Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's dictator, dies at 86 to air strike
At first dismissed as weak and indecisive, Khamenei seemed an unlikely choice for supreme leader after the death of the charismatic Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
At first dismissed as weak and indecisive, Khamenei seemed an unlikely choice for supreme leader after the death of the charismatic Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
As part of the preparations for the attack, which, as noted, had been scheduled long beforehand, US President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu held several conversations in recent weeks.
Footage from social media showed people lighting off fireworks from their balconies and calling out to each other from their apartments.
A US official, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said briefers described the operation to the president as a once-in-a-generation opportunity for change in the region.
Israel’s joint strike with the United States against Iran echoes past wars, but reflects a new doctrine shaped by October 7 and the conclusion that deterrence and containment have failed.
As the missile hit the ground, fragmented pieces of metal were broken off and launched into his home, burning holes into the ceiling and smashing his windows.
Khamenei's daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law were also killed in US-Israeli strikes, Iranian state media reported on Sunday.
"Your safety is our top priority. Please stay indoors in safe places, wait for official instructions, and only trust updates from official sources," authorities said.
No one knows what the Mossad is doing at this moment - but there is little question that its agents are, behind the scenes, at the eye of the storm.
Despite "hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks," there have been no reported US casualties or combat-related injuries, CENTCOM wrote.
Among those targeted were aides Ali Larijani and Ali Shamkhani, IRGC chiefs including Esmail Qaani, and the Iranian defense minister • Israel targeted assassinations as US focused elsewhere