The United States and Israel launched a series of coordinated airstrikes on Iran early Saturday morning, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several other top Iranian officials. The strikes were part of Operation Epic Fury, aimed at dismantling Iran's nuclear capabilities and missile programs.
Key Takeaways
The United States and Israel launched joint airstrikes on Iran early Saturday morning, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several other top officials. The strikes were part of Operation Epic Fury, aimed at dismantling Iran's nuclear capabilities and missile programs. Iran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks across the Middle East, targeting U.S. embassies and civilian infrastructure. Six American service members have been killed in the conflict.
The U.S. State Department has urged Americans in the Middle East to leave immediately due to "serious safety risks." Limited flights out of the region resumed on Monday, but hundreds of thousands of travelers remain stranded. The conflict has led to the closure of several U.S. embassies and consulates in the region.
Iran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks across the Middle East, targeting U.S. embassies and civilian infrastructure. At least six American service members have been killed in the conflict, according to the Pentagon. The Iranian Red Crescent Society reports that at least 555 people have been killed in Iran since the joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign began on Saturday.
President Donald Trump has said that the war is expected to last four to five weeks but could go "far longer than that." He outlined four objectives: destroying Iran's missile capabilities, annihilating its navy, preventing it from obtaining a nuclear weapon, and stopping it from supporting armed groups abroad. The U.S. military has confirmed sinking 10 Iranian naval vessels and eliminating 49 of its top leaders.
The conflict has sparked protests both in support of and against the U.S. intervention. In New York City, protesters gathered to call for an end to the war, while others celebrated the death of Khamenei and called for regime change. Similar demonstrations have been held in Sacramento and other cities across the country.
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating conflict, with some countries urging restraint and diplomacy. The United Nations special rapporteur on human rights and counterterrorism has criticized the strikes as a violation of international law.
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