Overview
- U.S. Central Command confirmed three American service members killed and five seriously wounded, said major combat operations continue under Operation Epic Fury, and reported B-2 strikes on Iranian missile sites and a Jamaran-class corvette sinking at a pier.
- Israeli forces expanded strikes in Tehran as Iranian state media confirmed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death, and Iranian authorities announced a temporary leadership council.
- Iran launched missiles and drones toward Israel, Gulf states and U.S. facilities, with fatalities reported in Beit Shemesh, the UAE and Kuwait, widespread flight disruptions, and Iranian claims of closing the Strait of Hormuz as shippers paused transits.
- President Trump vowed to avenge the U.S. deaths, warned more casualties are likely and urged Iranians to “take over” their government, while some sweeping claims about Iranian leadership and naval losses were not confirmed by CENTCOM.
- The conflict broadened as Hezbollah and Iran-backed militias claimed new attacks and Israel struck targets in Lebanon, while Britain enabled limited defensive use of its bases and European partners warned against a prolonged war.