Is Khamenei Dead? Joint U.S.-Israeli Military Campaign Against Iran Launched

A seismic shift in Middle Eastern geopolitics began this morning at 08:10 AM, as Israeli and United States forces launched a massive, coordinated military operation dubbed "Lion's Roar."The strikes targeted dozens of strategic locations across Iran, aimed at dismantling the regime’s leadership, missile infrastructure, and nuclear project.

The Target: The Heart of the Regime

The primary target of the operation was the palace of the Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.

High-resolution satellite images show significant destruction at Khamenei's official residence compound in Tehran. Reports describe key structures as "completely destroyed," "obliterated," or "severely compromised," with thick plumes of black smoke rising from the site. While the palace was hit, his physical status remains unconfirmed. Some Israeli media outlets (like Channel 12) have reported that he was a direct target and that he is currently "cut off from contact."

Other sources in Israel increasingly believe that Khamenei did not survive the strike and was assassinated.

Iranian officials have claimed that Khamenei is "safe" and was transferred to a secure location outside of Tehran before the strikes occurred. The Iranian President's son also posted that the assassination attempts were unsuccessful.

Other Targets in the Compound: The strikes in that specific district of Tehran also targeted the Presidential Palace and the National Security Council headquarters.

The operation, known as "Lion's Roar" (Israel) and "Epic Fury" (U.S.), appears to have intentionally targeted the "symbols of the regime" to create pressure for leadership change.

In addition to the Supreme Leader, the joint strike targeted several high-ranking Iranian officials, including:

Masoud Pezeshkian: President of Iran.Aziz Nasirzadeh: Defense Minister.Abdolrahim Mousavi: Chief of Staff.Saleh Asadi: Military Intelligence Chief.Mohammad Pakpour: Commander of the Revolutionary Guard (who recently took office following Operation Rising Lion).

Iran responded to the strikes by launching over 200 ballistic missiles toward the State of Israel. While most were successfully intercepted, shrapnel falls were reported in central cities, including Bnei Brak and Petah Tikva, resulting in one person sustaining light injuries.

On the maritime front, the EU naval mission "Aspides" informed Reuters that the IRGC has begun broadcasting aggressive radio messages to vessels in the Persian Gulf. The message is clear: "No ship is permitted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz." This move effectively threatens to choke the global oil supply, as the strait is the primary artery for Saudi, Iraqi, and Emirati oil exports.

Prime Minister Netanyahu: "The goal is to create conditions for regime change while simultaneously eliminating the nuclear project and ballistic missile capabilities."

President Trump: "47 years of 'Death to America' chants have come to an end."

Live Updates Summary:

18:35: Reports of shrapnel falling in Petah Tikva and Bnei Brak; IDF instructs citizens to remain near protected spaces.

18:45: Red Alert sirens sound in Jerusalem following new launches from Iran.

18:50: The Iranian Revolutionary Guard claims to have downed two Israeli UAVs in the Isfahan region.

19:30 | Air Force Commander Tomer Bar to Control Rooms: "The 'Genesis' sortie was the opening strike of Operation 'Lion's Roar.' It is the most significant mission to date, and I can tell you right now, we have started on the right foot."

19:35 | Property Tax Compensation Centers Open: The Tax Authority has opened centers nationwide to assist those with property damage. Claims can be filed at taxes.gov.il or via the *4954 hotline.

19:40 | Dramatic Footage from Bahrain* Documentation of interceptions and impacts of Iranian missiles launched at the Gulf state.

19:44 | Strait of Hormuz Closed: Visuals emerge showing Iranian forces blocking the strategic shipping lane.

19:50 | Reports from Iran: Iranian media outlets report approximately 200 deaths since the morning hours.

19:54 | REUTERS REPORT: Massive blow to the regime, Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and IRGC Commander Mohammad Pakpour reportedly assassinated in IDF strikes.

19:55 | Unprecedented Move by PA: The Palestinian Authority officially condemns Iranian attacks on Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Gulf nations. President Abbas calls for an emergency UN Security Council meeting to halt "Iranian aggression."

19:58 | Judicial System Emergency: Courts move to "essential activity" mode only for urgent hearings until Monday at 20:00.

20:00 | Civil Unrest in Iran: Footage shows anti-regime protests breaking out in multiple cities across Iran.

20:10 | First Interception Footage: The IDF releases video of the Air Force downing an Iranian UAV. Over 10 drones have been intercepted since the start of the operation.

20:12 | Canada Issues Extraordinary Support: Ottawa reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, designates the IRGC as a terrorist organization, and declares: "The oppressive regime in Tehran must never obtain nuclear weapons."

20:17 | Hostile Aircraft Intrusion in the Arava: Suspected drone infiltration in Neot Smadar, Shittim, Neve Harif, Lotan, and Ketura.

20:19 | Trump to News 12: In an interview with Barak Ravid, Donald Trump states: "If we hadn't attacked them in June during 'Operation Midnight Hammer,' they would already have nuclear weapons by now."

20:20 | IDF Spreads Protest Footage: The IDF Spokesperson shares a collection of footage from the Iranian civil protest movement over recent months.

20:35 | Cabinet Deception Revealed: Reports indicate the Security Cabinet met at the "Red Line" bunker before dawn to authorize the attack under total secrecy.

20:45 | Northern Infiltration: Reports of a drone entering northern Israel; authorities are checking if it was launched from Lebanon.

20:50 | Border Crossings: Approximately 650 Israelis have returned to the country via the Rabin and Taba crossings since the war began.

20:52 | Tomahawk Missiles in Flight: Dramatic footage shows U.S. Tomahawk cruise missiles cruising through Iranian airspace and striking Shahed drone sites seconds before launch.

20:53 | Temple Mount Restrictions: By order of the Home Front Command, the Temple Mount will be closed during Ramadan due to the security situation.

20:55 | PM Netanyahu Statement: "This operation will continue as long as necessary. It requires patience. This war will lead to a true peace."