Iran in Crisis After Khamenei’s Death
The reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in the opening phase of joint US-Israeli air strikes has plunged the Islamic Republic into its most fragile position since the 1979 revolution. The operation—described by Washington as a decisive attempt to dismantle Iran’s command structure—targeted senior military and political figures. By Saturday night, widespread reports of Khamenei’s death triggered rare scenes of public reaction, including small celebrations in parts of Iran and among diaspora communities abroad. For many critics of the regime, the development signaled a historic rupture. US President Donald Trump urged Iranians to “take over your government,” while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested regime change was both achievable and desirable. The military campaign, dubbed Operation Epic Fury by US officials, appeared tightly coordinated. However, the political consequences inside Iran remain uncertain and potentially volatile. On Sunday, Iranian […]
