Attacks on Iran: This is what has happened
Israel and the US have launched a joint attack on Iran, killing its highest leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Israel and the United States have initiated a coordinated military operation against Iran, resulting in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the nation's leading authority. Reports indicate that explosions were heard in Tehran shortly after 7 AM local time on Saturday, marking the beginning of what has been described as a 'preventive attack' that is extensive across the country. Both nations have closed their airspaces, and there are reports of widespread disruptions to mobile networks in Iran.
In response to the attack, US President Donald Trump confirmed that the US is participating in a 'comprehensive combat operation' aimed at decisively defeating Iranian military capabilities. Trump called on the Iranian populace to rise against their government, suggesting a possible shift in US policy towards encouraging regime change in Iran as part of this military engagement. The situation escalated rapidly as Iran retaliated with missile launches and drone strikes directed at northern Israel, signaling an intensifying conflict.
As the military actions unfold, neighboring countries such as Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Jordan, and Kuwait, which are allies of the US, have reported the situation and its implications for regional security. This unprecedented escalation underscores the potential for a wider conflict in the Middle East, raising concerns over the strategic stability of the region and the humanitarian implications for Iranian civilians caught in the violence.