Israel launched unprecedented strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities and military targets shortly after midnight, killing top Iranian commanders including IRGC chief Hossein Salami and nuclear scientists. The operation, dubbed "Rising Lion," targeted Tehran's nuclear infrastructure with sophisticated Mossad infiltration preceding the attacks—agents had planted weapons and tricked Iranian officials into fatal meetings.
Iran responded with waves of ballistic missiles and over 100 drones throughout the day, breaking through Israeli air defenses and causing damage in Tel Aviv. By evening, Iran had launched three separate missile barrages while the US actively assisted Israel's interception efforts.
Trump praised the strikes as "excellent" while warning Iran to "make a deal now or it will get worse," though reports suggested he had initially asked Israel to delay the operation. The escalation overshadowed domestic legal battles over California's National Guard control, which continued ping-ponging between courts as the Padilla detention controversy from the previous day sparked calls for Kristi Noem's resignation.