Israel and U.S. escalate military strikes against Iran, killing Khamenei amid international criticism

Israel, with U.S. involvement, has intensified its military campaign against Iran, reportedly killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The ongoing conflict, now in its fourth day, is causing a major realignment of Middle East politics and drawing international criticism. From Israel's perspective, Prime Minister Netanyahu frames the action as necessary to 'crush' Iran and Hezbollah, while the U.S. involvement is justified as preemptive support for Israel.