Dark haze over Tehran as US-Israeli forces bomb oil storage facilities

Iran has postponed a planned farewell ceremony for its late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli strikes on Saturday. The three-day program was scheduled to begin Wednesday at 10 p.m. local time at Imam Khomeini Prayer Hall, where large crowds were expected to gather. The postponement followed widespread requests to participate and the need for adequate infrastructure and facilities. No additional reason for the postponement was given, and it is unclear when the ceremony will be rescheduled. Ayatollah Khamenei's death triggers a closely watched succession process overseen by Iran's Assembly of Experts, which will heavily influence its outcome. The ceremony's postponement comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and Israel.

Following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US and Israeli strike on Tehran, his funeral has been postponed due to ongoing intense strikes across the country. Iranian authorities cited the need for infrastructure preparation amidst high demand from people wanting to attend the three-day event. In response to Khamenei's death, Iran has launched missiles and drones at Israel and Gulf states with US bases. A member of the Assembly of Experts stated they are nearing the selection of Khamenei's successor. The conflict has also resulted in the sinking of an Iranian warship, the Iris Dena, in international waters, with numerous casualties.

In March 2026, an air attack struck the Assembly of Experts building in Qom, Iran. NewsFeedVideos documented the destruction following the attack. The Assembly of Experts is a significant body responsible for selecting the successor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated. Qom, the location of the Assembly building, is situated south of Tehran. The attack's impact on the Assembly's operations or the succession process remains unclear.

In a video report dated March 3, 2026, *The New York Times* addresses the question of who is in charge of Iran's government following airstrikes that killed Supreme Leader Khamenei and other defense and security officials. Erika Solomon, the bureau chief for Iran and Iraq, provides information about the situation. The report aims to clarify the power structure in Iran after this significant event and identify potential successors or governing bodies. The video report is accompanied by contributions from Nikolay Nikolov, Jon Miller, Stephanie Swart, Rafaela Balster, Samuel Granados, and Christina Shaman.

A new video report published by the New York Times on March 3, 2026, investigates President Trump's decision to pursue military action against Iran. The report, led by Mark Mazzetti, claims Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's desire to end diplomatic negotiations significantly influenced Trump's decision. The investigation details how few of Trump's advisors voiced opposition to the military action. The video report aims to explain the factors and influences behind President Trump's choice to engage in military conflict with Iran. The report was produced by Mark Mazzetti, Leila Medina, Sutton Raphael, Joey Sendaydiego, Jon Hazell and Rafaela Balster.

In March 2026, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio justified the US war against Iran by claiming Israel planned to strike Iran first, prompting a potential Iranian attack on US assets. This justification, despite being walked back by the Trump administration and Rubio himself, has sparked controversy across the political spectrum. President Trump offered a different rationale, stating the US launched the war because Iran was preparing to attack Israel and others. The administration has struggled to provide evidence of an imminent Iranian threat to US assets or that Iran's nuclear program posed an immediate danger. Critics suggest the war serves Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's interests more than Washington's, given the US's significant military aid to Israel.

Following a US-Israeli attack on a girls' school in Minab, Iran, a mass funeral was held for the 165 schoolgirls and staff killed on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Thousands gathered in Minab, chanting against the US and Israel, with attendees including families and officials. The attack, which occurred on Saturday after the announcement of joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran, is described as the deadliest incident targeting civilians in the ongoing conflict. Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, have condemned the attack, accusing the US and Israel of deliberately targeting the school. While Israel has denied involvement, Iran has presented the event as a deliberate act of aggression, displaying images of the victims and newly dug graves.

The Middle East is experiencing escalating conflict, with a joint US-Israeli aerial assault on Iran followed by the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other Iranian leaders. The US preemptive strike was reportedly triggered by concerns over potential Iranian attacks on US troops. This conflict has stranded over 100,000 Britons in the Gulf due to airspace closures and risky overland evacuation routes. In UK news, Scotland has legalized hydrolysis as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burials. Meanwhile, UK programs supporting nature and climate protection in developing countries are facing budget cuts. In UK politics, Nigel Farage is facing accusations of election denial following a recent byelection.

Following US-Israeli strikes on Iran that resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Farah Pahlavi, the widow of the last Shah, stated that Khamenei's death, while historically significant, will not automatically lead to the collapse of the Iranian system. Pahlavi, speaking in an interview, emphasized the importance of the Iranian people uniting for a peaceful transition to a law-based state. She urged the international community to respect Iranian sovereignty and support the people's self-determination. Pahlavi also noted that her son, Reza Pahlavi, is preparing for a potential transition should the current republic fall. The attacks and Khamenei's death have created turmoil in the Middle East and raised questions about Iran's future.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended his decision to go to war with Iran alongside the United States. The joint military attacks began on March 2, 2026, targeting police stations and other locations in Tehran, Iran. This move marks a significant shift in Israel's foreign policy, as it enlists the U.S. support for what Netanyahu views as an existential battle against Iran's leadership. The partnership between Israel and the U.S. has been a cornerstone of Netanyahu's diplomatic efforts throughout his career. The war with Iran is seen as a high-stakes gamble that could strain the relationship between the two countries. The conflict has far-reaching consequences, both domestically and internationally.

Amidst escalating conflict, Iran faces significant internal turmoil. US airstrikes have caused substantial casualties and targeted key government buildings in Tehran and Qom, including the Assembly of Experts, the body responsible for selecting a new supreme leader after the assassination of Ali Khamenei. The attacks have disrupted government functions and fueled a power struggle over the future direction of the country. Israel appears to have air superiority over Tehran, further destabilizing the situation. The chaos raises questions about the survival of the Iranian government and the evolving objectives of the US military intervention.

On March 2, 2026, Tehran was reportedly attacked by a new round of Israeli strikes. Videos circulating online show heavy bombardment of the city. The Israeli military claimed responsibility, stating they launched another wave of attacks on Iran. The reason for this escalation was not explicitly stated in the provided article. The strikes mark a continuation of the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.

A US-Israeli war against Iran began on Saturday with bombing and missile attacks, escalating into a regional conflict. The initial strikes, dubbed Operation Lion's Roar by Israel and Operation Epic Fury by the US, targeted key security and political sites in Tehran and other Iranian cities, reportedly killing at least 555 people. Iran retaliated with strikes across the Middle East, leading to Israeli bombings in Lebanon after Hezbollah attacks. Cyprus also reported a drone attack on a British base. The UK, France, and Germany have expressed readiness to counter Iranian attacks. Civilian casualties are likely as security institutions are located in residential areas, and authorities have instructed citizens to flee major cities.

On March 2, 2026, Israel bombed the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon. This action followed a rocket attack by Hezbollah on northern Israel. Hezbollah's attack was reportedly in retaliation for the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. The Israeli strikes on Beirut were described as heavy. The events signal an escalation of conflict in the region following Khamenei's death.

In March 2026, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that a planned Israeli attack on Iran influenced the timing of the US military's assault on Tehran. Rubio explained that the US was aware of Israel's impending action and anticipated Iranian retaliation against US interests. To preemptively mitigate potential casualties, the US launched its own strikes. This revelation came as the US military confirmed six service members had died in the conflict following Iranian retaliation, which included drone and missile attacks on US bases. Rubio defended the US-Israeli joint action, arguing it was necessary to thwart an imminent threat, as Iran would have retaliated against the US following the Israeli strike.

The US and Israel launched attacks on Iran, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, escalating tensions in the Middle East. Iran has vowed retaliation, drawing regional powers into the conflict. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, and senior cleric Alireza Arafi will lead Iran in the transitional period. Donald Trump expressed willingness to negotiate with the remaining Iranian leadership. Elsewhere, the UK's RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus was hit by a suspected drone strike, causing minor damage. In the UK, new asylum rules designate refugee status as temporary, lasting 30 months, and the Green Party's membership surpassed 200,000 after a byelection victory. Concerns are also rising about the potential impact of data centers on the UK's greenhouse gas emissions.

Following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, US officials are reportedly skeptical that a regime change in Iran is likely in the near future. Despite President Trump's call for Iranian patriots to "take back" their country, three US officials familiar with intelligence suggest that Iran's opposition is unlikely to topple the current theocratic government. While not completely ruling out the possibility due to ongoing US and Israeli air strikes and internal unrest, officials consider a near-term regime change improbable. The Iranian President, along with other officials, have temporarily assumed the duties of the supreme leader. The US and Israeli operation aimed to cripple Iran's ballistic missile and nuclear programs, with some US officials suggesting toppling the government as a goal.

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are set to meet at Mar-a-Lago, Florida, on December 29, 2025. The two leaders have differing reasons for their involvement in the war against Iran, with Israel seeking "regime change" and the US aiming to "defend the American people". Despite the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, a mass uprising within Iran has not materialized. Both countries have achieved tactical victories, but the alliance's long-term prospects are uncertain. Netanyahu's political survival is a key interest, as he seeks to distance himself from Israel's failures in Gaza and the West Bank. The meeting between Trump and Netanyahu will likely reveal their respective strategies for leveraging their successes.

In March 2026, Al Jazeera reported on the potential impact of the hypothetical killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. While some US officials and Iranian opposition groups believe his death would signify the end of the Islamic Republic, Al Jazeera's Soraya Lennie argues that this is not necessarily the case. The report suggests that the Supreme Leader's death and the existence of the Islamic Republic are not inextricably linked. The analysis explores why the system of government in Iran may persist even without its current leader. The report aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the complexities of Iranian politics and power structures.

Following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a U.S. and Israeli bombardment, Iran is facing a succession crisis as it chooses its second supreme leader since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Potential replacements include hard-liners favoring confrontation with the West and reformists seeking diplomacy. The supreme leader holds ultimate authority over key decisions, including matters of war, peace, and the nuclear program. Currently, a provisional governing council consisting of President Masoud Pezeshkian, judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, and cleric Ayatollah Ali Reza Arafi is managing the country during this critical period. The Foreign Minister is Abbas Aragh.

Amid escalating conflict in the Middle East, Donald Trump expressed openness to negotiations with Iran following US-Israeli air strikes. These strikes, aimed at overthrowing the regime, resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and numerous other officials. Iran retaliated with missile attacks, causing casualties and prompting an emergency UN Security Council meeting where Iran accused the US and Israel of deliberately targeting civilian areas. The conflict has triggered a surge in oil prices and raised concerns about global economic stability. Both sides have reported casualties, including civilian deaths and military losses, as the fighting continues.

Thousands of mourners gathered in Tehran on Sunday following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a US-Israeli attack. The attack, which began on Saturday, aimed to overthrow the Iranian government. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) vowed a severe retaliation against the US and Israel, threatening a major operation targeting both countries and their regional bases. Further explosions were reported in Doha, Dubai, and Manama, and sirens sounded in Israel as the Israeli military responded to Iranian missile fire. President Trump warned of unprecedented force against Iran if it retaliates. Khamenei had been Iran's supreme leader since 1989.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, died at age 86 following a US-Israeli strike on his compound in Tehran. The strike, confirmed by satellite imagery showing heavy damage, occurred on Saturday and was announced by US President Donald Trump. Khamenei's daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter were also reportedly killed in the attack. Iran has declared 40 days of mourning. Khamenei, who ruled for 36 years after succeeding Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989, was a polarizing figure, both revered and feared for his role in maintaining the Islamic Republic and building Iran into a powerful anti-US force. Reports indicate that some Iranians grieved while others celebrated his death.

Following the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli air strike, China condemned the action amidst turmoil in Tehran and regional escalation. Despite the political uncertainty, analysts predict China's economic relationship with Iran, as its top oil buyer and trade partner, will remain strong. China is expected to maintain a pragmatic approach to Iran's new leadership, even if Tehran shifts towards the West, potentially impacting Chinese diplomatic and defense goals in the Middle East. A temporary leadership council consisting of Alireza Arafi, Masoud Pezeshkian, and Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei will govern until the Assembly of Experts selects Khamenei's successor. The US President has called for regime change in Iran.

Following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli attack on March 1, 2026, Iran has formed a three-member transitional council to govern the country. The council consists of Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei. Arafi's appointment was confirmed by the Expediency Council. According to the Iranian Constitution, this council will oversee state duties until the Assembly of Experts, an 88-member panel, selects a new supreme leader. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and security chief Ali Larijani are also expected to play significant roles during the transition. The commander-in-chief of the IRGC was also killed in the same attack.

Following reports of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death, contrasting reactions emerged across Iran. While some Iranians gathered in Tehran to mourn the Supreme Leader, others celebrated in the streets and on social media. Celebrations included dancing, fireworks, and expressions of joy over the demise of the leader who ruled for 36 years. These contrasting responses highlight deep divisions within the country, particularly among those who experienced the regime's crackdown on recent protests, during which thousands were killed, injured, or arrested. The celebrations reflect a sense of vengeance and relief for some Iranians affected by the violence.

The CIA tracked the movements of Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, for months and shared this intelligence with Israeli officials. This intelligence sharing influenced the timing of recent strikes. These strikes, conducted by the US and Israel, resulted in the death of Khamenei and other senior Iranian leaders, prompting Iran to vow revenge. Iran retaliated with missile strikes against targets in Israel and Gulf Arab states. The conflict has resulted in casualties on both sides, including the first known American deaths, and has escalated tensions in the region, with Israel pledging continued strikes.

Iranian state media announced the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei following attacks across Iran by the US and Israel, which began on Saturday morning local time. The confirmation was delivered via a statement from Iran's Supreme National Security Council, broadcast on state television. The announcement followed claims by US President Donald Trump that Khamenei was dead and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statement that Khamenei's Tehran compound had been struck. The attacks and subsequent announcement mark a significant escalation in tensions in the region. The reasons behind the attacks were not disclosed in the article.

In February 2026, President Trump ordered a military operation against Iran, including targeted strikes on Iranian leadership, a significant shift from his stance just months prior. The decision, made in conjunction with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, involved strikes on key Iranian nuclear sites and the targeting of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This marked a change in Trump's risk tolerance regarding the use of American military force against Iran. Previously, in June during Israel's war with Iran, Trump had agreed to bomb nuclear sites but rejected a plan to kill Khamenei. The military operation took place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, and was followed by Trump announcing Khamenei's death on social media.

On Saturday morning, the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran, targeting Iranian leaders and military sites. In response, Iran's IRGC fired missiles at US military bases in the Gulf, with explosions reported in Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, and Qatar, resulting in one death in the UAE. Explosions also occurred in Tehran, near the presidential palace. Iran launched missiles at Israel, triggering air defense systems over Jerusalem. The US President vowed to crush Iran's military and eliminate its nuclear program, citing the need to defend Americans. The Israeli Prime Minister stated the operation aimed to remove an existential threat. These events followed inconclusive nuclear talks between the US and Iran.

On February 28, 2026, Israel and the United States launched a joint military attack on Iran, with explosions reported in Tehran near University Street, the Jomhouri area, and Seyyed Khandan. According to a US official, the operation aimed to pressure Iran into a nuclear deal, amidst a large US military presence in the region. Israel's Defence Minister stated the attack was a preemptive measure to eliminate threats to Israel. In response, sirens sounded in Israel, prompting the military to issue alerts and close airspace. The US Embassy in Qatar also implemented shelter-in-place protocols for its personnel and advised citizens to do the same. The Associated Press reported that strikes occurred near the offices of Iran's Supreme Leader.

Following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, world leaders are reacting cautiously amid growing fears of a wider war. The strikes, including one near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, occurred on Saturday. European leaders convened emergency meetings in response to the escalating situation. The international community is concerned about the potential for a broader conflict in the region. The strikes have prompted increased diplomatic activity as leaders seek to de-escalate tensions.

Following reported Israeli strikes targeting Iranian leadership infrastructure in Tehran, the fate of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is currently unknown. The strikes heavily damaged Khamenei's fortified compound, including his residence and the House of Leadership, with some areas reduced to rubble. While Israeli officials are assessing the results and haven't confirmed Khamenei's death, they haven't ruled it out. Iranian officials insist Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian are safe, despite what they call an assassination attempt. Reports indicate a high-level meeting may have been underway at the time of the strike. Khamenei, who operates with tight security and a network of loyalists, has survived previous assassination attempts and unrest.

In February 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the United States and Israel jointly attacked Iran to eliminate an "existential threat." Netanyahu praised the joint operation, claiming it would empower the Iranian people to determine their own future. He also commended U.S. President Donald Trump for his leadership in the action. The location of the strikes within Iran was not specified in the report. The stated reason for the attack was to remove a perceived threat to the U.S. and Israel.