Iran strikes Israel and Gulf countries with missiles; explosions reported in Tehran

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has requested the resignation of the Army’s senior-most officer, Gen. Randy George, the Pentagon confirmed on Thursday, without explaining the reason. The move, first reported by CBS News, is part of a broader wave of dismissals involving more than a dozen high-ranking military officials since Hegseth assumed office last year.

In a Wednesday night address, U.S. President Donald Trump warned that American forces would continue to strike Iran aggressively over the next few weeks, even suggesting the country could be pushed “back to the Stone Ages.” He also emphasized that U.S. military operations have so far achieved, or even surpassed, their intended goals.

Meanwhile, Iran has escalated its offensive, launching additional missiles toward Israel and Gulf Arab nations. A military spokesperson stated that Tehran still possesses undisclosed reserves of weapons, ammunition, and active production capabilities.

In Lebanon, where Israeli forces are conducting a ground campaign against Hezbollah, airstrikes have reportedly killed 27 people within the past 24 hours, according to the Health Ministry.

The overall death toll continues to rise, with more than 1,900 fatalities reported in Iran and over 1,300 in Lebanon. Among the casualties are 13 U.S. service members and 10 Israeli soldiers. Civilian deaths include 19 people in Israel, along with additional casualties among both civilians and military personnel across the Gulf region. Millions have also been displaced in Iran and Lebanon as the conflict intensifies.