Washington: The United States and Israel have initiated a joint military operation against Iran, resulting in the confirmed death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as reported by Iran's state media. The operation marks a significant escalation in tensions in the Middle East.
According to Yonhap News Agency, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the commencement of the operation through an eight-minute video on social media. He stated that the U.S. military is engaged in a "massive and ongoing" mission aimed at dismantling the "wicked radical dictatorship" in Iran to safeguard American national security interests.
In response to the attack, the Islamic Republic News Agency of Iran reported that Khamenei had been "martyred," prompting Tehran's Cabinet to declare a period of 40 days of public mourning and a seven-day public holiday. President Trump referred to Khamenei's death as an opportunity for the Iranian populace to reclaim their governance.
The military offensive, codenamed "Operation Epic Fury," began at 1:15 a.m. (Washington time) and targeted key Iranian military infrastructures, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps facilities and missile launch sites, as per U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). Iran retaliated with missile strikes targeting U.S. military bases in the region; however, CENTCOM confirmed no U.S. casualties and minimal damage.
This latest operation follows the U.S.'s previous "Operation Midnight Hammer" targeting Iran's nuclear facilities eight months ago, exacerbating concerns of a potential wider regional conflict. President Trump has emphasized the continuation of "heavy and pinpoint bombing" to achieve peace in the Middle East.
Amidst an ongoing deadlock in nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran, the U.S. heightened its military presence around Iran, as diplomatic efforts failed to yield a resolution. President Trump reiterated his administration's stance against Iran's nuclear ambitions, vowing to prevent the regime from acquiring nuclear weapons and to obliterate its military capabilities.
Trump's address included a historical recount of Iran's adversarial actions against the U.S., dating back to the 1979 U.S. Embassy takeover in Tehran. He also appealed to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard members to disarm and to the Iranian people to seize control of their government.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump monitored the situation from Florida, maintaining communication with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and congressional leaders regarding the military operation. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson and other political figures have expressed support for the operation, highlighting its necessity to protect U.S. interests and citizens.
However, concerns have been raised about the lack of a strategic endgame, with Democratic Representative Jim Himes cautioning against potential escalation and unintended consequences of the conflict with Iran. His statement reflects the broader apprehensions about the long-term implications of the military engagement in the region.