Day: June 18, 2025

As of June 18, 2025, the conflict between Israel and Iran continues with ongoing missile and aerial strikes, marking the sixth day of heightened hostilities

Key developments and events as of June 18, 2025:

Israeli strikes: Israel has continued to conduct airstrikes throughout Iran, specifically targeting Tehran and areas around Isfahan and Kahraj.
- Israel has focused on targeting Iran’s missile manufacturing capabilities and nuclear-related facilities, including centrifuge production sites in Tehran and Kahraj.
- The Israeli military reports operating freely in Iranian skies, though an Israeli drone was downed near Isfahan.
- In the past day, Israel has conducted three waves of strikes targeting Iran’s missile infrastructure.
- There have been reports of explosions in Tehran throughout the day as a result of Israeli attacks.
Iranian missile attacks: Iran has continued to launch missile attacks towards Israel.
- The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned of continued, focused, and continuous attacks against Israel.
- Explosions have been reported in the Tel Aviv area as a result of these attacks.
- While the number of Iranian missile attacks per barrage appears to have decreased, the IRGC claims to be using long-range Sejjil missiles and has warned of “all-out war” if the US intervenes.
- An Iranian drone was intercepted over the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
Casualties: An Israeli strike on a vehicle in Isfahan reportedly killed six people, including civilians. However, Israel has not reported any deaths on Wednesday.
Disruptions: Iran has implemented internet limitations to prevent citizens from sharing information, and domestic and international flight cancellations have been extended.
International reaction:
- The UN Deputy Human Rights Chief called for de-escalation and diplomatic negotiations.
- France has cautioned against seeking regime change in Iran through military means.
- The UN Security Council is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting on Friday at Iran’s request.
- UN Chief Antonio Guterres remains “profoundly alarmed” and has called for de-escalation.
US involvement:
- President Trump has not decided whether the US will join Israeli attacks on Iran.
- He has demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and warned of repercussions if US citizens are harmed.
- The US is moving military assets to the Middle East, though the exact nature of this deployment is unclear.
- There are reports of discussions regarding a potential meeting between US and Iranian officials to address the conflict.

Overall Situation:

The conflict continues to escalate with ongoing attacks and counterattacks, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. There are also concerns about potential US involvement and the humanitarian situation in the affected areas.

Brooklyn

Police say alleged arsonist who torched 11 NYPD vehicles in Brooklyn is pro-Palestine protester – amNewYork

Post author By Mike Nova
Post date June 18, 2025

Police say alleged arsonist who torched 11 NYPD vehicles in Brooklyn is pro-Palestine protester amNewYork

Brooklyn News - The Ocean Avenue News

Police say alleged arsonist who torched 11 NYPD vehicles in Brooklyn is pro-Palestine protester

Post author By Mike Nova
Post date June 18, 2025

Police say they have identified the alleged arsonist accused of torching 11 NYPD vehicles ablaze in Brooklyn last week is a pro-Palestine protester known to the department.

Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said the man accused of committing the June 12 arson at a lot along DeKalb Avenue and Central Avenue has been identified as 21-year-old Jakhi Lodgson-McCray. Kenny says the department knows the suspect for his roles in pro-Palestine protests around the city, including some at Columbia University — allegedly causing damage in the process.

“He’s also wanted for a criminal mischief incident in Columbia University back in September, where he disguised himself as a student and caused over $1,000 of damage to a statue on the campus,” Chief Kenny said.

11 NYPD vehicles parked inside a Brooklyn lot went up in flames early Thursday morning in a suspected act of arson, police reported.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell

Lodgson-McCray was previously arrested in 2024 and 2025 in Manhattan and charged for resisting arrest during several protests.

In the fire arson incident, Chief Kenny reports that Lodgson-McCray allegedly caused over half a million dollars in damages; it will cost the city $800,000 to replace the burned vehicles.

Cops accuse him of climbing the fence surrounding the lot before placing fire starters on the windshields, hoods, and tires of multiple NYPD vehicles.

“It’s not just an attack on the NYPD. It was an attack on the neighborhood of Bushwick itself, because if you look at this lot, there are several residences right next to it that sustained damage due to this fire,” Kenny said. “So, this was a reckless act. It was an attack on the NYPD, but it was also an attack on the safety of the community.”

Police say they captured video of Lodgson-McCray that depicted him changing his clothing several times while making his way to Manhattan. Cops believe he acted alone.

Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.