What we know so far about the US-Israel attacks and Iran's retaliation
Why it matters: This unprecedented military escalation and the death of Iran's Supreme Leader threaten to destabilize the entire Middle East, potentially drawing global powers into a wider conflict with severe geopolitical and economic repercussions.
- US President Donald Trump initiated "Operation Epic Fury" to "ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon," urging Iranian forces to surrender and the Iranian people to overthrow their government.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed the joint operation's goal to "remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran," with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reporting extensive attacks on Iran's missile and defense systems.
- Iran has retaliated by firing ballistic missiles and drones at US assets and allies including Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan, while experiencing a near-total internet blackout amidst widespread explosions.
- Iran's Supreme National Security Council confirmed the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a significant development following initial reports from President Trump.
A massive, ongoing US-Israel military operation, dubbed "Operation Epic Fury," has targeted Iran's leadership and military, resulting in the confirmed death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This aggressive action, aimed at preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and dismantling its security apparatus, has triggered widespread Iranian retaliation with ballistic missiles and drones against US assets and allies across the region, escalating an already volatile geopolitical landscape.
