JERUSALEM – Israel launched a new wave of strikes targeting Tehran on Sunday, with Iran responding with further missile barrages, a day after the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei triggered escalating tensions across the Middle East and sent shockwaves through global markets. The strikes and retaliations have prompted closures of vital shipping lanes and major airports, raising concerns about regional stability and economic disruption.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed American involvement in the operation that killed Khamenei, stating in an interview with Fox News on Sunday that 48 Iranian leaders had been killed in the strikes. “It’s moving along rapidly. Nobody can believe the success we’re having, 48 leaders are gone in one shot. And it’s moving along rapidly,” Trump said. He reiterated his administration’s aim to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and to neutralize perceived threats to the U.S. And its allies.
The initial strike, a “precise, large-scale” joint U.S.-Israeli operation, targeted Khamenei’s office compound in central Tehran, according to statements from Trump and Israeli officials. Israeli Air Force jets carried out the attack based on intelligence provided by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), with the CIA tracking Khamenei’s movements and confirming his presence at the compound for a meeting with other top officials, according to a source familiar with the intelligence.
The death of the 86-year-ancient Khamenei, who had held power since 1989 following the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, has created a power vacuum within Iran. President Masoud Pezeshkian announced Sunday that a leadership council comprised of himself, the head of the judiciary, and a member of the powerful Guardians Council had temporarily assumed the duties of Supreme Leader. Oman’s foreign ministry reported that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi indicated Tehran was open to de-escalation efforts.
The fallout from the strikes extended beyond Iran’s borders. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed to have hit three U.S. And UK oil tankers in the Gulf, and shipping data indicated hundreds of vessels, including oil and gas tankers, had dropped anchor in nearby waters. Traders anticipate significant increases in crude oil prices on Monday. Global air travel faced major disruptions as key Middle Eastern airports, including Dubai – the world’s busiest international hub – were forced to close, marking one of the largest aviation interruptions in recent years.
The conflict has already resulted in casualties. The first U.S. Casualties were reported Sunday, with three service personnel killed and five seriously wounded. In Israel, nine people were killed in the town of Beit Shemesh, while the United Arab Emirates reported three deaths and Kuwait one. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also claimed attacks on military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain.
Reactions from the international community have been divided. Russian President Vladimir Putin denounced Khamenei’s death as a “cynical murder,” and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi described it as a “blatant killing.” Israel, which has long advocated for stronger action against Iran, claimed responsibility for the operation, stating it aimed to dominate the skies over Tehran and maintain aerial operations for as long as necessary.
Inside Iran, the response to Khamenei’s death has been mixed. While thousands mourned in Tehran, footage circulating on social media showed celebrations in other cities, including Karaj and Izeh, with people toppling statues and dancing in the streets. These demonstrations highlight the deep divisions within Iranian society. Khamenei had authorized a crackdown on anti-government protests in January, resulting in the deaths of thousands of Iranians – the deadliest wave of unrest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Trump warned that the U.S. Would respond with unprecedented force if Iran retaliated, and claimed on social media that the U.S. Military had destroyed nine Iranian warships, with more targeted for destruction. However, as Iran continued its missile barrages, the situation remained volatile and unpredictable.
The long-term implications of Khamenei’s death and the subsequent escalation remain unclear. Experts suggest that while his death and those of other Iranian leaders represent a significant blow to the country, it does not necessarily signal the end of Iran’s clerical rule or the influence of the Revolutionary Guards. The crisis continues to unfold, with no immediate resolution in sight.
