Overview
- Israeli strikes hit a Tehran compound described as hosting Iran’s most senior forum, and President Donald Trump said many figures viewed as potential successors to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are dead while suggesting a future leader could come from within the regime.
- The administration confirmed at least six U.S. service members have been killed, with wider regional violence, urgent evacuation efforts for thousands of Americans, and Iran declaring the Strait of Hormuz closed as markets reel.
- Pentagon staff and lawmakers warned key munitions and air-defense interceptors are strained, with officials cautioning U.S. defenses could be stretched if the fight extends beyond days.
- European allies are split, with Spain refusing U.S. use of its bases, the UK allowing limited access, and Germany more supportive, as Trump blasted Madrid and London, threatened to cut dealings with Spain, and announced shipping-risk guarantees and potential naval escorts for energy flows.
- Trump and senior officials said the campaign’s objectives are to destroy Iranian missiles and prevent a nuclear capability, disputing claims Israel forced the timing, as the president vowed that “big scale hitting” is starting and signaled operations could last weeks.