A joint military operation launched by the United States and Israel on Saturday has resulted in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader for nearly four decades, according to CNN and multiple other sources. The strikes, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury” by U.S. President Donald Trump, targeted Khamenei and President Pezeshkian, an Israeli official confirmed to the Times of Israel.
The attacks mark a significant escalation in regional tensions and have prompted a swift response from Iran, with retaliatory strikes against Israel and U.S. Bases in the region. The Atlantic Council reports that Trump has indicated the goal of the operation is to topple the Iranian regime, calling on the Iranian people to overthrow it.
The scale of the assault is described as “massive and ongoing,” with smoke rising from locations in Tehran following explosions, as reported by Reuters via the Atlantic Council. Experts at the Atlantic Council assess that the campaign is “high-risk, high-reward,” with the potential to inflict significant damage on Iran’s security and political institutions.
International reaction has been one of concern, with U.S. Allies and adversaries alike expressing worry over the potential for a wider conflict. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, called the developments “greatly concerning” and highlighted existing EU sanctions against Iran, according to CBS News. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the military escalation and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, warning of grave consequences for regional stability.
The European Union is coordinating closely with Arab partners to explore diplomatic paths, with a European naval mission in the Red Sea on high alert, CBS News reported. However, Iran has signaled This proves not planning to deescalate, according to analysis from the Atlantic Council and has demonstrated its retaliatory capabilities.
The operation follows a period of increasing tension, including Iranian threats to critical oil shipping channels and the showcasing of an underground drone arsenal, as reported by CNN. The timing of the attacks also comes after a U.S. Fighter jet crashed in Kuwait following an incident of “friendly fire,” according to CNN.
As of Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the situation remains fluid, with no immediate indication of a ceasefire or de-escalation. The United Nations has called for a return to the negotiating table, but no talks have been scheduled.
