Iran war: What is happening on day 12 of US-Israel attacks?

On March 11, 2026, the US-Israeli war on Iran entered its 12th day. Iran reports over 1,300 civilian deaths and nearly 10,000 civilian sites bombed since the conflict began on February 28. Recent overnight attacks targeted Tehran's Mehrabad airport, while Iran retaliated against Israeli locations like Tel Aviv and Haifa, as well as US bases in Erbil, Iraq, and Manama, Bahrain, using "Khoramshahr" missiles. Iran's UN ambassador accuses the US and Israel of deliberately attacking civilian infrastructure. Political pressure is increasing in Washington, with lawmakers demanding hearings on the war's objectives amid rising US casualties and investigations into civilian strikes. The conflict has also caused a spike in global energy prices.

Following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a U.S.-Israel strike, Iran has deployed the elite counterterrorism unit NOPO to protect the newly appointed Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. NOPO, formed in 1991, is a specialized force dedicated to safeguarding the Supreme Leader and is considered more lethal and well-trained than the broader IRGC. Mojtaba Khamenei's succession on March 8, 2026, comes amid ongoing conflict with the U.S. and Israel. The unit, comprised of six brigades stationed across Iran, was previously used for hostage rescue and suppressing internal protests. NOPO's loyalty is exclusively to the Supreme Leader, and they are better equipped than other security forces.

Amidst an ongoing war with the United States and Israel, Iran's Assembly of Experts has appointed Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on February 28, 2026. The 56-year-old, with strong ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), is seen as a figure of continuity for the theocratic establishment. The IRGC, along with the Iranian army, police, Defence Council, and Intelligence Minister, have pledged their allegiance to the new leader. The IRGC stated its forces are ready to obey Khamenei's commands to uphold the values of the Islamic revolution. This transition occurs as Iran faces external conflict, signaling a potential continuation of existing policies.

Following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli strike, Iran's state media is showcasing pro-Mojtaba Khamenei rallies across the country, with citizens pledging loyalty to the new leader. These displays contrast sharply with earlier celebrations of Ali Khamenei's death, fueled by public anger over decades of repression. Despite an internet blackout, reports suggest some Iranians fear increased repression under Mojtaba, who has strong ties to the IRGC and Basij militia. Mojtaba's appointment follows the strike that killed his father and other family members. The prosecutor general has warned Iranians against cooperating with the US and Israel, signaling a potential crackdown amid the ongoing war.

Following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, his son Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, has become Iran's new leader. Selected by the Assembly of Experts, Mojtaba assumes power as the Islamic Republic faces what is described as an existential battle. While supporters celebrated his appointment, some protesters voiced opposition, fearing an even harsher regime. Mojtaba, considered an ultraconservative, has worked within his father's government for decades and has close ties to the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC, which holds significant security and economic power, reportedly supported his candidacy. The war is described as personal, as Mojtaba also lost his mother in the same Israeli strike that killed his father.

Following a weekend of escalating conflict in the Middle East, Mojtaba Khamenei has assumed leadership in Iran, succeeding his late father. This transition occurs as oil prices surpass $100 a barrel and regional casualties mount. Over the weekend, both sides struck new targets, including civilian infrastructure, with Bahrain accusing Iran of attacking a desalination plant and Israel targeting oil depots in Tehran. The US reported another soldier's death, and Saudi Arabia announced its first fatalities. The conflict, now in its tenth day, has displaced over half a million people in Lebanon and resulted in hundreds of deaths there, with Israel warning of a prolonged war.

The U.S. and Israel continued their military campaign against Iran as of March 7-8, 2026, resulting in attacks on Tehran, Iran, and airstrikes in Sir al-Gharbiyeh village in south Lebanon. The conflict has led to casualties, including the death of a U.S. Army Reserve soldier in Kuwait. The remains of the soldier were returned to the U.S. at Dover Air Force Base. Iran has appointed a new commander for its war strategy and named a son of its late supreme leader as his successor, a move criticized by U.S. President Donald Trump. The Revolutionary Guard has pledged allegiance to the new commander. The ongoing conflict has also caused oil prices to surge above $100 a barrel.

On March 9, 2026, Mojtaba Khamenei was named Iran's new supreme leader, succeeding his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This transition occurred amidst ongoing attacks on Iran by the US and Israel, with explosions reported in Qom and Tehran. Israeli attacks on Iranian oil facilities earlier caused toxic smoke to spread across Tehran. Iran's military and political leaders have reportedly pledged allegiance to the new supreme leader. Saudi Arabia has reported two deaths amid Iranian counterattacks.

Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei amid escalating conflict, Iran has signaled that his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, is likely to be named the new supreme leader. Ayatollah Hosseinali Eshkevari stated a vote had been cast, and another cleric indicated the announcement would be made by Hosseini Bushehri. Wartime conditions have prevented a public gathering to confirm the selection. The news comes as Israel reportedly struck fuel depots in Tehran, and Bahrain claimed an Iranian attack damaged a desalination plant. US President Donald Trump asserted that Washington should have a say in the selection process, implying potential consequences if the chosen leader doesn't receive US approval.

Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Assembly of Experts has reportedly elected his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as the new Supreme Leader. Mojtaba, 56, has been involved in Iranian politics, working in his father's office and developing close ties with the IRGC. He began formal clerical studies in Tehran in 1989. The U.S. sanctioned Mojtaba in 2019 for representing the Supreme Leader in an official capacity without holding an elected government position. Former President Trump expressed his disapproval of Mojtaba's potential succession, stating he was unacceptable. Mojtaba's rise to Supreme Leader comes after his father's death and amidst heightened tensions in the region.

In March 2026, Iranian state television announced that Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was selected as the new supreme leader of Iran. The Assembly of Experts made the decision through what was described as a "decisive vote." This followed the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed by the United States on February 28th. Mojtaba Khamenei's selection marks a significant transition in Iran's leadership. The announcement was broadcast on Iranian state television.

Following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes, Iran has appointed his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as the new Supreme Leader. The announcement was made by clerics, with support quickly pledged by the IRGC, armed forces, and key political figures. Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, has been a highly influential figure within the Supreme Leader's inner circle for decades, cultivating strong ties to the IRGC. Analysts suggest his appointment indicates the continued power of hardline factions within the Iranian government. As the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei will lead Iran through a period of significant crisis amidst a growing regional war.

A projectile struck a residential area in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia on Sunday, killing two foreign nationals (one Indian and one Bangladeshi) and injuring twelve others. Saudi authorities reported the incident, attributing it to an unspecified "military projectile," while Iran's IRGC claimed responsibility, stating they targeted radar systems in the Al-Kharj governorate, home to the Prince Sultan airbase. This attack is part of a series of Iranian counterattacks on Gulf nations hosting US military assets, following Israeli strikes on Iranian oil facilities. Other attacks on Sunday included intercepted drones in Riyadh, damage to fuel tanks at Kuwait's international airport, and damage to a water desalination plant in Bahrain. The escalating conflict raises concerns for the safety of the diverse international workforce across the Gulf.

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.

Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in attacks by the US and Israel in March 2026, his son Mojtaba Khamenei has emerged as a leading contender to become the next Supreme Leader of Iran. Mojtaba, a hardline cleric with close ties to the IRGC, has been influential behind the scenes for decades, despite never holding public office or being publicly vetted. His potential succession signals the continued strength of hardline factions within the Iranian government. While he has maintained a low public profile, he has been accused of involvement in the violent suppression of protests. If appointed, it would create a dynastic succession reminiscent of the pre-revolution monarchy.

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 confirmed killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli attack, a conflict has escalated with attacks reported across the region. The US and Israel initiated strikes on Iran on Saturday during ongoing nuclear talks, prompting retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Iran on US assets in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and Iraq, as well as targets in Israel. On Monday, explosions were reported in Abu Dhabi and Doha, with Qatar deploying fighter planes to intercept threats. An oil tanker off the coast of Oman was also attacked, resulting in a fire and at least one fatality. Iranian news reported over 20 deaths in Tehran, while the US claimed 48 Iranian leaders were killed.

In early March 2026, the conflict escalated to include Iranian-backed militias as Israeli and American forces launched strikes within Iran. Israel released footage of an attack on Iranian leadership headquarters in Tehran following a large explosion in the capital. Iran retaliated by firing missiles at Jerusalem, wounding five people. Subsequently, Israel conducted strikes on Beirut, Lebanon, after Hezbollah fired missiles across the border. The U.S. military's Central Command confirmed its support of "Operation Epic Fury" with naval operations. The strikes resulted in damage to buildings in both Lebanon and Iran.

According to a March 2, 2026, Al Jazeera report, Iran has revised its military strategy since its 12-day war with Israel in June 2025. The shift follows a US-Israeli assault that resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) vowed revenge and launched attacks against Israel and US military assets across the Gulf. Iran's army also claimed to have bombed US bases. Analysts suggest the revised strategy is more aggressive and focused on the survival of the Islamic Republic. Iran's military structure includes the Artesh (regular army) and the IRGC, both reporting directly to the supreme leader.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard is a powerful paramilitary force within Iran, established after the 1979 Islamic Revolution to protect the theocracy. It answers only to the Supreme Leader and operates independently of the regular armed forces. The Guard controls Iran's ballistic missile arsenal, conducts foreign operations through its Quds Force, and backs groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis. It also has significant economic power, running construction companies and other businesses. The Guard's Quds Force is accused of training militants and hiring criminals to target Iran's enemies abroad, which Iran denies.

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.

A joint US-Israeli attack has severely crippled Iran's military leadership, resulting in the deaths of key figures including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The attack, which followed compromised Iranian security and intelligence gathering by the CIA, involved strikes on Khamenei's compound in Tehran. In response, Iran is launching retaliatory strikes using drones and ballistic missiles against Israel, US bases, and Middle Eastern countries. While the volume of Iranian attacks is substantial, their effectiveness is limited, and US and Israeli forces are prioritizing the dismantling of Iran's offensive capabilities. The attacks have extended to Oman, marking the sixth Arab country targeted. The extent of Iran's military response is expected to be less coordinated due to the loss of command and control.

Following an attack on Iran by the United States and Israel, several Middle Eastern countries, including Israel, the UAE, Qatar, and Syria, closed their airspace, disrupting air travel across the region and beyond. Over 3,400 flights were canceled on Sunday across seven airports, including major hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Manama, leaving thousands of travelers stranded or diverted. Emirates Airlines and Qatar Airways suspended flights, and Israeli airline El Al prepared to repatriate stranded citizens. Airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi reported injuries and fatalities from attacks, while Kuwait International Airport also reported strikes. The UAE condemned the attacks, attributing them to Iranian ballistic missiles, though Iran did not publicly claim responsibility.

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.

In March 2026, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a joint US-Israeli air attack, a significant blow to Iran's leadership since the 1979 revolution. The US, under President Trump, anticipates a swift collapse of the Iranian government, framing the operation as a "liberation" moment. However, analysts and insiders suggest the assassination could lead to a more militarized and aggressive Iranian state. They warn that the power vacuum might result in a "garrison state" willing to take extreme measures to survive. While Iran's President Pezeshkian vowed revenge, experts caution against assuming air strikes alone can trigger regime change without ground forces or internal uprising.

Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran faces a precarious situation with internal divisions and mounting external pressures. While some celebrated, hoping for an end to clerical rule, others mourned and demanded retribution. Despite maintaining military power, the regime faces a growing list of dead leaders, including high-ranking military officials, straining its leadership and resources. Simultaneously, Iran's regional relationships are deteriorating, with its Gulf partners criticizing its actions and accusing it of playing into the hands of the US. The Strategic Council on Foreign Relations pleaded with Gulf states to unite against the US, but the UAE countered that Iran's aggression is self-isolating. The article suggests that without a change in direction, the Iranian regime risks a breakdown in civil order.

Dubai residents and tourists were shaken when Iranian missiles and drones approached the Gulf states over the weekend, triggering air defenses in the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. Many initially mistook the interceptors for fireworks, as Dubai attempted to maintain its image of stability amidst regional conflict. While some residents received official alerts, others were caught off guard. Fires and smoke were reported at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports due to drone debris, resulting in one death and several injuries. Smoke was also seen at the Jebel Ali port area in Dubai, one of the busiest ports in the Middle East. The incident challenged Dubai's long-held perception as a safe haven insulated from regional political turmoil.

In a recent military operation, President Trump authorized targeted strikes against Iranian leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, marking a significant shift in his approach to Iran. This action contrasts with his stance eight months prior when he rejected an Israeli plan to kill Khamenei due to concerns about regional destabilization. The recent operation, conducted in collaboration with Israel, resulted in the deaths of Khamenei, the defense minister, and the commander of the Revolutionary Guard, as confirmed by Iranian state TV. Trump announced Khamenei's death and framed the operation as an opportunity for the Iranian people to reclaim their country. This represents a notable escalation in Trump's willingness to use military force against Iran compared to his earlier reluctance.

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 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, Iran confirmed retaliatory attacks on US assets located in Gulf Arab states, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, following a joint US-Israeli attack on Iran. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility, stating that all US and Israeli military targets in the Middle East were struck. Bahrain reported an attack targeting the US Navy's 5th Fleet headquarters, while Kuwait experienced explosions near the US military's Central Command headquarters. Qatar's Defense Ministry stated it intercepted missiles before they reached Qatari territory. The UAE reported at least one death in Abu Dhabi after intercepting missiles launched from Iran.

Iran launched missiles and drones targeting Israel and US military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar in response to recent attacks by the US and Israel. The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated the action was in defense of the homeland. The UAE and Iraq closed their airspace, and shrapnel from an Iranian missile killed one person in the UAE. Israel issued a nationwide warning and activated its missile defense systems to intercept incoming projectiles. There were initially few reports of damage or injuries in Israel.

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.