On the 28th of the month, a US-Israel airstrike resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, who had ruled the country for 37 years. This event marks a critical turning point not only for Iran's theocratic regime established in 1979 but also for the entire order in the Middle East. US President Donald Trump openly called for an uprising among the Iranian populace, referring to the moment as an opportunity for regime change. In response, Iran threatened 'the most devastating retaliation,' indicating the region's immediate descent into further chaos.

Trump's announcement came just 15 hours after the attacks, in which he described Khamenei as one of history's 'most evil people.' The US and Israel began their coordinated strikes under the operations named 'Solemn Wrath' by the US and 'Roar of the Lion' by Israel. Key military installations in Iran, including command and control centers, missile launch sites, and airbases, were targeted. Tragically, Bombardments near a girls' elementary school resulted in the death of 148 individuals, contributing to a death toll of 201 on that day alone.

In retaliation, Iran launched ballistic missiles targeting Israel and American bases in allied countries including the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps vowed to initiate the 'most destructive attack' in response to what they termed the invasion by the US and Israel. The situation escalated further with the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for 20% of global oil shipments, effectively shutting down maritime traffic. Consequently, oil prices surged, with West Texas Intermediate oil hitting around $67 per barrel just before the airstrikes, and Brent crude reaching $72.