Israel hits Iran with waves of attacks and says it killed top Hezbollah commander

Key Points:

• Israel conducted two waves of attacks on Tehran and claimed to have killed Hezbollah’s senior commander Youssef Hashem, signaling intensified conflict despite US President Donald Trump’s claim that Iran sought a ceasefire.
• Trump incorrectly described Iran’s president as a “new regime” leader and insisted on regime change, while Iranian officials denied any ceasefire request and condemned US actions, highlighting ongoing hostilities.
• Iran, Hezbollah, and Yemen’s Houthis launched missile attacks on Israel, including strikes on the eve of Passover, resulting in casualties and raising fears of further escalations during the holiday period.
• The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed to most shipping, severely impacting global oil supply and causing economic disruptions, with Iran rejecting US demands to reopen it as a condition for ceasefire talks.
• Despite troop buildups in the region, Trump indicated a preference for rapid US withdrawal and limited future “spot hits,” while dismissing concerns over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and nuclear weapon capability.