TEHRAN / JERUSALEM — The Middle East has been thrust into its most volatile crisis in decades following a massive, coordinated military campaign by the United States and Israel against the Iranian regime.
On Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated there are “growing signs” that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been “eliminated.” While Tehran has yet to officially confirm the 86-year-old leader’s fate, unconfirmed intelligence reports from both Washington and Jerusalem suggest he may have been killed during a precision strike on his residence.
Decapitation Strikes and Regime Vulnerability
The joint operation, referred to by the Pentagon as “Operation Epic Fury” and by Israel as “Operation Roaring Lion,” targeted high-level leadership and military infrastructure across Iran.
- Compound Destroyed: High-resolution satellite imagery has confirmed catastrophic damage to Khamenei’s high-security compound in Tehran. Large plumes of black smoke were seen rising from the site, with several key structures appearing completely leveled.
- Leadership Targeted: Israel claims that “several senior figures” of the Iranian regime have been successfully “eliminated.”
- Continued Operations: Explosions continued to rock Tehran and other major cities late Saturday evening. The Israeli Air Force confirmed its jets remain active within Iranian airspace to neutralize remaining threats.
The Red Crescent reports that at least 200 people have been killed across the country since the strikes began.
Trump Calls for Popular Uprising
In a dramatic eight-minute video address posted to Truth Social, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that “major combat operations” are underway. Accusing the regime of decades of “mass terror” and nuclear defiance, Trump issued a direct appeal to the Iranian public.
“When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations.”
Trump also issued an ultimatum to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), urging them to lay down their arms in exchange for immunity or face “certain death.”
Regional Retaliation: The Gulf Under Fire
Iran has responded with a wave of retaliatory strikes targeting U.S. interests and allies across the Persian Gulf.
| Location | Reported Activity |
| Dubai & Abu Dhabi | Intercepts reported; one fatality confirmed in the UAE from falling shrapnel. |
| Doha (Qatar) | Multiple incoming missiles successfully intercepted; no immediate reports of damage. |
| Bahrain | Attacks targeted the U.S. 5th Fleet headquarters; status of damage remains unclear. |
| Kuwait | Air defenses engaged with incoming Iranian projectiles near U.S. military installations. |
Global Reaction and Defensive Maneuvers
International leaders are bracing for a prolonged conflict. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that British Royal Air Force planes are currently in the sky as part of “coordinated regional defensive operations” to protect UK interests and allies.
According to our international editor, Jeremy Bowen, the U.S. and Israel view this as a unique window of opportunity to topple a “vulnerable” regime—a strategy they believe is too critical to squander, despite the risk of a full-scale regional war.
