Israel says it has launched a new and extensive wave of airstrikes across central Tehran, aiming to secure aerial dominance over the Iranian capital following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
According to Israeli military officials, the latest strikes are part of a broader strategy to “open the path to Tehran” and dismantle Iran’s air defense infrastructure. The Israeli military claims that most aerial defense systems in western and central Iran have now been neutralized.
Military spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani stated that numerous targets remain, including military-industrial production facilities. “We have the capabilities and the targets to continue for as long as necessary,” he said. However, Israel clarified that deploying ground forces inside Iran is not currently under consideration.
Khamenei Confirmed Dead, Leadership Transition Begins
Iranian state media confirmed that the 86-year-old Supreme Leader was killed in Saturday’s coordinated U.S.-Israeli airstrike. Reports indicate he was in his office at the time of the attack. Several members of his family were also killed.
Khamenei, who ruled for 36 years, reshaped Iran into a major regional power and positioned it firmly against the United States and Israel. His death represents one of the most consequential events in Iran’s modern political history.
Under Iran’s constitution, the Supreme Leader is appointed by the 88-member Assembly of Experts. Until a permanent successor is chosen, a temporary Leadership Council will assume responsibilities. Ayatollah Alireza Arafi has been appointed as a jurist member of that council, serving alongside President Masoud Pezeshkian and Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei.
Despite the shock, analysts suggest that the removal of Khamenei does not automatically dismantle Iran’s clerical system or the influence of the Revolutionary Guards.
Global Reaction and Regional Fallout
The killing has triggered immediate international reactions.
Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the strike, calling it a violation of international norms. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the event as “a defining moment in Iran’s history,” adding that the future direction of the country now remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, Iran has launched retaliatory strikes across the region. Targets have included U.S. bases and strategic sites in Gulf states. An oil tanker flying the Palau flag was attacked near Oman, injuring four crew members. Major aviation hubs across the Middle East, including Dubai, have faced severe disruptions as missile interceptions lit up regional skies.
In the United Arab Emirates, missile fragments and drone debris caused injuries and damage to residential areas. Anwar Gargash, adviser to the UAE president, urged Tehran to “go back to your senses,” emphasizing that Gulf states are not the primary adversary in this conflict.
Escalation Risks Grow
U.S. President Donald Trump warned that any further Iranian retaliation would be met with unprecedented force. On social media, he stated that if Iran escalates again, the response would be “with a force that has never been seen before.”
Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf responded sharply, warning of “terrifying blows” against both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing them of crossing a red line.
Protests erupted beyond Iran’s borders. In Pakistan, clashes between police and demonstrators near the U.S. consulate in Karachi left multiple people dead. In Iraq, security forces dispersed pro-Iranian protesters gathered near the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.
Economic and Strategic Impact
The conflict has disrupted oil shipments and shaken global markets. Air travel across the Middle East remains heavily affected, with several airports closed or operating under emergency protocols.
The strategic implications are significant. Khamenei’s leadership shaped decades of Iranian foreign policy centered on resistance to Western influence and support for regional proxies. His death opens an uncertain chapter for Iran’s internal politics and external posture.
At the same time, Iran was already under pressure from economic sanctions, domestic unrest, and weakened regional allies following prior Israeli strikes.
What Comes Next?
While Israel continues its air operations, the absence of ground deployment suggests a focus on sustained aerial pressure rather than full-scale invasion.
The immediate question is whether the conflict remains contained between Israel and Iran — or whether continued retaliation will trigger a broader regional war.
With leadership transition underway in Tehran, threats exchanged between Washington and Tehran, and regional infrastructure already under strain, the situation remains highly volatile.
The Middle East is entering a new phase and its consequences could extend far beyond the region.