Reporting from Amman, Jordan, CBS correspondents across the Middle East and Washington described a rapidly widening confrontation after U.S. and Israeli strikes inside Iran that killed senior Iranian figures and triggered broad Iranian retaliation across the region.
What happened
– Over three days, U.S. and Israeli forces struck more than 1,000 targets across Iran, including government and military sites in Tehran. U.S. officials described the operation as the most intensive regional air campaign since the first Gulf War.
– Iran responded by firing missiles and launching drones into at least 11 countries, striking both civilian and military targets. Tehran said its counterstrikes were intended to force the U.S. and Israel to stop their assaults.
– Iranian state media and humanitarian agencies reported heavy casualties among regime officials and civilians. The Red Crescent cited hundreds of deaths, and there were reports of significant civilian losses, including at a girls’ elementary school.
– Iran struck a U.S. operations site in Kuwait; an Iranian weapon hit a U.S. facility, killing six U.S. service members. Separately, three U.S. F‑15s were shot down over Kuwait in what has been described as friendly fire; all six aircrew survived.
– President Trump framed the campaign as aimed at neutralizing Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities, saying the U.S. and its partners would “easily prevail” and suggesting the campaign could continue for weeks, possibly longer, and did not rule out a ground operation. Pentagon officials said further intensive bombing was expected.
– The U.S. is deploying additional forces across the region to support ongoing operations.
On-the-ground impact
– Air-raid sirens, evacuations and shelter-in-place orders have been widespread. The U.S. State Department urged Americans in 14 countries to leave immediately. Commercial flights to and from parts of the Gulf were curtailed or canceled, leaving thousands of travelers stranded.
– In Tel Aviv, reporters noted fewer missile barrages on some days, attributing that to the destruction of many Iranian launchers and to Iran conserving munitions.
– Imagery and eyewitness accounts showed missile strikes flattening neighborhoods in both Israel and Iran, with civilian casualties and injured families reported. An American F‑15 was captured on video falling after a friendly-fire incident.
U.S. political and military response
– The White House stressed that the strikes are intended to eliminate threats posed by Iran’s missile and nuclear programs, with President Trump characterizing the campaign as an opportunity to “crush” Iran’s capabilities and emphasizing U.S. military strength.
– Lawmakers pressed administration officials for details about targets, objectives and timelines. Some Democrats and a significant portion of the public, according to polls, opposed the sudden strikes and questioned the endgame.
– The Pentagon confirmed ongoing operations and briefed Congress about campaign goals and expected duration.
Economic and domestic repercussions
– Energy markets reacted quickly: oil prices rose amid concerns about supply disruptions. Attacks on infrastructure and threats to regional export routes, including activity in the Strait of Hormuz, raised alarms because roughly 20% of global oil and gas transits that chokepoint.
– Analysts warned that damage to fields, refineries and shipping could push gasoline prices higher over time and contribute to inflationary pressure.
– U.S. officials warned of heightened security risks for Americans abroad and cautioned that the conflict could inspire ideologically or politically motivated attacks on U.S. soil.
Other major stories covered
– Austin shooting: Investigators probed an early-morning attack outside a bar in Austin that left two dead and 14 wounded. Authorities identified the suspect as Ndiaga Diagne and said he acted alone, while reviewing video and digital evidence for possible influences; some sources suggested the international conflict may have been a partial motive.
– Clinton depositions: Video was released of Bill and Hillary Clinton’s depositions in the Jeffrey Epstein matter. Bill Clinton denied knowledge of Epstein’s crimes and said he did not remember minors on flights; Hillary Clinton denied any improper relationship and rejected conspiracy allegations during her testimony.
– United Airlines emergency: United Flight 2127 returned to Los Angeles after a suspected engine fire. Passengers evacuated via slides while firefighters extinguished a smoking engine. There were no reports of serious injuries; the FAA is investigating.
Historical context
– Anchors reminded viewers that the current escalation stems from decades of hostilities between the U.S. and Iran — from the 1979 embassy seizure through 1980s confrontations and more recent clashes. Past U.S. administrations alternated between diplomacy and pressure; this campaign is the latest and among the most expansive military confrontations involving the U.S., Israel and Iran in decades.
Key takeaways
– The conflict has broadened across the Middle East, producing strikes and counterstrikes with significant casualties on both sides, including U.S. service members.
– Domestic politics and diplomacy are central: Congress, the White House and the public are divided over the strikes’ necessity, scope and duration.
– Near-term risks include threats to Americans abroad, pressure on global energy markets, and the possibility of spillover violence or inspired attacks in U.S. cities.
The situation is fluid. U.S. and allied operations continue, and officials warned additional phases of the campaign may follow.