Key takeaways

  • Israel carried out night raids on Tehran that officials say killed two senior Iranian figures.
  • Defense Minister Yoav Katz is reported to have confirmed the death of Ali Larijani.
  • The Israel Defense Forces say they also struck and killed Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of the Basij militia.
  • Regional tensions spiked with missile alerts, attacks in Beirut and Baghdad, and explosions in Gulf cities.
  • Diplomatic and military maneuvers followed, from negotiations with Lebanon to calls for defense meetings in Europe.

The situation in brief

Overnight strikes by the Israeli air force hit targets in Tehran. Israeli authorities say two high-profile Iranian officials were eliminated: Ali Larijani, head of the Supreme National Security Council and widely seen as one of the regime's most influential figures, and Gholamreza Soleimani, who led the Basij forces. Israeli media report that Defense Minister Yoav Katz confirmed Larijani's death. Iran and allies responded across the region with missile launches, attacks, and heightened alerts.

Timeline highlights

11:11 - Larijani's post appears online

Profiles attributed to Ali Larijani on social platforms posted a written message after reports of the strike. The note focused on a funeral ceremony for Iranian navy personnel and praised the fallen as foundational to Iran's armed forces.

10:28 - Israeli media: Katz confirms Larijani's death

Israeli outlet reports that Defense Minister Yoav Katz confirmed Larijani was killed in the night attacks. Larijani is described as a top power broker in Tehran and linked by some sources to the harsh crackdown on protests earlier this year.

10:19 - Negotiations with Lebanon

Former minister and negotiator Ron Dermer acknowledged he was asked by Prime Minister Netanyahu to resume talks with Lebanon. Dermer said he has started making progress but insisted that any agreement would require Hezbollah to be disarmed.

09:52 - IDF names Basij commander as a target

The Israel Defense Forces said their air force targeted and eliminated Gholamreza Soleimani, the Basij commander for about six years. The IDF said Basij units under his command played leading roles in suppressing domestic protests in Iran.

09:35 - Larijani among strike targets

Israeli media earlier reported Larijani was one of the targets of the night raid on Tehran. Initial reports in the hours after the attacks left outcomes unclear until later confirmations.

08:56 - China comments on US visit clarifications

China said it took note of US clarifications about a possible postponement of a presidential visit and said it remained in contact with Washington. Chinese officials indicated the visit was not related to freedom of navigation issues in the Strait of Hormuz.

07:44 - Australia will not send a warship

Australia said it will not send a warship to the Middle East, even as the US seeks partners for a maritime security effort in the Strait of Hormuz. Canberra said its contribution would focus on air support and protecting nationals in the area.

07:43 - Fatality in Abu Dhabi

Authorities reported a Pakistani national killed in Abu Dhabi after being struck by missile debris. Officials said the death followed interception of a ballistic missile by air defenses.

07:42 - Tehran reports arrests

Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced the arrest of 10 people they called foreign spies. The Guards said some detainees were gathering information on sensitive sites and infrastructures.

07:01 - Macron convenes defense meeting

French President Emmanuel Macron called a new defense and national security council to review the situation in Iran and the wider region, joining other international reactions to the escalation.

05:00 - Explosions in Dubai and Doha

Residents reported multiple explosions in Dubai after missile alert messages urged people to seek shelter. Similar blasts were heard in Doha. Several Gulf states have faced recent drone and missile incidents as tensions rose.

03:54 - Air strikes hit Beirut neighborhoods

Israeli aircraft struck several neighborhoods in southern Beirut, including Kafaat and Haret Hreik, and hit a residential apartment in Doha Aramoun, according to Lebanese media. The strikes came amid Israeli announcements of operations against Hezbollah-related targets.

03:31 - Attack on US embassy in Baghdad

The US embassy in Baghdad was hit by a combination of drones and rockets. Iraqi air defenses intercepted at least one incoming vehicle while another reportedly struck near the diplomatic compound, producing smoke and an explosion.

02:43 - Missile alerts in central Israel

Sirens sounded in Tel Aviv and central Israel as alerts warned of incoming missiles. Officials reported that defense systems were activated across the country.

02:48 - IDF reports wide wave of attacks

The IDF announced a broad series of strikes on targets in Tehran and simultaneously on infrastructure linked to Hezbollah in Beirut. The statement described coordinated operations against what it called terrorist targets.

00:24 - Iranian missile toward northern Israel

Iran launched a ballistic missile toward northern Israel. Israeli defenses intercepted the threat and authorities later said no injuries were reported, allowing residents to leave shelters.

Why this matters

Strikes that reportedly eliminate senior figures on both sides raise the risk of further escalation across the region. The attacks touched multiple countries, triggered defensive responses, and prompted diplomatic and security moves from regional and global powers. Negotiations with Lebanon and statements about Hezbollah's role show the conflict's political as well as military dimensions.

Bottom line

Israel says it removed two influential Iranian figures in coordinated strikes that also targeted Hezbollah infrastructure. The chain reaction included missile launches, embassy attacks, explosions in Gulf cities, arrests in Iran, and new diplomatic activity. The situation remains volatile and could evolve quickly.