In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East, the United States and Israel have initiated a large-scale military operation codenamed Operation Epic Fury (with Israel referring to its component as Operation Roaring Lion), resulting in the confirmed death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
President Donald Trump announced the strikes early Saturday, describing them as “major combat operations” aimed at dismantling Iran’s security apparatus, preventing nuclear weapon development, destroying missile production sites, degrading proxy networks, and neutralizing naval threats. In a Truth Social post, Trump declared Khamenei, whom he called “one of the most evil people in history”, dead, framing the action as a step toward “freedom” for the Iranian people and “peace throughout the Middle East and, indeed, the world.” He indicated that “heavy and pinpoint bombing” would continue “uninterrupted throughout the week or as long as necessary.”
Iranian state media, including IRIB and Fars News Agency, later confirmed Khamenei’s death early Saturday morning. Reports state he was killed in an airstrike on his office within his Tehran residence while performing official duties. The strikes also reportedly killed around 40 high-ranking Iranian officials, as well as members of Khamenei’s family, including his daughter, son-in-law, and grandson.
The joint U.S.-Israeli assault targeted Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) command centers, air defense systems, missile and drone launch sites, military airfields, and remnants of Iran’s nuclear program. Explosions were reported across Tehran and other cities, with additional civilian casualties alleged, including dozens killed in an Israeli strike on a school in Minab County.
In response, Iran has declared 40 days of national mourning and launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks on Israel and U.S. military bases across the region. Iranian officials have condemned the operation as an “egregious act of aggression” and a violation of sovereignty, vowing a “crushing” and “most devastating” response. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council described Khamenei’s death as martyrdom, while the country’s armed forces signaled readiness for further escalation.
International reactions have been swift: Russia denounced the strikes as “unprovoked armed aggression,” and Iran’s Foreign Ministry called for UN Security Council intervention. The operation follows failed negotiations over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and comes amid heightened regional pressures.
The killing of Khamenei, who ruled Iran since 1989 as a hardline figure opposed to the U.S. and Israel, has plunged the Islamic Republic into uncertainty, with questions arising about succession under Article 111 of Iran’s constitution and the potential for internal upheaval or regime change.
