In a dramatic development that threatens an unprecedented escalation in the Middle East, the Israeli army announced today (Saturday) that it had carried out a high-profile military operation in the heart of the Iranian capital, Tehran, resulting in the deaths of seven senior Iranian military and security officials. This announcement further heightens existing tensions, while Tehran quickly denied the reports, dismissing them as "psychological warfare.".

Details of Operation "Lion's Roar"

According to Avichai Adraee, the Israeli military spokesperson for Arabic media, the operation, dubbed "Roar of the Lion," was the result of a meticulous and complex intelligence effort. Adraee explained that Military Intelligence had identified two secret locations in Tehran where a high-level meeting of senior Iranian security officials was taking place. The Israeli statement confirmed that the surprise attack resulted in the elimination of key figures, most notably Ali Shamkhani, Secretary of the Supreme National Defense Council, and Mohammad Pakpour, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Ground Forces.

Who are the targets? Background on the leaders mentioned

Ali Shamkhani is one of the most prominent security and political figures in the history of the Islamic Republic. He served for many years as Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and played a pivotal role in shaping Iran's defense and foreign policies, including the recent agreement to restore relations with Saudi Arabia. The Israeli statement described him as "one of the most important security decision-makers" and the Supreme Leader's personal advisor on security affairs, making his targeting—if true—a devastating blow to the security establishment in Tehran.

Mohammad Pakpour , commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's ground forces, was a highly experienced field commander, described in the Israeli statement as the "mastermind" behind major offensive plans. Pakpour was responsible for numerous military operations and strategic exercises for the Revolutionary Guard, and his assassination represents a significant challenge to the operational capabilities of the Iranian ground forces.

The Iranian response: psychological warfare and a call for vigilance

In contrast, Tehran downplayed the significance of these announcements. Iranian media quoted the director of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's office as implicitly denying the occurrence of this major breach, suggesting that Israel resorts to "psychological warfare" to cover up its failures or to destabilize the Iranian home front. The Iranian official stressed the need for the people and armed forces to be aware and vigilant regarding the news disseminated by the Israeli media machine, which aims to undermine morale.

Repercussions of the event on the regional landscape

This announcement, regardless of the accuracy of its field details, carries serious implications for the Israeli-Iranian conflict. On the one hand, it indicates that the confrontation has shifted from a "shadow war" and proxies to the direct targeting of key figures within Iranian territory. On the other hand, it places the entire region on the brink of disaster, as the confirmation of the deaths of figures as prominent as Shamkhani and Pakpour could prompt Tehran to launch a direct and forceful military response, opening the door to a range of scenarios that could include a full-scale regional war.

Former US President and presidential candidate Donald Trump revealed on Saturday that he has several alternative strategic options for dealing with Tehran after the attack on Iran, according to the Axios news website. These remarks come at a time of escalating tensions in the Middle East and fears of a full-blown regional confrontation.

Blitzkrieg scenario

Speaking about potential military scenarios, Trump predicted that any direct military confrontation would be swift, confidently stating, "I could continue the Iran operation and finish it completely in two or three days." The former US president asserted that the devastating strike he was discussing would have a catastrophic impact, indicating that Iran would need years to recover from the repercussions of such a potential attack, reflecting his view of using overwhelming force to impose deterrence.

The nuclear file and coordination with Israel

Trump addressed the Iranian nuclear issue, referring to his previous decisions and strategic calculations. He explained that if the nuclear facilities had not been targeted earlier (referring to deterrence policies), Tehran would have been able to develop a nuclear weapon, making today's attack impossible. He indicated that the timeline for any military operation could change based on rapidly evolving developments on the ground, particularly concerning the fate of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the Iranian leadership.

In the context of regional alliances, Trump pointed to the depth of coordination with the Israeli side, revealing that he had a conversation he described as “great” with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which confirms the continued harmony of views between the two sides regarding the Iranian threat.

Background of the conflict and historical tensions

To understand the context of these statements, one must consider the history of strained relations between Washington and Tehran, particularly during Trump's presidency (2017-2021). Trump adopted a policy of "maximum pressure," withdrew from the nuclear agreement (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) in 2018, and reimposed crippling economic sanctions on Iran. These new statements are an extension of his approach, which views military force and economic pressure as the most effective means to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons or expanding its influence in the region.

Potential regional and international repercussions

Trump's statements carry serious implications on both the regional and international levels. Regionally, these threats exacerbate polarization in the Middle East and could push Tehran to accelerate its nuclear program as a defensive measure, or to activate its proxies in the region to launch counterattacks, thus threatening maritime security and global energy supplies. Internationally, talk of a "three-day war" is alarming European capitals, which fear the region could descend into widespread chaos that would be difficult to contain. This makes the Iranian issue one of the most prominent challenges facing US foreign policy now and in the future.

In a dramatic development that could change the face of the Middle East, Israel has confirmed the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, following airstrikes that targeted his location on Saturday, according to two Israeli sources familiar with the details of the intelligence and military operation.

One source reported that the security establishment in Tel Aviv obtained conclusive physical evidence in the form of a photograph of Khamenei's body, thus removing any doubts about his fate. A second source added that Israeli officials are currently drafting an official statement to announce this momentous event, which comes as the culmination of a series of precise military operations.

In a related context, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paved the way for this announcement earlier on Saturday evening, stating that there were “many signs” clearly indicating that Khamenei “is no longer alive,” in a reference that was understood at the time as an implicit confirmation of the success of the air strike.

The American position and confirmation of the narrative

On the American side, President Donald Trump weighed in on the crisis, telling NBC News in response to the circulating reports, "We believe this account is accurate." Trump didn't stop there; he also pointed to the collapse of the leadership hierarchy in Tehran, explaining that "most of those who make all the decisions in Iran have been killed," indicating a devastating blow to the top tier of the Iranian leadership.

A Fox News correspondent reinforced this information on Saturday, quoting a senior US official who made similar assertions, suggesting a high level of information coordination between Washington and Tel Aviv regarding the results of the strike.

Historical background: The end of an era that spanned decades

If officially announced, this event would be the most violent political earthquake in the history of modern Iran since the 1979 revolution. Ali Khamenei assumed the position of Supreme Leader in 1989, succeeding the founder of the Islamic Republic, Ruhollah Khomeini, and for more than three decades he has remained the absolute ruler and the one with the final say in all state affairs, from foreign policy and the nuclear program to supporting armed factions in the region.

Throughout his rule, Khamenei spearheaded the open hostility toward Israel and the United States, and worked to build a broad network of regional alliances known as the "Axis of Resistance." Therefore, his departure from the scene would not simply mean a change in the person of the ruler, but could lead to a potential unraveling of Iran's complex decision-making structure.

Regional repercussions and a power vacuum

The assassination of Khamenei is expected to cast a dark shadow over the stability of the entire region. Observers believe that Iran may enter a complex succession crisis, with the Assembly of Experts playing a pivotal role in selecting a successor, amidst earlier speculation that his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was a likely candidate. This sudden power vacuum, coinciding with the deaths of other leaders as Trump indicated, could weaken Tehran's regional influence and lead to a decline in financial and military support for its allied groups in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq.

Israel’s confirmation that it obtained a picture of the body sends a strong deterrent message, indicating that Israeli intelligence arms are capable of reaching the most heavily fortified points in Tehran, which will change the rules of engagement in the region for years to come.