Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-18 at 14:02

HEADLINES- Mojtaba Khamenei injured; Iran leadership in flux- US intel Iran regime intact but weakened- Pakistan Taliban Eid al-Fitr ceasefire declaredThe time is now 2:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, many senior members of Iran's political and military echelons have been killed in strikes since Operation Roaring Lion began on February 28. In the past two days, Israel killed Ali Larijani and former intelligence minister Esmaeil Khatib. Who is still believed to be alive, what roles they play, and how influential are they in leading Iran? Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei succeeded his father, Ali, who was killed in an Israeli strike on February 28. He was confirmed in the position on March 8, following a short interim period. Closely tied to leadership within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Khamenei is believed to have been the IRGC's preferred choice to succeed his father. Khamenei is believed to have been seriously injured in Israeli strikes, including possibly in a coma. His wife and at least one of his sons were killed in the strike that killed his father. As supreme leader, Khamenei holds absolute power over Iranian politics, policy, and the military, with all political bodies ultimately reporting to his office. Masoud Pezeshkian has served as President of Iran since July 2024. The leader of the so-called Reformist Faction, he was elected over other, harder-line candidates.In US Military Role, US intelligence chief: Iran's regime intact but weakened by Operation Epic Fury. US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard testified that Iran's regime remains intact but largely degraded by Operation Epic Fury, and that Tehran and its proxies remain capable of attacking US and allied interests in the Middle East. The hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee's annual threat assessment highlighted that, even with degradation, the regime and its proxies can strike in the region, and if a hostile regime survives, it will seek to begin a years-long effort to rebuild its missiles and UAV forces. The session focused on the Iran war now in its third week, with lawmakers seeking more information about an air campaign that has killed thousands of people, disrupted the lives of millions, and shaken energy and security concerns.In US Policy Concerning Israel, not all opposition to war is created equal. There is a difference between an argument about costs and risks, and a narrative that attributes policy to a hidden motive. Joe Kent, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned over policy differences with President Donald Trump regarding the Iran war. A Green Beret veteran, Kent's departure was framed by some outlets as emblematic of anti-war sentiment within the administration. The New York Times ran a headline declaring “A top US counterterrorism official resigns, citing the Iran war,” while The Forward highlighted Kent's alleged ties to white supremacist groups in reporting that he resigned over Iran policy and blamed Israel. The discussion around Kent underscores that dissent is not monolithic, and the piece emphasizes that his objection speaks to the substance of policy rather than implying a broader shift in approach within Trump’s circle.In Uplifting News, Pakistan and Taliban declare Eid al-Fitr ceasefire in conflict that has killed hundreds. Pakistan announced a ceasefire with Afghanistan's Taliban on Wednesday, and the Taliban government said it would pause military operations against Pakistan, both statements aimed at allowing Eid al-Fitr celebrations. Separately, the Pakistani military said a Kabul site hit by a Pakistani airstrike this week was used for storing drones and military-grade ordnance and for training suicide bombers. The Taliban had said the strike targeted a rehab center and killed more than 400 people; the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan put the death toll at 143, an official told Reuters. Pakistan rejected the Taliban claim that the rehab center was targeted, saying the strike hit military installations and terrorist-support infrastructure. Independent experts said it was challenging.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. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-890371https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-890447https://www.jpost.com/international/article-890429https://www.jpost.com/international/article-890431