Operation Epic Fury: Death of Ahmadinejad in Tehran and Iranian Attack on US Aircraft Carrier

The situation in the Middle East escalated rapidly after a series of American airstrikes as part of Operation "Epic Fury". A key turning point is the confirmed death of former Iranian president, Mahmud Ahmadinejad, who died in bombed Tehran. Thick columns of smoke are rising over the Iranian capital, and reports from inside the country suggest decision-making paralysis, although Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced the formation of a new Supreme Council in the coming days. The Pentagon officially confirmed that three American soldiers were killed and five wounded during the operation, marking the first such high human cost paid by the US in direct confrontation with Iran. Tehran's response took the form of a massive retaliatory attack. The IRGC announced success in hitting the American aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln operating in the Persian Gulf with missiles. US command immediately denied these reports, claiming the vessel was not even grazed. Nevertheless, the missile threat forced civilian airports to suspend operations. Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv will remain closed until Wednesday, and Dubai experienced communication chaos. Among those stranded in the United Arab Emirates were numerous Italian citizens, including Defense Minister Guido Crosetto and well-known figures from the world of sports and culture, such as coach Roberto Mancini. US-Iranian relations have remained hostile since the Islamic Revolution in 1979 and the seizure of the US embassy in Tehran, which led to the severance of diplomatic relations and decades of sanctions.The situation sparked fierce political disputes in Europe. In Italy, opposition leader Elly Schlein sharply criticized the government of Giorgia Meloni for "complete subordination" to Washington's policy, which in her opinion could bring irreparable losses to the country. At the same time, humanitarian organizations appeal for the protection of civilians, pointing to reports of missiles falling near schools and residential buildings. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, seeking to secure strategic partnership with Riyadh and prevent a complete collapse of stability in the region, which supplies key energy resources for the continent. „Schlein attacca Meloni: „Amica” di Trump ma neanche sapeva dell'attacco all'Iran. Se il governo resta schiacciato su Usa, i danni saranno irreparabili.” (Schlein attacks Meloni: ) — Elly SchleinThe crisis also has logistical and touristic dimensions. Thousands of cruise ship passengers are stuck in regional ports, and Italian Defense Minister Crosetto had to be evacuated by military flight via Oman, leaving his family in Dubai for operational safety reasons. Italy, like other EU countries, is monitoring the fate of its citizens in the Persian Gulf area, while ambassadors of 27 member states convened an emergency meeting in Brussels to develop a common line towards the new war reality in the Middle East.