As a result of the operation, 86-year-old Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, was killed. His residence suffered significant damage from a missile strike, during which, according to Israeli media reports, 30 aerial bombs were dropped.
Among the casualties of the operation were also high-ranking Iranian military officials, including the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Mohammad Pakpour, Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, and Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani, as well as several members of Khamenei's family.
More than 200 Israeli fighter jets were involved in the missile attacks, making this operation the largest in the history of the Israeli Air Force. The U.S. also participated, launching strikes from ships using Tomahawk missiles that had been deployed to the region in recent months.
As a result of the Israeli strike, an elementary school for girls in Iran was affected, and the latest reports indicate that the number of child casualties has risen to 148.
According to the Red Crescent, the total number of fatalities in Iran has reached 201, with 747 injured. In Israel, 1 person was killed, and more than 120 were injured as a result of retaliatory strikes from Iran.
Iran responded by attacking several U.S. military bases in Kuwait, northern Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. Strikes were also carried out on a U.S. base in Qatar and the CIA headquarters in Dubai. In Bahrain, reports of attacks indicated that 16 people were injured in Qatar from missile debris, while in Dubai, 4 airport workers were hurt.
Amid the conflicts, there has been a disruption in oil transportation, as tankers are avoiding the Strait of Hormuz due to reports of a shipping ban.
In Iran, people took to the streets following the news of Khamenei's death. Western media report joy among parts of the population, while state media emphasize the grieving crowds gathering in cities and villages.
Slogans of "Death to America and Israel" are heard in mosques where people gather to commemorate the deceased Supreme Leader.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced a new wave of attacks on Israel and American military bases.
The attacks targeted 27 sites, including the Tel Nof base and the Israeli army's general staff, as well as a significant military-industrial complex in Tel Aviv.
Air raid sirens are sounding in Israeli cities. The Israel Defense Forces report attempts to intercept missiles launched from Iran.
Additionally, explosions were heard over the Qatari capital Doha and in Dubai, particularly near the airport.
Trump commented on Iran's intentions for revenge and threats of a "particularly strong strike" in response, urging Tehran to refrain from further actions under the threat of escalating the conflict.
The escalation of the conflict in the Middle East has led to serious disruptions in air traffic. As a result of strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks on Gulf countries, the largest airports in the region have suspended operations.
The UAE Ministry of Defense reported that the day before, Iran launched more than 130 missiles and 200 drones into the country.
According to the agency's data, Iran used 137 missiles and 209 drones, resulting in one death and seven injuries, reports Al Jazeera.
In Tel Aviv, 40 buildings were damaged as a result of the missile strike on February 28.
The IDF reported a massive attack on "Iranian regime targets" in central Tehran.
Omani authorities reported an attack on an oil tanker in their territorial waters, resulting in four injuries.
According to Oman's coast guard, a tanker flying the Palauan flag was attacked about five nautical miles from the shore.
Conflicting reports are coming in about the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz. The Financial Times, citing former IRGC commander Mohsen Rezaei, reports that the strait is open "until further notice," but Iran considers American personnel and equipment in the strait as legitimate military targets.
The airspace over Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait remains closed.
The Israeli army confirmed that it struck more than 30 targets, including missile systems and air defense systems in the west and center of the country. Tehran, Qom, Isfahan, Karaj, Kermanshah, and Bushehr, where the nuclear power plant is located, were hit.
Tehran announced the name of the new acting Supreme Leader — Ayatollah Alireza Arafi.
