Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader since 1989, is dead, according to confirmations following a joint military operation by the United States and Israel on Saturday. President Donald Trump announced the death of the 86-year-old Khamenei, calling him “one of the most evil people in history” in a post on Truth Social, and stated that “heavy and pinpoint bombing” of Iran would continue as long as necessary.
The strikes, described as “major combat operations” by the Trump administration, targeted Iranian political and military leaders, as well as the country’s ballistic missile and nuclear programs, according to U.S. Officials. The Iranian Red Crescent reported more than 200 people killed and approximately 700 injured as a result of the attacks.
The assault prompted an immediate response from Iran, with missile launches directed at Israel and U.S. Bases in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. At least 12 people were injured in Kuwait, according to the country’s Health Ministry.
Reactions from U.S. Lawmakers were swift and divided. Pennsylvania Senator Dave McCormick, a Republican, released a statement asserting that Iran is “the world’s number one sponsor of terror” and that President Trump had given the ayatollahs “a chance for a deal” which they rejected. Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania voiced support for the strike, stating on social media that President Trump had been “willing to do what’s right and necessary to produce real peace in the region.”
Delaware Senator Chris Coons, a Democrat, expressed concern that the Trump administration’s actions would further destabilize the region. “I’m hopeful that this phase of war will reach to a quick conclusion,” Coons said in a Zoom interview, adding that he was “alarmed President Trump launched a full spectrum war against Iran with our ally Israel without meaningfully consulting the American people.”
In New Jersey, Senator Andy Kim, a Democrat, condemned the attack as an “appalling action” by the president, criticizing the lack of congressional authorization and public support. Conversely, Republican Congressman Jeff Van Drew of South Jersey argued that the strike removed a critical threat to national security, stating, “What we are witnessing now is a decisive response to years of aggression. The leadership of the world’s largest state sponsor of terror has been dealt a powerful blow. We killed one of the most evil men in the world….”
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, while not directly addressing the urgency of the war, issued a statement questioning the President’s rationale. “In going to war with Iran, the President has not adequately explained why this war is urgent now, what this military campaign may seem like, or what the strategic objective is.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated a willingness to de-escalate and engage in talks if the U.S. And Israel halted their attacks, but dismissed the prospect of regime change as “mission impossible” in an interview with NBC News.