The conflict between Israel and Iran has intensified after reports of the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, following US and Israeli military operations. Israeli forces on Sunday carried out airstrikes targeting Tehran, resulting in massive explosions across the city. Smoke and tremors were reported in several areas, including near the Iranian police headquarters and official television offices. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that central Tehran was the main target.
Israel stated that on the first day of the operation, obstacles along routes to Tehran were cleared, and on the second day, strikes were focused on key strategic locations. In an official statement, the IDF said, “We are striking the heart of the city in Tehran, the center of Iran’s terrorist governance. Last night, Israeli air operations secured aerial dominance and opened the path to Tehran.” Local footage showed buildings engulfed in smoke following the explosions, though casualty numbers remain unconfirmed.
In a separate development, Oman reported an attack on the oil tanker *Skylight* in the Strait of Hormuz, injuring four crew members, including Indian and Iranian personnel. The vessel, flying the Palau flag, was targeted in the assault, but the responsible party remains unknown. Additionally, a militant group in Iraq launched a drone strike targeting a US airbase in Erbil, further escalating regional tensions.
Iran has vowed retaliation for Khamenei’s death, launching missile strikes across the Gulf region, impacting areas in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Bahrain. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) issued a stern warning via Telegram, stating, “An unprecedented, terrifying operation could begin at any moment. Our targets are occupied territories and US terrorist bases. The killers of Imam Khamenei will face severe and decisive punishment.”