Senior Iranian Officials Killed in Israeli Strikes as Questions Mount Over Khamenei's Status

Israeli strikes on Iran have killed senior Iranian officials, including the defence minister and a senior commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to multiple sources. The region prepares for further escalation following Saturday's large-scale attacks.

The strikes, conducted jointly with US forces, targeted leadership positions across several Iranian cities, with initial attacks focusing on areas near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran. Iranian state media reported more than 200 people killed nationwide, with damage reported in 24 of Iran's 31 provinces.

Questions about Khamenei's fate arose following the intensity of strikes near his offices, although Iran's foreign minister stated the supreme leader and president were alive "as far as I know." The 86-year-old leader's status remains unconfirmed by official sources.

Iran launched retaliatory strikes hours after the initial attack, firing hundreds of missiles and drones towards Israel and US military bases across the region. US Central Command reported no American casualties and minimal damage from the Iranian response, though projectiles struck targets in several Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

The White House confirmed Congress was notified before the strikes, with Democratic leaders criticising the action as lacking approval. The UN Security Council scheduled an emergency session, and European leaders called for renewed negotiations while warning against indiscriminate strikes.

The death of such high-ranking officials marks a significant blow to Iran's military leadership and raises questions about succession and retaliation strategies. Regional tensions remain extremely high as Iran's allies, including Houthi rebels in Yemen and Hezbollah, signal solidarity and potential further action.