The situation in the Middle East has reached a critical point following the start of the American air operation "Epic Fury". A series of airstrikes on Tehran led to the death of former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the likely demise of the country's supreme leader. Iranian retaliation included missile attacks on a US aircraft carrier and bases in the region, causing communication paralysis and numerous civilian casualties, including in Israel. The conflict has also triggered deep political divisions in Europe.

Death of key Iranian leaders

The death of former President Ahmadinejad has been confirmed; unofficial information is emerging about the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei as a result of the airstrikes.

Tehran's military response

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps attacked US and French bases in the Emirates and attempted to strike an aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf.

Communication paralysis in the region

Major airports in Israel and the United Arab Emirates have suspended flights; European diplomats and citizens are attempting to evacuate via alternative routes.

The latest reports from the Middle East confirm the dramatic course of the US air force operation targeting key objectives in Iran. As a result of precise missile strikes in Tehran, former president Mahmud Ahmadineżad was killed, and some sources suggest that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei may also have perished. The Pentagon officially communicated that American bombers safely left Iranian airspace after completing their strategic mission, although command admitted that three US soldiers were killed and five wounded during the entire operation. The Iranian army responded with massive shelling of targets in the Persian Gulf, including the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, but Washington firmly denies reports of damage to the vessel. Since the Islamic Revolution in 1979 and the subsequent severing of diplomatic relations after the hostage crisis, the US and Iran have been in a state of permanent tension, regularly coming close to direct armed conflict.The conflict quickly spilled over into neighboring territories, destabilizing the region and threatening the safety of third-country citizens. Iranian drones attacked the French naval base "Camp Peace" in Abu Dhabi, and missiles hit targets in Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates. Meanwhile, the situation in Israel itself remains tragic – 12 people have been killed since the raids began, and in the town of Beit Shemesh, searches are ongoing for 11 missing persons under the rubble. The closure of airspace, including Ben Gurion Airport until next Wednesday, has trapped thousands of foreigners in the region. Among them is Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, who, along with the commander of the Rome police, was blocked in Dubai and is currently attempting to evacuate to Italy via Oman. 12 osób — killed in Israel since the start of the series of airstrikesThese events have sparked a political storm in Europe, especially in Italy. Opposition Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein accused the government of Giorgia Meloni of lacking sovereignty and completely submitting to Donald Trump's strategy, about which Rome allegedly had not been forewarned. Schlein warned of irreversible damage to national interests. Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations are sounding the alarm, appealing for educational facilities to be spared and children to be protected from bombings. Ursula von der Leyen held talks with Saudi Prince bin Salman, pointing to the need for credible political transformation in Iran as the only path to lasting peace. „Schlein attacca Meloni: „Amica” di Trump ma neanche sapeva dell'attacco all'Iran. Restare schiacciati sugli Stati Uniti produrrà danni irreparabili.” (Schlein attacks Meloni: ) — Elly Schlein

Mentioned People

  • Mahmud Ahmadineżad — Former President of Iran, killed during the first missile attack on Tehran.
  • Elly Schlein — Leader of the Italian opposition, criticizing the government for lack of knowledge about US actions.
  • Guido Crosetto — Italian Minister of Defense, who was in Dubai at the outbreak of the conflict.