigned and were to receive notification Tuesday (17th). Those who hold a valid El Al or Sun Dor flight ticket to Israel, and whose flights were canceled after the country’s airspace was closed early on Friday (13th), are eligible for an emergency flight at no additional cost, El Al said.
The airline emphasized that priority for flight assignment will be based on the original flight cancellation date and urgent medical humanitarian cases. On Monday (16th) the flagship carrier opened registration for stranded customers to map registration flights.
“All our crews and aircraft are on standby, awaiting further instructions from the authorities to operate flights at maximum capacity and as soon as possible,” El Al said in a statement. “Flights will be operated gradually, subject to government approvals, and we recommend arranging accommodations as needed.”
Israel’s airspace has been closed for departures and arrivals since the Israel Defense Forces launched a surprise attack on Iran early Friday (13th) leaving those abroad with no way to get back and those stranded in the country with few options to leave.
Arkia said that Starting Wednesday (18th) it will launch flights to bring back Israelis from nearby destinations: Lamaca, and Karpathos in Greece and Twat in Montenegro, for now. Wednesday’s (18th) flights will focus solely on bringing back four organized groups that were booked with Arkia, the airlines said.
Arkia emphasized that it is prepared to operate in any time window that security officials approve – including Shabbat – and continues to examine with the authorities the possibility of expanding the operation. Flights are carried out only subject to approvals from security officials and the Civil Aviation Authority.
Local carrier Israir said it is preparing to operate three repatriation flights on Wednesday (18th) to bring back stranded Israelis from Lamaca, Athens and Varna, Bulgaria, following approval from relevant local authorities.
Under the proposed government-led repatriation plan, no more than two flights per hour will be allowed and probably during daylight hours, in light of the repeated nighttime missile barrages directed at Israel from Iran. Shmuel Zakai , the head of the Civil Aviation Authority, estimated that it would take weeks before all Israelis stranded abroad could fly home.
Meanwhile, the Tourism Ministry opened a digital registration procedure to assist the 38,000 tourists currently stuck in Israel to sign up for specially coordinated departure flights from Israel once they are available.
What If One Of The Iranian Missiles That Got Past Israeli Air Defenses Had A Nuclear Warhead? – Col. (ret.) Richard Kemp
Israel and Iran are not “trading blows,” as some have phrased it. Israel is dealing strategic devastation on Iran, eliminating much of the terrorist regime’s military top brass and key nuclear scientists, and attacking nuclear weapons sites, air defense systems, and offensive drone and missile capabilities. Meanwhile, Iran is lashing out with drones and ballistic missiles fired into Israel’s population centers, deliberately killing and wounding civilians.
For the last two nights I have heard ballistic missiles roar overhead and seen Israel’s impressive air defenses knock some of them out of the sky. What if just one that did get through had been armed with a nuclear warhead? Vast numbers would have been killed. That’s why Israel had to launch this pre-emptive assault on the Islamic Republic. Israeli intelligence and the International Atomic Energy Agency both saw that Iran was on the cusp of obtaining nuclear weapons capability.
The rest of the world should be grateful to Israel because a nuclear armed Iran would have threatened us all. All wars are terrible but sometimes they have to be fought to prevent an even worse evil.
The writer, a former commander of British forces in Afghanistan, was chairman of the UK’s national crisis management committee, COBRA. (Sunday Express-UK)
“The World Needs This War Even If They Don’t Know It” – Gabrielle Weiniger
The Iranian missile strike on a residential building in the Tel Aviv suburb of Bat Yam happened at 2:30 a.m., but rescue workers were still working to recover bodies well into the late afternoon, with many unaccounted for. A direct hit killed seven, including two children. An entire block was turned skeletal, dozens of buildings damaged beyond repair, windows shattered and shutters hanging off their hinges.
One building owner, Israel Dezoraev, said, “This is my life. I’m not in shock. I am optimistic. I don’t care if they’ll pay to fix this building. We need this war. Europe needs it, America needs it, and all the world needs it – even if they don’t know that yet.” Dezoraev, who arrived from the former Soviet Union as a child, added: “In the Bible, if someone comes to kill you, you have to kill him first.”
Col. Mickey David, commander of the Tel Aviv district in the Hone Front Command, said: “You see at every scene you go to, anyone who was in a protected area was saved. Even when there is no safe room or shelter, if you go to the most protected place there is, like a stairwell, it saves lives.”
Speaking in Bat Yam, Prime Minister Netanyahu said, “We are in an existential battle, one that every citizen of Israel now understands. Think about what would happen if Iran had nuclear weapons to drop on Israeli cities. Think about what would happen if Iran had 20,000 such missiles…. This is an existential threat to Israel.” (Sunday Times-UK)
