Tensions in the Middle East have sharply escalated after the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on key targets in Iran, killing Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian state television confirmed his death early Sunday, declaring a 40-day mourning period and seven public holidays.
US President Donald Trump announced that the operation aimed to eliminate what he described as imminent threats. He said the bombing campaign would continue “as long as necessary.” Israel said the strikes targeted senior Iranian officials and missile launch sites in Tehran, with about 200 fighter jets hitting more than 500 targets.
Iran confirmed that several senior figures were also killed, including Revolutionary Guards chief General Mohammad Pakpour and senior security adviser Ali Shamkhani. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, alongside other top officials, is expected to lead the country during a transitional period.
In retaliation, Iran launched waves of missiles and drones at Israel and US military bases in the region. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they targeted the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and other American positions in the Gulf. In Israel, emergency services reported one death and more than 20 injuries in the Tel Aviv area.
Explosions were also reported across several Gulf countries. The United Arab Emirates confirmed casualties in Abu Dhabi, while Qatar and Saudi Arabia said they intercepted missile attacks. Iraq reported deaths at a military base housing a pro-Iran group. Iran also moved to close the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route, raising fears of economic disruption.
The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting, with global leaders warning that the conflict could spiral further. The European Union described the situation as dangerous, while Russia called the strikes a “dangerous adventure.”
Several countries, including Iran, Israel, Iraq and the UAE, partially or fully closed their airspace, forcing airlines to cancel flights across the region.
The developments mark one of the most serious escalations in the Middle East in recent years, with fears growing of a wider regional war.
