Iran: Security

Domestic

Iranian state media confirmed the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, described as an assassination. Following this, Iranian leaders, including the president and the Revolutionary Guard Corps, vowed severe retaliation. Subsequent military strikes were carried out across the Middle East, affecting at least ten countries and targeting American bases, resulting in dozens of reported deaths. Further Iranian strikes targeted the Gulf region using thousands of missiles and drones, with one target reported as an American oil tanker. In the Strait of Hormuz, Iran attacked multiple cargo vessels with missiles and drones and threatened to close the waterway. Iranian officials stated that ships must now coordinate with its navy to pass through the strait, and reports claim Iran is laying mines there. Explosions and airstrikes were also reported in Tehran, with satellite imagery showing damage to sites including Mehrabad Airport and the Iran Guards headquarters.

International

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched a major offensive, Operation True Promise 4, against Israeli and US military targets, stating it struck hundreds of sites including a US aircraft carrier. Iran reported that Khamenei was killed in an attack it blames on the US and Israel. In response, the Israeli military conducted waves of airstrikes inside Iran, targeting IRGC facilities and a nuclear-linked site, and stated the operation killed Khamenei. The conflict expanded to Lebanon with Israeli airstrikes and Hezbollah rocket fire. Iran also launched missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli cities and US bases across the Gulf, killing six US troops in Kuwait. The United States destroyed Iranian mine-laying vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, with Trump warning Iran. Direct US-Iran engagements included a US submarine sinking an Iranian warship off Sri Lanka and Iran shooting down an American fighter jet. NATO air defenses intercepted a ballistic missile from Iran that entered Turkish airspace.