Iran has launched a new wave of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S.-aligned locations across the Middle East, as U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed reports that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed in airstrikes.
The escalation comes days after the United States and Israel launched major combat operations against Iran, triggering retaliatory strikes and widespread regional disruption.
Israeli Channel 12 reported that an Iranian missile struck Tel Aviv, leaving at least seven people injured in central Israel. Emergency services responded as air defense systems attempted to intercept incoming projectiles.
An Iranian drone strike also hit Dubai International Airport in the United Arab Emirates, prompting evacuations at the facility as authorities moved passengers and staff to safety.
In Qatar, U.S. and Qatari Patriot missile batteries launched interceptors to defend Al Udeid Air Base after Iran fired another wave of ballistic missiles. Qatar’s Defense Ministry said the country was attacked by 65 missiles and 12 drones launched from Iran.
Trump declares Khamenei dead
The coordinated attacks come as Trump declared that Khamenei had been killed and described the operation as a major turning point in the conflict.
“Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead.”
Trump said the killing represented justice for victims of Iran’s leadership worldwide. He said U.S. intelligence and coordination with Israel made it impossible for Khamenei to escape.
“This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty thugs. He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do,” the president added.
He said the killing represented a historic opportunity for regime change in Iran, adding that some Iranian security forces may already be seeking immunity.
“We are hearing that many of their IRGC, Military, and other Security and Police Forces, no longer want to fight, and are looking for Immunity from us.”
Trump warned that continued resistance would lead to further military action. The White House earlier said the president has spoken with the leaders of the United Kingdom, Kuwait, and Türkiye following the escalation.
Conflicting reports
Reports about Khamenei’s fate however remain unconfirmed and highly contested. A senior Israeli official told Reuters that Iran’s Supreme Leader had been killed and that his body had been found.
Israeli media also reported that the military provided Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with footage showing Khamenei’s body.
Earlier Israeli assessments suggested Khamenei may have been injured in strikes targeting his compound in Tehran. Iranian officials have not confirmed the reports.
Also Read: Netanyahu Says Iran Leader Khamenei May Be ‘Gone’ as Reports Claim Family Members Killed
Iranian state media quoted the head of public relations at the Supreme Leader’s office as saying:
“The enemy is resorting to mental warfare; all should be aware.”
Officials in Tehran said a recording from Khamenei would be released, but no official proof of his condition has yet been presented.
Israeli officials earlier said Khamenei had been cut off from contact and that there was no certainty about his fate following the strikes.
Explosions were reported in Tehran, Qom, Isfahan, Kermanshah, and Karaj during the U.S. and Israeli attacks.
Global security alert issued
The U.S. State Department has issued a worldwide security alert following the launch of U.S. combat operations in Iran.
The department warned that Americans may face travel disruptions due to airspace closures and advised citizens to exercise increased caution globally.
Americans in the Middle East were urged to follow guidance from local U.S. embassies.
The U.S. Embassy in Bahrain warned that high-rise buildings in the Juffair area are not considered safe for U.S. personnel after confirmed Iranian drone strikes.
Also Read: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Confirmed Dead
The embassy also said it was aware of unconfirmed reports that Iran or its proxies may target U.S. citizens in Bahrain.
Americans were advised to:
- Seek immediate shelter if explosions or sirens occur
- Move to the lowest level of buildings away from windows
- Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings
- Monitor official information sources
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) earlier released new video showing American fighter jets and cruise missiles hitting Iranian targets at the start of ‘Operation Epic Fury.’
In a statement, the command said U.S. and partner forces began striking targets at 1:15 am ET to dismantle the Iranian regime’s security apparatus, prioritizing locations that posed an imminent threat.
CENTCOM said targets included Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command and control facilities, Iranian air defense capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields.
“The President ordered bold action, and our brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guardians, and Coast Guardsmen are answering the call,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM.
Following the initial wave of U.S. and partner strikes, the command said that its forces successfully defended against hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks.
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