Summary
Israel announced that Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in a military operation carried out by the U.S. and Israel. This has led to a leadership crisis in Iran as senior military leaders were also targeted.
Key Facts
- Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in a strike by U.S. and Israeli forces.
- Khamenei led Iran for 35 years, starting in 1989.
- His death may cause chaos in Iran's leadership and could weaken the regime.
- There is a council of clerics responsible for choosing Iran's new supreme leader.
- Israeli strikes also targeted senior commanders of Iran's military forces.
- Israeli intelligence suggests that Khamenei's sons, who are potential successors, survived the strikes.
- President Donald Trump and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have encouraged Iranian civilians to take control of their government.
- Iran's exiled former crown prince Reza Pahlavi has urged security forces to support the citizens in ensuring a smooth transition.
