Overview
- Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that Ali Laridschani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, was killed in a targeted strike; Iranian confirmation had not been reported.
- Recent U.S. intelligence assessments judge that Tehran’s leadership is likely to survive the air campaign in a weakened but harder-line form, with the IRGC consolidating power.
- U.S. and Israeli strikes have heavily damaged Iranian military assets and hit Kharg Island, while Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz has slowed shipping and fueled a global oil shock.
- Gulf officials expressed anger at Washington’s handling of the conflict, saying regional partners have been left to absorb Iranian retaliation without direct U.S. protection.
- President Donald Trump criticized NATO allies, including Germany, for refusing to help secure Hormuz, calling their stance a test for the alliance and warning it bodes poorly for its future.