US and Israel Launch Major Attack on Iran, Killing Supreme Leader Khamenei
A major joint military operation by the United States and Israel has resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, President Donald Trump announced on Saturday according to PBS. The assassination has triggered retaliatory strikes from Iran and escalating tensions across the Middle East.
What We Know About the Attack
The attack, described as “massive” and ongoing, targeted Iran’s leadership and military infrastructure as reported by the BBC. Specific targets included the compound of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, showing visible damage from satellite imagery as shown in BBC reporting. The operation, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury” by the US, follows weeks of threats from Trump regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
Trump’s Statements and Calls for Regime Change
President Trump urged Iranian forces to lay down their arms and called on the Iranian people to overthrow their government. In an eight-minute video posted on Truth Social, Trump stated the aim of the operation is to “ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon” and to “destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground” as detailed by the BBC. He offered “complete immunity” to Iranian forces who surrender and warned of “certain death” for those who resist. He further encouraged Iranian citizens to “take over your government” according to BBC reporting.
Iran’s Retaliation
Iran has responded to the attacks by firing ballistic missiles and drones at US assets and allies across the region, including Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan as reported by the BBC. On Sunday, Israel launched fresh attacks “in the heart of Tehran” while Iranian attacks continued according to the BBC. The Iranian ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, stated that hundreds of civilians have been killed or injured in the US-Israeli strikes, accusing them of deliberately targeting civilian neighborhoods as reported by The Guardian.
Succession and Political Implications
The death of Ayatollah Khamenei, who assumed power in 1989 following the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, sets in motion a formal succession process according to CNBC. While not necessarily resulting in immediate “regime change,” the event has significant implications for Iran’s political stability, sanctions outlook, and economy as analyzed by CNBC. Khamenei consolidated authority over Iran’s key institutions during his tenure, including the military, judiciary, and state broadcasting as detailed by CNBC.
Ongoing Situation
The situation remains highly volatile, with ongoing attacks and counter-attacks. Further developments are expected as Iran vows revenge and the US and Israel maintain their military posture.