Iran asserts that it successfully moved nearly all of its highly enriched uranium before the U.S. launched strikes on its nuclear facilities. Officials are concerned that 400 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium stored at Fordow may have already been transferred elsewhere prior to the attack — known as Operation Midnight Hammer. Satellite images from recent days seem to support Iran’s claim, showing convoys leaving multiple sites, including a line of 16 trucks near Fordow on June 19. Visuals from Maxar Technologies, a U.S. defense contractor, depict trucks, bulldozers, and security convoys surrounding Fordow, leading analysts from TS2 Space to suggest there was a “frantic effort” to move centrifuges or shielding materials amid the attacks. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
The US bombing likely caused “very significant damage” to the underground parts of Iran’s Fordow nuclear site buried deep in a mountain, according to the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog. “Given the explosive payload utilized, and the extreme vibration-sensitive nature of centrifuges, very significant damage is expected to have occurred,” Rafael Grossi told the IAEA’s board of governors on Monday. However, he cautioned that no group, including the IAEA, is currently able to fully assess the underground damage at Fordow. The US struck the site early Sunday morning, using six B-2 bombers to drop 12 “bunker-buster” bombs on Fordow, each weighing around 30,000 pounds.
IDF Spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin says that the headquarters belonging to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was just struck. The defense establishment estimates that hundreds of Revolutionary Guard soldiers were eliminated.
The IDF used drones to attack six airports in Iran overnight Sunday, destroying 15 aircraft as well as damaging runways, underground hangars, and a refueling plane. “The IDF attacked six airports in Iran,” the IDF stated. “Remotely piloted aircraft destroyed 15 Iranian regime warplanes and helicopters.” “As part of the effort to deepen air superiority in the skies of Iran, the IDF attacked six Iranian regime airfields in western, eastern, and central Iran.” “The attacks damaged runways, underground hangars, a refueling plane, and F-14, F-5, and AH-1 aircraft.” (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)
The IDF carried out numerous strikes in Iran on Monday, targeting the headquarters and symbols of the oppressive Iranian regime in the capital city of Tehran. Defense Minister Yisrael Katz said that “the IDF is currently attacking regime targets and governmental suppression bodies in the heart of Tehran with unprecedented force.” Katz added that targets include the Basij headquarters, the internal security headquarters of the IRGC, and the doomsday “Destruction of Israel” clock in Palestine Square. The IDF later stated that it estimates that dozens or even hundreds of IRGC soldiers were killed in the attack. The video below shows the attack on the IRGC headquarters: The IDF stated: “A short time ago, Air Force fighter jets attacked, with precise guidance from the Intelligence Directorate, headquarters and assets of the Internal Security Forces and the Revolutionary Guards in Tehran, Iran.” “These forces consist of various brigades and commands, and are responsible on behalf of the Iranian regime’s military forces for defending the regime, suppressing threats, and preserving the regime’s stability. As part of the attack, the Basij headquarters was attacked, which is one of the Revolutionary Guards’ power bases and is responsible, among other things, for enforcing the Islamic code and reporting to the authorities about citizens who violate it. “In addition, the “Albarez” Brigade, which is responsible for protecting several cities in the Tehran province from various threats and maintaining the stability of the regime, and the Intelligence and General Security Police of the Internal Security Forces, which are also part of the Iranian regime’s military forces, were attacked. “These headquarters are significant from both a military and a governmental perspective, and attacking them harms the Iranian regime’s military capabilities.” Earlier on Monday, Iranian reports said that Israel attacked the Fordo nuclear site at midday. The crisis management headquarters in Qom, where the Fordo nuclear facility is located, stated: “Moments ago, the enemy attacked the nuclear site in Fordo again. As announced by senior officials of the Atomic Energy Organization, there is no danger or threat to citizens.” Following the report, an Israeli security official told Army Radio that the IDF carried out an airstrike on the access road to Fordo but not the nuclear site itself. Fordo was one of the nuclear sites targeted in the US attack on Iran. Also on Monday, IDF spokesperson Effie Defrin said that the IDF is attacking the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) headquarters. Iran International reported on Monday that the IDF targeted administrative, security, and courtroom sections of Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison. The attack, described by the Israeli military as “symbolic,” reportedly struck the main entrance and office facilities, while detention blocks housing prisoners remained intact so as not to inflict casualties. (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)
Russian President Putin meets Iranian Foreign Minister Araqchi in Moscow. Putin tells Araghchi: Please convey my best wishes to the President and the Supreme Leader of Iran.
An incredible amount of IAF airstrikes are currently pounding Tehran and other locations in Iran. The airstikes began around the same time that Israel Defense Minister Yisrael Katz released the following short statement: “The IDF is now attacking with unprecedented force regime targets and government repression bodies in the heart of Tehran – for every shot at the Israeli home front, the Iranian dictator will be punished and the attacks will continue with full force.”
The Israeli Air Force bombed the gates of Iran’s Evin Prison in Tehran, which holds Iranians opposed to the Islamic regime. No word if any prisoners escaped.
Sirens blared throughout Israel during the prolonged Iranian missile attack on Israel on Monday morning. In some parts of Israel, only faint sirens could be heard, leaving residents wondering whether they needed to head to protected spaces or not. One Israeli driving on a highway in southern Israel was unsure if a siren was wailing or not but continued driving…and was miraculously saved from harm as a missile fell next to the highway only meters in front of his car. A truck driving in the opposite direction was also only meters away when the missile hit. (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)
Sirens sounded across Israel on Monday morning beginning shortly before 10:30 a.m. as Iran launched multiple barrages at the Jewish state one after the other, toward the north, the central area and the south—in the Lachish area, in the Gaza border area, and in the western Negev. Sirens continued to sound in various parts of the country for about 40 minutes, the longest stretch since the beginning of the war. There were impacts in Ashdod, Yavne, and Tel Arad, and in the north, including an open area in Tzfas. B’chasdei Hashem, there were no reports of injuries but therre were several reports of fires breaking out in open areas. Also, the Israel Electric Corporation (IEC) announced that a power plant in southern Israel was hit, causing power outages in several nearby communities, and warned the public not to go near downed power lines. About two hours later, the IEC announced that the downed lines have been repaired and power has been restored to all areas. Rescue flights bringing Israelis back home from abroad were forced to turn their planes around due to the attack. The IDF said that about six or seven missiles were launched in four barrages. Shortly after the attack was over, Iran fired one missile at northern Israel. Baruch Hashem, the missile was intercepted and there were no reports of injuries. Overnight Sunday, Iran launched a single missile at central Israel. The missile was successfully intercepted by an American air defense system. (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)
Israel is set to begin limited flights in and out of Ben Gurion International Airport on Monday, the airport authority announced. Outgoing flights will operate with a maximum of 50 passengers because of new safety protocols, Israel Airports Authority (IAA) said in a statement. Israel’s Home Front Command has restricted large gatherings of people and closed non-essential workplaces because of the threat of Iranian ballistic missiles. Meanwhile, the IAA will allow approximately 24 incoming flights per day as part of what it’s calling the “Safe Return” operation, as tens of thousands of Israelis remain stranded abroad. These inbound flights are allowed to operate with an increased capacity. The IAA said the resumption of flights – even at limited capacities – would mark “a significant step toward the gradual restoration of routine international travel.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is facing the most serious crisis of his decades-long rule following the U.S. strike on multiple Iranian nuclear facilities, according to a leading analyst — as the world waits to hear any official response from the 86-year-old leader. “Khamenei is arguably in the most dire situation of his entire life as an autocrat,” said Karim Sadjadpour of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in an interview with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins. “He’s in a bunker. He’s 86 years old. He has limited physical, cognitive bandwidth. Most of his top military commanders were assassinated. He doesn’t control his own airspace. Israel controls it,” Sadjadpour explained. “And, you know, there’s no way out of this war. He can’t win this war. He’s outmatched militarily, financially, technologically.” Khamenei has yet to release any public statement since the United States carried out the dramatic strikes on three major Iranian nuclear sites. Prior to the attack, he warned that Iran would not surrender and vowed that any U.S. military involvement would bring “irreparable damage.” Meanwhile, President Trump, who reportedly rejected a proposal from Israeli officials to target Khamenei directly, said last week that Iran’s Supreme Leader is an “easy target.” The question now looming in diplomatic and intelligence circles is whether the pressure on the regime could lead to its collapse — a scenario that could dramatically reshape the region but also spark widespread instability. Khamenei, who took the reins of power in 1989 after the death of Ayatollah Khomeini, has ruled the Islamic Republic for more than 35 years and is the country’s highest authority. His regime was built on the ashes of the Shah’s pro-Western monarchy, toppled during the 1979 Islamic Revolution. “The Supreme Leader has survival instincts, but he also has defiant instincts,” said Sadjadpour. “And he’s having a real struggle in my view, reconciling those two.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
Iran’s supreme leader on Sunday promised “punishment” for Israel as both nations continue to engage in retaliatory strikes. “The punishment continues,” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei wrote on X. “The Zionist enemy has made a big mistake, committed a big crime; it must be punished and it is being punished; it is being punished right now.” The social media post came as Israel warned of a missile launch from Iran. Sure enough one ballistic missile was launched from Iran in the latest attack. The missile, which triggered sirens in Tel Aviv and the surrounding area in central Israel, was intercepted, and no injuries were reported.
President Trump shared that the U.S. strikes on three of Iran’s main nuclear facilities caused “monumental damage.” “Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran, as shown by satellite images,” Trump shared in a Truth Social post. “Obliteration is an accurate term! The white structure shown is deeply imbedded into the rock, with even its roof well below ground level, and completely shielded from flame,” he described. “The biggest damage took place far below ground level. Bullseye!!!’ (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog lauded President Donald Trump for his “bold decision” after the U.S. president launched successful strikes on three of Iran’s nuclear facilities. “First of all, I think we all need to commend President Trump for his bold decision. It’s a historic decision, outstanding decision that clearly can shift the direction of the Middle East,” Herzog said on CNN’s State of the Union, Sunday. CNN: “Is Israel seeking regime change?” President of Israel Isaac Herzog: “It’s not any of the official goals of this war. On the contrary, we leave it to the Iranian people. But it would be a very blessed side, a major side effect.” PRESIDENT HERZOG: Israel is “not dragging America into a war” with Iran. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu held a press conference on Sunday evening following the U.S. military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities. He emphasized that Israel has no intention of being dragged into a prolonged war with Iran and declared: “We are close to completing the two objectives of Operation ‘Am K’Lavi’ (Like a Lion).” At the start of his remarks, Netanyahu said the following: “When I first took office, I participated in the March of the Living at Auschwitz. I felt a strong need to wrap myself in a tallis and said: שמע ישראל ה’ אלוקינו ה’ אחד. “Ten days ago, just hours before launching the historic mission against the evil regime of Iran, I visited the Kosel and again felt a strong urge to wrap myself in a tallis. I prayed for the success of our heroic pilots, our soldiers and commanders, for the security of our nation, and for the peace of our people. I placed a note in the Kosel that read: הן עם כלביא יקום ‘Behold, a people rises like a lioness and lifts itself like a lion.’” “Today, ten days later, I returned to the Kosel with my wife. Again, I wrapped myself in a tallis and offered a prayer of thanksgiving and a request for continued success. Gratitude for the incredible bravery of the IDF and Mossad, for the resilience of our people on the home front, and for the unprecedented partnership with my close friend, President Trump. We’ve taken our teamwork and cooperation to historic heights. As President Trump said so clearly — there has never been such coordination between two leaders.” Later on in the press conference, Netanyahu said the following: “I said it from the depth of my heart and belief – the most important party in the Knesset is Siyata Dishmaya. We witnessed incredible courage from our fighters and citizens, and immense help from our allies — but above all, we had the help of the Ribbono Shel Olam. And for that, I give thanks on behalf of generations of Jews who longed to establish our state and hoped we would protect our future. That’s exactly what we are doing.” Netanyahu also said: “We are fully committed to two main fronts — eliminating the Iranian threat and defeating Hamas while bringing all our hostages home, both living and fallen. Just two days after the war began, I said we would change the face of the Middle East. That is exactly what we’re doing. Even if there are difficult days ahead, with Hashem’s help, greater and better days await — days of unity, strength, and peace.” When asked about the success of the U.S. strike on the Fordo underground nuclear facility, Netanyahu responded: “We must tip our hats to Trump for the outstanding job done by the U.S. Air Force. We salute their pilots. They inflicted massive damage on Fordo. We’ll evaluate the situation, but one way or another, we will ensure there is no threat from those nuclear facilities. We will do whatever is necessary to meet our objectives — and we will achieve them all.” “We are advancing step by step toward accomplishing the two main goals of the operation,” he added. “We are very close. Our focus remains on achieving those goals. Once we do — we will not […]
The U.S. State Department has issued a worldwide alert due to the Israel-Iran conflict. Americans are warned of global travel disruptions, potential airspace closures, and possible anti-U.S. protests.
U.S. calls on China to prevent Iran from closing Strait of Hormuz and disrupting global oil flows U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on China to prevent Iran from blocking the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes. About 20% of the world’s oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz. China is Iran’s biggest oil customer and maintains friendly relations with the Islamic Republic.
While having supper Thursday evening, I received a call from a 212 number claiming to be from Chase Bank. Normally, I don’t answer calls during dinner — especially not from unfamiliar area codes — but for personal reasons, I made an exception this time. The caller identified himself and immediately asked about a couple of Zelle transactions on my account. Each was for several thousand dollars and had been flagged by the bank as potentially fraudulent. The money was being sent to someone whose name I didn’t recognize. After confirming with my wife that she hadn’t authorized any transactions either, the caller assured me he would mark them as fraudulent and “freeze” my Zelle account for 24 to 48 hours for my protection. He then provided a case number, cancellation codes for each transaction, and the name of the person assigned to handle my fraud case. After that, he transferred me to someone claiming to be a Zelle representative to continue processing the cancellation. The Zelle rep, “Doug Marshall,” was professional and courteous. He explained the next steps and seemed genuinely focused on helping me cancel the charges. But something didn’t sit right. Even as I followed along, I had a nagging feeling that something was off. I googled the number that had called me — it was indeed a Chase Bank number. Still uneasy, I logged into my online banking accounts — Chase and others — to double-check if any of these Zelle transactions had actually posted. Nothing. No record of them anywhere. Doug continued walking me through the process, explaining that the transactions were supposedly sent from an iPhone Pro Max 11 in Buffalo, NY — a detail that matched what the Chase agent had told me earlier. It sounded convincing. But then things took a turn. Doug asked me to create a Zelle user named “Noel Peralta,” using the 10-digit case number as the Zelle ID. I was instructed to input the cancellation codes from Chase into the dollar amount field, and to type “StpPmnt1500mnt” into the reason field. That was the moment my gut instinct screamed: Stop. I told Doug I wasn’t comfortable going forward with the transaction and that I would hang up and call back to verify everything. He remained calm and understanding and even offered to transfer me back to the original “Chase agent.” When that agent returned, I explained my hesitation and my plan to verify the situation directly with the bank. He tried to discourage me. At some point, he placed me on hold — and that’s when I hung up. I immediately called the official Chase fraud department. Sure enough — it was all a scam! As someone who considers himself fairly tech-savvy and cautious, I was surprised by how sophisticated and convincing this scam was. The level of detail, the smoothness of the handoffs, the professionalism of the callers — all of it was crafted to lower your guard. Signed, J.L. The views expressed in this letter are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of YWN. Have an opinion you would like to share? Send it to us for review.
