The US and Israel’s joint attack on Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has sent shockwaves across the region. The attack, which took place on Saturday, killed three American service members and caused widespread destruction in Tehran.
The US military has been tracking Khamenei for months, waiting for an opportunity to strike the cautious leader. The operation was carried out by a variety of anti-aircraft missiles and fighter jets. Satellite images show extensive damage across multiple military bases in Iran.
Iran’s reaction to the attack has been swift and severe. Iranian-backed militia groups in Iraq have reported four members killed in US-Israeli strikes, while protests broke out in Pakistan with at least 22 people killed.
The full Senate will be briefed on the situation on Tuesday, a sign of growing concern over the conflict. President Donald Trump has stated that casualties are expected and “could happen again,” while warning that the conflict could last for several weeks.
The US and Israeli intelligence agencies closely monitored Khamenei’s movements for months, making them well-prepared to act quickly when the opportunity arose. The attack has also sparked a regional response, with the United Arab Emirates closing its embassy in Tehran and Bahrain’s leaders speaking out against the violence.
As the situation continues to unfold, US citizens in the region are being advised to exercise caution and contact the State Department’s interagency task force for assistance.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/us-israel-iran-attack-03-01-26-intl