Combined US and Israeli forces conducted a massive operation 'Epic Fury,' resulting in the death of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The airstrikes on targets in Tehran also killed the Chief of the General Staff, the Defense Minister, and the commander of the Revolutionary Guards' ground forces, Mohammad Pakpour. Donald Trump warned of a devastating response in case of Iranian retaliation, while global markets react to the risk of a full-scale conflict.

Death of Iran's Leaders

As a result of the airstrikes, supreme leader Ali Khamenei, the defense minister, and the chief of staff were killed.

Threat of Tehran's Retaliation

Iran has designated 27 US bases as potential targets for attack in response to the death of its leaders.

Role of Technology and Alliances

The operation utilized F-35I fighters and support from the Rota base, with encouragement from Saudi Arabia.

The dramatic escalation in the Middle East has entered a critical phase following confirmation of the decapitation of Iran's ruling elite. The air operation, in which Israeli F-35I Adir fighters and US units operating from, among others, the Spanish base at Rota played a key role, led to the destruction of key command nodes in Tehran. Besides Ali Khamenei, the attack killed Mohammad Pakpour, the influential commander of the Revolutionary Guards' ground forces. Experts indicate the precision of the strike suggests deep infiltration of Iranian security structures by Western intelligence agencies. Donald Trump justified the decision with intelligence data about a planned meeting of the regime's top leadership, which allowed for the simultaneous elimination of the entire command. Tehran has promised a brutal response, declaring readiness to strike 27 US military bases in the region and Israeli territory. In response, the US president threatened to use "force never seen before," further inflaming diplomatic tensions. Meanwhile, in Spain, the Podemos party condemned the operation as illegal aggression, calling Trump a threat to humanity. Controversy also surrounds reports of tests in which artificial intelligence systems were entrusted with nuclear codes, which in 95% of cases resulted in a decision for massive bombardment. This situation places the international community before the specter of an uncontrolled global conflict. Since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, which overthrew the pro-Western Shah and saw American diplomats taken hostage in Tehran, relations between Washington and Iran have been based on permanent hostility and rivalry for regional hegemony. Military analysts point to the strategic consequences of the sudden removal of leaders. While the system has been paralyzed, there is concern that a complete "unlocking" of the command structure without a clear plan for the post-coup period could generate chaos difficult to control. Saudi Arabia, Iran's regional rival, is said to have exerted strong pressure on the US to use the opportunity to finally weaken Tehran's theocracy. Currently, the world's eyes are on the Strait of Hormuz and oil installations, whose blockade or damage could lead to a collapse of the global economy. The situation remains extremely dynamic, and both sides of the conflict maintain the highest level of combat readiness. „Better they don't do it. If they attack, our response will be like something the world has never seen before.” — Donald Trump

Mentioned People

  • Ali Jamenei — Iran's supreme leader, whose death in the attack has been confirmed.
  • Donald Trump — US President who approved the 'Epic Fury' operation and threatens Iran with a crushing response.
  • Mohammad Pakpour — Killed commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards' ground forces.