The US and Israel carried out a joint operation to eliminate Ayatollah Khamenei in Tehran
The US and Israel conducted an operation aimed at eliminating Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, using intelligence about his whereabouts gathered by the CIA.
According to The New York Times, the operation had been in the planning stages for several months: the CIA was tracking Khamenei’s movements and confirmed his presence at a morning meeting on February 28 at a residence in central Tehran. This allowed the US and Israel to adjust the timing of the attack. Well-informed sources indicate a successful outcome of the preparatory work and quality intelligence, culminating in the destruction of the residence of Iran’s Supreme Leader.
US President Donald Trump stated that the main goal of the attack was to protect Americans and eliminate the “brutal Iranian regime.” As a result of this attack, Iran struck countries in the Persian Gulf where American bases are located.
The death of Ayatollah Khamenei was confirmed by Reuters. In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced its intention to carry out a harsh response, although Trump warned of the dangers that such a step could pose to Iran.
Following the loss of the leader, Iran temporarily appointed a new Supreme Leader, Shia cleric Alireza Arafi.
