Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities dominated coverage throughout the day, beginning with reports of attacks on "dozens" of sites and escalating into a full military exchange. Morning headlines focused on explosions in Tehran and the targeting of nuclear scientists, with casualty reports climbing from initial Revolutionary Guard leadership deaths to 70 fatalities by afternoon.
Iran's retaliation intensified as the day progressed, launching first drone swarms then hundreds of rockets targeting Tel Aviv and Jerusalem by evening. Israeli civilians were ordered to shelters as explosions struck both cities, marking a dramatic escalation from previous exchanges.
The conflict's immediate economic impact reached Dutch consumers through rising gasoline prices. Netanyahu revealed the strikes were originally planned for April, with US knowledge. Trump issued threats to Iran while facing domestic protests during his birthday military parade.
Domestically, the new NATO spending requirements sparked debate over potential cuts to healthcare and social security, while Olaf Sleijpen was appointed as the new central bank president.