Top Iranian security official Ali Larijani was killed in overnight strikes, Israel said, marking a significant moment for the Islamic Republic in the conflict. Larijani, Iran’s security chief, had been seen publicly days earlier denouncing President Trump and was held responsible for a harsh domestic crackdown that left thousands dead in protests. During the war he was also reportedly responsible for directing attacks across the region.
Iran launched swarms of drones toward the U.S. embassy compound in Baghdad overnight; most were shot down with no casualties reported. Iran also launched larger ballistic missiles against Israel in an effort to penetrate Israel’s advanced civilian air-defense systems.
Israel operates some of the world’s most advanced interceptors, including the Arrow 3 system, designed to destroy long-range missiles at high altitude and long distance before they threaten the ground. Israeli officials expressed confidence in their readiness. A senior Israeli air-defense officer, speaking anonymously for security reasons, said they know how much stock they have and are prepared to defend for as long as necessary. He also noted these systems help protect U.S. forces in the region.
Defense officials told CBS News that more than 200 U.S. service members have been wounded across seven countries; the vast majority have since returned to duty.
The intense barrage of missiles and drones has raised questions about whether interceptor-missile stockpiles could be strained by sustained, large-scale attacks. Israeli access to and use of advanced interceptors is seen as central to protecting population centers and bases from long-range threats.
Charlie D’Agata reported from the region that Larijani’s death in overnight strikes — which Israel said took out two more regime leaders — complicates the question of who is now in charge in Iran and represents a significant blow to the regime’s leadership amid continuing regional hostilities.
