The Digest:
The US-Israel-Iran war entered its 19th day with intensifying strikes and rising casualties. Israeli missile strikes killed Iran's Supreme National Security Council secretary Ali Larijani and Basij militia commander Gholamreza Soleimani, prompting Iranian vows of "decisive retaliation." Iran has hit over 100 targets in Israel, killing two in Ramat Gan, while Gulf states intercepted numerous drones and missiles. President Trump attacked NATO allies for refusing to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz, claiming the US "decimated Iran's military." Meanwhile, US counterterrorism director Joe Kent resigned, protesting the war, calling it "pressure from Israel."
Key Points:
- The assassination of two top Iranian leaders marks the highest-level killings since Khamenei's death on February 28.
- Iran's foreign minister insists the government structure remains stable despite leadership losses.
- Gulf states face escalating attacks, with Saudi Arabia intercepting a ballistic missile and 24 drones.
- Trump's NATO criticism exposes cracks in the US-led coalition as allies resist deeper involvement.
- Kent's resignation signals internal US dissent over the war's justification and Israel's influence.
Sources: Premium Times, Al Jazeera, Truth Social, Israel Defense Forces
