On 17 June 2025, President Trump threatened Iran's Supreme Leader over social media, urging "unconditional surrender," as the situation continues to escalate. The previous day, the United States (U.S.) Embassy in Jerusalem issued a Security Alert directing U.S. government employees and their families to continue sheltering in place until further notice. The Security Alert states: "The U.S. Embassy is not in a position at this time to evacuate or directly assist Americans in departing Israel."
Israel's airspace remains closed, with no commercial or charter flights operating. El Al and Sundor flights departing Israel are cancelled until 23 June. Seaports in Israel are also closed. On 18 June, limited El Al repatriation flights to Israel are scheduled from Larnaca, Athens, Rome, Milan, and Paris, but no outbound passenger flights will operate. Israel's land crossings with Jordan and Egypt remain open.
Situation Report
Iran has launched 10 MRBM barrages at Israel since the start of the war, launching ~400 missiles. Additionally, 500+ drones have been launched, most not reaching Israel.Israel has conducted hundreds of strikes across Iran, focusing on Western and Central Iran, including Tehran. Israel has near-complete control over the western half of Iran’s airspace and is still actively conducting strikes in Iran, including heavy strikes on regime institutions in Tehran.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says it has identified additional evidence to indicate "direct impacts" on underground enrichment areas at Iran's Natanz nuclear facility following a series of Israeli strikes; no damage to report at Fordow or Isfahan nuclear facilities.
- Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv) remains closed to all departures and arrivals since June 13 and will remain shut “until further notice.”
- Israeli airspace remains fully closed to commercial and civilian flights.
- Airspace remains closed in Iran and Iraq.
- Jordan and Lebanon reopened their airspaces on 14 June.
- Major international airlines continue to avoid the region, rerouting flights over alternative corridors.
- An Israel-linked hacktivist group targeted IRGC-linked Sepah Bank, disrupting banking services ATMs in Iran.
- Israel says it has destroyed 200 ballistic missile launchers in Iran.
- The U.S. is enhancing its regional force posture: a third U.S. Navy destroyer entered the eastern Mediterranean Sea to help defend Israel from Iranian ballistic missiles, a second U.S. carrier strike group (USS Nimitz) is heading toward the Arabian Sea, and tens of U.S. refueling jets have been sent to Europe.
Escalation Pathways
- Iran threatens to close or mine the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a potential global oil crisis.
- Iran targets U.S. military or commercial interests in the region.
- Iran targets energy infrastructure in the Gulf states (UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, KSA).
- Iran tests a “crude” nuclear device or uses any non-conventional weapons.
- U.S. begins offensive operations.
Recommendations
- Avoid all non-essential travel to the region.
- Evacuate expats from Israel.
- Prepare for contingencies to include evacuation in the event of conflict.
- Listen to government updates and account for potential disruptions to travel due to evolving measures and announcements.
- Establish contingencies to promote business continuity, including stocking essential goods and ensuring a power supply, due to the potential disruptions to such services in the event of an armed escalation or sustained airspace closures.
STANDING BY TO Support
Global Guardian is closely monitoring the situation and can support clients who need assistance with local teams in the area to provide:
- Evacuation planning and execution (air, land, sea)
- Executive protection
- Secure transportation
- Emergency response
- Intelligence reports
- Risk assessments
Click below to contact Global Guardian's 24/7 Operations Center or call us directly at +1 (703) 566-9463.
