The United States and Israel launched a massive air campaign against Iran codenamed "Operation Epic Fury." The objectives were to destroy Iran's nuclear facilities and missile program, cripple its navy, and, most controversially, decapitate it.
This morning (1), two Israeli security officials confirmed to foreign media that Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei had been killed in an airstrike. Trump later posted on Truth Social, saying that Khamenei, "one of the most evil figures in history," was dead, and announced that "intensive and precise bombing will continue for a full week, or until the goal of Middle East peace is achieved."
However, the official Iranian response was intriguing. Foreign Minister Araqi claimed that "all high-ranking officials are alive," but deliberately avoided mentioning the name "Khamini." Iranian official social media accounts also only posted symbolic images, offering no direct evidence.
When ABC News later pressed Trump for comment, he replied, "We believe that was an accurate statement," but also admitted that it had not been independently verified.
cheers in the streets of Tehran
Following news of Khamenei's death, cheers and celebrations erupted in parts of Tehran. Numerous videos of people celebrating in the streets circulated online. Iranian expatriates in Australia also took to the streets to celebrate.
But history teaches a harsh lesson: when Baghdad fell in 2003, there were cheers in the streets of Iraq, but everyone remembers what happened next.
If Khameni is indeed dead, Iran will face its first change of supreme leader since 1989, but hardliners may use the situation to consolidate power and escalate retaliatory actions; reformists, on the other hand, may take advantage of the chaos to seek a way out through negotiations.
Bitcoin retreated after breaking through $67,000.
The shockwaves of geopolitical events have once again reached financial markets. Brent crude futures surged 11% following the airstrikes, while gold and silver rose in tandem. At the time of writing, gold was trading at $5,278, a more than one-month high.
In the crypto market, Bitcoin reached a high of $67,750 this morning and is currently trading at $66,333 as of press time. Ethereum is currently trading at $1,960, attempting to climb back above $2,000.
