Aftermath in Iran of US and Israeli air strikes

Joint US and Israeli military operations against Iran, ongoing since February 28, 2026, have resulted in significant casualties and infrastructure damage. On March 8, 2026, it was reported that Israeli forces struck Iranian oil infrastructure in Tehran and Alborz province, killing at least four people. The strikes, part of a larger campaign, targeted oil storage facilities and a production transfer center, causing fires and oil spills in and around Tehran. Iranian state media attributed the attacks to the US and Israel. The conflict has reportedly resulted in over 1,300 fatalities in Iran and more than 390 in Lebanon, with Israel reporting a dozen casualties.

The US-Israel war on Iran has entered its second week, prompting international concern. US President Trump claims Iran is being "decimated" but has not ruled out deploying troops, while China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi condemned the war. Iran claims it can sustain the conflict for at least six more months, despite Israeli strikes on Tehran fuel storage complexes. An Israeli strike on Beirut, Lebanon, resulted in casualties. The conflict continues to escalate, with regional implications and international calls for de-escalation.

Joint US-Israeli air strikes targeted oil storage facilities in and around Tehran on Saturday, March 8, 2026, resulting in a dark haze over the city and the deaths of four Iranian oil distribution employees. The strikes hit four oil storage facilities and an oil transfer and production center in Tehran and Alborz province, causing large fires and oil leaks. Israel claimed the facilities were used to operate military infrastructure, and Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed to continue the assault on Iran. The attacks mark a new phase in the ongoing conflict, which has lasted nine days and resulted in over 1,300 deaths in Iran, 300 in Lebanon, and a dozen in Israel.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on March 8, 2026, that Iran will not yield to pressure from the United States and Israel. This announcement comes as tensions between Iran and these nations continue to rise. Pezeshkian's statement underscores Iran's resolve to maintain its position despite external pressures. The context of the statement is the ongoing geopolitical friction involving Iran, the US, and Israel. The location of the announcement was within Iran, as Pezeshkian is the Iranian President.

The article suggests that Russia is observing the escalating conflict involving Iran, anticipating potential long-term benefits. Events depicted in the article include a meeting between the Iranian President and Vladimir Putin in Moscow in January 2025. The article also references a U.S.-Israeli military attack in Tehran in March 2026, as well as reports of Iranian strikes in Dubai around the same time. The death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is also mentioned as occurring in early March 2026. Russia's strategy appears to be one of non-intervention, possibly calculating that the conflict will ultimately strengthen its geopolitical position.

An Israeli strike hit an Iranian oil storage facility in Tehran on Saturday, marking the first time a civilian industrial site has been targeted in the week-old conflict. Iranian state media confirmed the attack, attributing it to the US and Israel, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised "many surprises" in the next phase of the war. The strikes occurred as Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian apologized for attacks on neighboring countries. The incident highlights a potential rift within Iran's leadership between those seeking de-escalation and hardliners committed to battling the US and Israel, potentially complicating diplomatic efforts. Conflicting statements have emerged from members of the leadership council overseeing Iran since the Supreme Leader's death.

In March 2026, a war between Iran, Israel, and the United States entered its second week, raising concerns about regional spillover. The conflict, which began with strikes on Tehran, has expanded to neighboring countries targeted by Iranian missiles and drones, with attacks reaching beyond the immediate region. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has apologized to Gulf states and pledged to limit future attacks. Experts are debating the likelihood of further escalation given the lack of indication that Israel and the US will end the war. The potential for new fronts opening up due to attacks on countries beyond the region is also being discussed.

On March 7, 2026, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected US demands for Iran's unconditional surrender, calling it unrealistic. In a televised address, he apologized for recent Iranian attacks on neighboring Gulf states, attributing them to miscommunication and a loss of command and control following the death of Iran's supreme leader. Despite the apology and promise to halt attacks, intense Iranian fire continued to target Gulf Arab states. This occurred amidst ongoing air strikes by Israel and the United States against Iran. The Iranian president stated that the country's leadership council was addressing the situation with the armed forces.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian recently apologized for past Iranian strikes targeting neighboring Gulf states. This action occurred amidst ongoing tensions in the region. However, Pezeshkian later retracted his apology following criticism from other Iranian leaders. Despite the initial apology and subsequent reversal, Iran has continued its attacks, highlighting potential rifts within the Iranian leadership regarding foreign policy and regional relations. The situation underscores the complex dynamics and ongoing conflicts involving Iran and its Gulf neighbors.

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 Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz declared that whoever is chosen as Iran's next Supreme Leader will be considered a target for elimination. Katz made the statement on X, asserting that any leader continuing a plan to destroy Israel and threaten the US would be targeted. This threat follows an Israeli strike on a building associated with Iran's Assembly of Experts, the body responsible for selecting the new Supreme Leader. The statement escalates tensions between the two countries amidst ongoing conflict. Iranians are preparing for a farewell ceremony for Khamenei.

Iran postponed the funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died in a US-Israeli airstrike, due to anticipated large crowds. The three-day ceremony was originally scheduled to begin at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla mosque in Tehran at 10pm local time on Wednesday. State television announced the delay, citing the "expected unprecedented presence of mourners," and indicated a new time would be announced later. The funeral is expected to draw supporters of the Islamic Republic who oppose US and Israeli actions, which have escalated into a regional war. Khamenei's death has been met with condemnation from Russia and China, but also celebrations from opponents of the Iranian regime.

In March 2026, President Donald Trump indicated he is seeking a new leader for Iran who is an improvement over Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Trump stated he wants a leader who can improve the country for its citizens. The statement comes amid discussions about exiled Iranian dissident Reza Pahlavi as a potential successor to the current regime. Pahlavi, an opposition figure, is being considered as a possible alternative leader for Iran. The U.S. President did not explicitly endorse Pahlavi but suggested the U.S. is looking for a leader who can positively transform Iran.

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.

Israel's military operation against Iran is aimed at regime change, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called on Iranians to overthrow their government after the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The US-Israel joint attack has already killed over 555 people in Iran, including 180 at a girls' school. Netanyahu's comments suggest that Israel seeks regime change from within, but it is unclear how invested Israeli officials are in ensuring a smooth transition. Many Iranians have taken to the streets in protests, united by their opposition to the government. The operation has sparked widespread violence and unrest in Iran. The Israeli government's policy on regime change in Iran appears to be a longstanding goal.

The Middle East conflict intensified as Israel and the US launched strikes against Iran, targeting command facilities, state offices, and missile sites. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Israel and US interests across the Gulf region. The escalating violence has resulted in hundreds of deaths and billions of dollars in damage, primarily in Iran, raising concerns about a global economic crisis due to soaring energy prices. US President Trump stated he rejected Iran's attempt to negotiate and claimed significant damage to Iranian infrastructure. Iran denied seeking negotiations and called on the UN Security Council to intervene, while threatening further retaliation against the US and Israel. The conflict expanded with attacks on key Iranian sites, including a building used by the committee that chooses the Supreme Leader's successor.

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.

Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's governing system selected Ayatollah Alireza Arafi to its interim leadership council. Arafi, a hard-line cleric, has a long history of anti-American and anti-Israel rhetoric, advocating for the destruction of Israel and the humiliation of global powers. Experts suggest Arafi's elevation signals he is a potential candidate to succeed Khamenei as Supreme Leader. Arafi's experience includes leading Iran's seminary, Al-Mustafa University, and serving on the Guardian Council and Assembly of Experts. He has also served as the Friday prayer leader of Qom, a center for Iranian clergy. His rise is being closely watched in Washington due to his hard-line stance and potential implications for U.S. interests.

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.

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.

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.

Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, refuted US media reports on March 2, 2026, claiming he sought to resume nuclear talks with the United States through Omani mediators. This denial follows a Wall Street Journal report stating Larijani's push occurred after the US and Israel killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Larijani stated Iran would not negotiate with the US and criticized former President Trump's policies, accusing him of prioritizing Israel and endangering American soldiers. The US and Israel have continued attacks across Iran, while Iran has responded by targeting US assets in the Middle East. Iran's Foreign Minister has condemned the killing of Khamenei as terrorism in a letter to the UN, describing the attacks as a dangerous escalation.

On March 1, 2026, Iranian missiles were observed over Tel Aviv and the occupied West Bank. According to reports, the missiles penetrated Israel's defense systems. Iran stated the missile strikes were targeting Israeli military facilities. The event marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations. The extent of damage or casualties is currently unknown. Further details are awaited as the situation develops.

On March 1, 2026, Iran launched missile strikes against Israel, including the town of Beit Shemesh, resulting in at least nine deaths and 28 injuries. These attacks are part of Iran's retaliation for the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an earlier Israel-US strike. Tel Aviv residents reported explosions, and Israeli emergency services confirmed casualties. Iran's parliamentary speaker stated the attacks were a response to Israel crossing a "red line." The US military reported minimal damage and no casualties from hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks, while Israel stated it intercepted many of the dozens of missiles launched toward its territory.

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 an attack by Israel and the United States, tensions have escalated in the region. Iran launched missiles at targets in Israel and Gulf Arab states, vowing retaliation for Khamenei's death. In response, the Israeli military stated it was striking targets in central Tehran after clearing a path to the capital. The strikes and counterattacks have raised concerns about regional instability and the future of the Islamic Republic. Khamenei's death was confirmed by Iranian state media, leading to mourning and gatherings of government supporters in Tehran.

Following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes, questions arise about the stability of the Islamic Republic. While some analysts predicted a potential collapse, initial signs suggest a hardening of the current regime, with security institutions consolidating power. In the immediate aftermath, paramilitary units deployed nationwide to prevent unrest, and Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Israeli and US-linked targets. Despite these actions, the attacks struggled to penetrate Israeli defenses or inflict substantial damage on American forces. Analysts warn that a contested interim period, potentially leading to increased military control, poses a greater risk than an orderly transition. The future of Iran's leadership and political structure remains uncertain.

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.

According to US President Donald Trump, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, has died following US and Israeli airstrikes. Iran has not confirmed the death of the 86-year-old, who has held the powerful position for three decades since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. As Supreme Leader, Khamenei was head of state, commander-in-chief, and held significant influence over public policy and elections. Born in 1939, Khamenei rose to prominence as a critic of the Shah, facing imprisonment and exile before becoming a key figure in the post-revolution leadership. His weekly sermons broadcast nationwide solidified his position. His death, if confirmed, could lead to an uncertain future for Iran and the region.

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.

A joint US-Israeli mission culminated in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei following a strike on a compound in central Tehran. The attack occurred in the morning after the US and Israel received crucial intelligence about Khamenei's planned meeting with senior military and intelligence figures. For months, the US and Israel had been tracking the Supreme Leader's movements, potentially using both human sources and technical tracking methods, including monitoring bodyguards to establish patterns of life. The intelligence, reportedly from the CIA, was passed to Israel to carry out the strike using long-range missiles. This operation highlights a potential division of labor, with Israel focusing on leadership targets and the US on military targets, and also suggests vulnerabilities in Iranian security despite awareness of the threat.

A coordinated US-Israeli strike targeted Iran on Saturday, reportedly killing several top Iranian leaders, including the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The operation involved a precision strike on a key target in Tehran, believed to be Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s compound, alongside a broader offensive using US-deployed kamikaze drones. US Central Command confirmed the use of these one-way attack drones, modeled after Iranian Shahed drones, for the first time in combat during "Operation Epic Fury." The attack, described as a "wildly bold daytime attack," targeted Iranian military, government, and intelligence sites, catching senior leadership off guard. Former President Trump announced that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had been killed in the strike.

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.

Reports from Iranian state media indicate that at least 80 children were killed in a missile strike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ school in Minab, southern Iran, on Saturday. The attack occurred during a joint US-Israel operation, according to the report. Videos circulating online, verified by some sources, show the aftermath of the strike, with smoke rising from the damaged school. The school is reportedly located near a Revolutionary Guards barracks. Across Iran, the attacks have caused widespread fear and a mix of hope and concern about potential political change and civilian casualties. In Tehran, schools were shut down and residents sought shelter or attempted to reach their children.

US President Donald Trump confirmed that the United States has initiated "major combat operations" in Iran. This announcement follows a statement from Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, who said Israel launched a "pre-emptive" attack on the country. According to the BBC, military action against Iran had been anticipated for several weeks. The timing and specific reasons for the escalation were not immediately clear, but the developments signal a significant shift in the region. The combined actions by the US and Israel mark a notable escalation of tensions with Iran.

In February 2026, reports emerged that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in joint US-Israeli air strikes on his compound in Iran. Khamenei assumed leadership in 1989 after the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who led the Islamic Revolution. While Khomeini provided the revolution's ideology, Khamenei developed Iran's military and paramilitary forces, extending its influence beyond its borders. His distrust of the West, particularly the United States, stemmed from the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, during which Western countries supported Saddam Hussein. This shaped his belief that Iran needed constant defense against external and internal threats, leading to the rise of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a powerful institution.

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.

Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has called on Iranians to overthrow the current regime following reported joint U.S.-Israeli strikes. Pahlavi described the strikes as "humanitarian intervention" targeting the Islamic Republic, not the Iranian people, and urged the U.S. to protect civilian lives. He appealed to Iran's military and security forces to defect from the regime and join the people, promising a stable transition. While predicting the regime's collapse, Pahlavi advised citizens to remain home for now, awaiting his signal to return to the streets for a final push. He framed the moment as a decisive opportunity for Iranians to reclaim their country.