Iran latest: Supreme leader ‘safe and sound’, spokesman tells Sky – but Netanyahu claims there ‘signs’ he is dead
Iran Latest: Supreme Leader ‘Safe and Sound’, Spokesman Tells Sky – But Netanyahu Claims There ‘Signs’ He Is Dead
The United States initiated “Operation Epic Fury” as Israeli forces targeted key Iranian figures. In response, Iran retaliated with missile strikes against Israeli and US facilities in the region. The conflict’s effects are now visible across multiple neighboring nations and beyond. Updates will continue as events unfold.
Trump Highlights Regime Change as Key Goal
Axios reported fresh remarks from Donald Trump regarding the escalating tensions. The former president stated, “I can go long and take over the whole thing or end it in two or three days,” emphasizing his belief in swift resolution. He claimed Iran would require years to recover from the joint strikes, adding that the country had “understood from that they don’t really want a deal” during recent nuclear negotiations in Geneva.
“Such a murderous regime should not have nuclear weapons that can continue threatening the entire humankind,” said Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s Prime Minister. The prime minister asserted the conflict would “bring about true peace” and reiterated that the military campaign would persist “as long as it is needed.”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt shared details about Trump’s engagement with regional leaders. She noted the US president had reached out to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and NATO’s Mark Rutte. Meanwhile, Iranian missile attacks sparked reports of damage in Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE, though the exact scope remains under assessment.
Netanyahu’s Bold Claims Amidst Uncertainty
Netanyahu’s latest address suggested the conflict extends beyond nuclear concerns. He argued the strikes aimed to “eradicate this regime,” framing the attack as a broader effort for regime change. However, Iran’s foreign ministry quickly clarified that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is “safe and sound,” contradicting Netanyahu’s assertion of “signs” he is “no longer.”
Iran’s Ministry of Culture instructed local media to rely solely on Tehran’s official channel or state broadcaster IRIB for accurate updates. Earlier reports of Khamenei delivering a speech were dismissed as incorrect, reinforcing the need for verified information.
Regional Reactions and Casualty Reports
In nearby Dubai, a fire broke out near Fairmont The Palm hotel after debris from an Iranian missile attack landed in the area. Similarly, smoke was observed over Doha, Qatar’s capital, following missile strikes. Qatar’s tourist board announced the suspension of public events and tourism activities to ensure safety, citing ongoing threats.
The US Central Command confirmed that its forces successfully repelled hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks during the operation. “There have been no reports of US casualties or combat-related injuries,” the statement noted, with damage to installations described as minimal and non-impactful on operations.
Macron’s Response to Unilateral Strikes
French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the strikes in Paris, stating his nation was “neither told in advance nor involved” in the US-Israeli operation. He emphasized the security of French nationals and assets as the top priority, underscoring the surprise nature of the campaign.
As Israel’s prime minister prepares to deliver a statement at a press conference, the situation remains fluid. Live updates and video streams are available at the top of the page, ensuring real-time coverage of developments.
