Israel News for 6-17-2025
News Update
Israel is continuing its air attacks against Iranian targets, with full air superiority and free movement in Iranian skies. Overnight, a strike in the center of Tehran killed Ali Shadmani, one of Iran’s most senior military commanders, who had been in his position for 4 days, after his predecessor was killed. Shadmani served as war-time Chief of Staff and Commander of the Emergency Command of the Iranian Armed Forces and commanded both the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Iranian army. Dozens of surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missile launchers were also destroyed overnight, reducing the amount of missiles Iran is capable of firing at Israel. An airstrike also hit building that houses Iran’s state-run television in Tehran during a live broadcast.
Iran launched 30 missiles at Israel last night. This morning 20 missiles were launched. There were no reports of casualties or damage. Around 30 drones launched toward Israel were intercepted during the night and early morning.
A major cyber attack hit Iran today targeting multiple Iranian banks used to fund IRGC operations, including Iran’s missile and nuclear programs. Iran’s Fars News Agency, affiliated with the IRGC, confirmed the cyberattack around noon local time, adding that disruptions were being felt at gas stations across the country.
Defense Minister Israel Katz said this afternoon, “Today we are preparing to strike highly significant targets – strategic, governmental, and infrastructure sites – inside Tehran. The IDF spokesman will address residents in Persian and urge them to evacuate.”
The White House said the U.S. isn’t joining Israel’s attacks on Iran, despite speculation to the contrary after President Trump warned Iranians to evacuate Tehran immediately and left the G7 Summit early. Trump also reiterated that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, that he was not in the mood for negotiations, and that he was looking to bring a real end to the conflict as opposed to a ceasefire.
Meanwhile, a third U.S. Navy destroyer entered the eastern Mediterranean Sea to help defend Israel from Iranian ballistic missiles, and a second U.S. carrier strike group is heading toward the Arabian Sea. Tanker aircraft, that could potentially help refuel Israeli jet fighters, are also being positioned in the region.
Significant progress has reportedly been made in the negotiations to release the hostages and bring a ceasefire in Gaza. Meanwhile, Staff Sgt. Naveh Leshem, 20, from Nokdim and Capt. (res.) Tal Movshovitz, 28, from Re’ut, both from the Golani Brigade were killed in separate incidents in Gaza.
