Israeli forces said overnight strikes killed Ali Larijani, Iran’s top security official, in a development that marks a serious escalation for the Islamic Republic in the ongoing conflict. Larijani had appeared in public days earlier, denouncing then‑President Trump, and he has been held responsible for a severe domestic crackdown that reportedly left thousands dead during mass protests. Israeli reports also say he directed regional attacks during the war.
In related attacks, Iran launched swarms of drones toward the U.S. embassy compound in Baghdad overnight; most were intercepted and shot down and there were no reported casualties. Iran additionally fired larger ballistic missiles at Israel in an effort to defeat the country’s layered civilian air‑defense systems.
Israel fields some of the world’s most capable interceptors, including the Arrow 3 system, intended to destroy long‑range missiles at high altitude and at significant distance from populated areas. Israeli officials expressed confidence in their readiness; a senior Israeli air‑defense officer, speaking anonymously for security reasons, said commanders understand their intercept stockpiles and are prepared to defend for as long as necessary. He also noted that these systems contribute to the protection of U.S. forces in the region.
U.S. defense officials told CBS News that more than 200 American service members have been wounded across seven countries during the hostilities, though the vast majority have since returned to duty.
The intensity and scale of the recent missile and drone barrages have prompted concern about whether interceptor inventories could be strained by sustained, large‑scale attacks. Observers say Israel’s access to and deployment of advanced interceptors is central to shielding population centers and military bases from long‑range threats.
Reporter Charlie D’Agata, on the ground in the region, noted that Israel’s account that the strikes also killed two other regime leaders complicates questions about who will assume command inside Iran and represents a notable blow to the regime’s leadership amid ongoing regional tensions.