Joint US-Israeli military strikes on Iran have resulted in the assassination of the country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to regional media reports The ongoing hostilities have dramatically escalated tensions, with US President Donald Trump indicating the attacks could continue for weeks or longer, raising fears of a prolonged and wider regional conflict
In response to the aggression, Iran has stated it will defend itself “at all costs” In a phone call on Monday with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi briefed Beijing on the situation and pledged to do his “utmost” to protect Chinese citizens and institutions within the country
The US-Israeli operation adds a volatile new front to a region already beset by conflict, as Israel is simultaneously engaged in military actions in Gaza and Lebanon and has conducted bombings in Syria, Yemen, and Qatar over the past year While the Pentagon has stated the operation is not aimed at “regime change”, the assassination of the supreme leader has fueled speculation that this is the ultimate goal of the campaign in Washington and Tel Aviv The attacks are proceeding despite what Iran has described as promising peace negotiations, signaling a collapse of diplomatic channels
ISN MEDIA
