U.S. and Israel Launch Massive Strikes on Iran, Killing Supreme Leader Khamenei as Conflict Escalates

WASHINGTON — The United States and Israel unleashed a coordinated barrage of airstrikes across Iran over the weekend, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and targeting military, nuclear and leadership sites in what President Donald Trump described as “major combat operations” aimed at eliminating the regime’s threats. The assault, which began Saturday and continued into Monday, marked a dramatic escalation in long-simmering tensions, triggering Iranian missile retaliation against Israel and U.S. bases across the Gulf.

Trump announced the operation in a video posted early Saturday on Truth Social, declaring the U.S. military had begun strikes to “defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.” He called on Iranians to “take over your government,” framing the campaign as a path to regime change and freedom for the Iranian people. The president warned of potential American casualties, saying “often happens in war,” and vowed to “destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground” while annihilating Iran’s navy.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed the objective, stating the joint action sought to “remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran” and create conditions for Iranians to “take their destiny into their own hands.” The strikes hit Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, Kermanshah and Ilam province simultaneously, focusing on nuclear facilities, missile sites, command centers and symbols of government power.

Satellite imagery from Airbus and other sources showed black smoke rising from Khamenei’s compound in downtown Tehran, with several buildings destroyed. CNN and Reuters confirmed extensive damage at the heavily fortified site, long the seat of the supreme leader’s authority. Iranian state media reported roads sealed off around the compound as explosions continued across the capital.

The operation, dubbed “Epic Fury” by the Pentagon, involved B-2 stealth bombers, F-15s and other aircraft, with U.S. officials reporting over 2,000 targets struck. Unlike a limited June 2025 raid, this campaign was planned for days or weeks, with daylight strikes intended to maximize psychological impact on civilians and forces alike.

Iran retaliated swiftly, launching ballistic missiles and drones at Israel and U.S. assets in Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait and other Gulf states. Explosions rocked Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha; air defenses intercepted many projectiles, but casualties were reported, including at least one fatality in the UAE. Iran’s Fars news agency confirmed attacks on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain.

Casualties mounted rapidly. Iranian sources reported hundreds killed, including civilians in strikes on populated areas; one unconfirmed claim cited 40 deaths at a girls’ school in Hormozgan province. The U.S. acknowledged three service members killed and five seriously wounded. Trump indicated more losses were likely.

Khamenei’s death created an immediate leadership vacuum. The 86-year-old cleric, who ruled for nearly four decades, had not been seen publicly in days before the strikes. Reuters reported he had been moved to a secure location outside Tehran, though his fate was confirmed by Iranian officials and U.S. sources. Dozens of senior figures, including military chiefs and former officials, were also targeted or killed.

The strikes followed stalled indirect talks in Geneva mediated by Oman, with Trump expressing frustration that Iran refused to explicitly renounce nuclear weapons. Critics accused Israel of sabotaging diplomacy; supporters hailed the operation as decisive against an existential threat.

As fighting entered its third day, Israel warned Iranians to evacuate near military sites, signaling more waves ahead. Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi urged Iranian forces to defect and join the people, while Trump offered IRGC members immunity for surrender.

The conflict has widened, with Hezbollah exchanging fire with Israel in Lebanon. Oil prices surged toward $80 a barrel amid fears of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. Regional powers braced for prolonged instability, as the future of Iran’s leadership — and the Islamic Republic itself — hung in the balance.