The United States carried out strikes on hundreds of targets across Iran, while Israel expanded its bombing campaign into Lebanon on Monday. President Donald Trump vowed to avenge the first US military deaths in the war he launched to topple Iran’s clerical leadership.
The conflict began Saturday with the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Since then, fighting has spread across the region.
The US military said it destroyed the headquarters of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). “The IRGC no longer has a headquarters,” US Central Command said.
Israel said it launched large-scale strikes in central Tehran and also targeted Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. Explosions were heard in Beirut. Hezbollah said it fired rockets and drones at Israel in retaliation for Khamenei’s death.
Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have called for the overthrow of Iran’s government. Trump told the New York Times that attacks could continue for four to five weeks, saying the US has large supplies of ammunition. He also said he has a shortlist of three possible leaders to replace Iran’s current system.
In a video message, Trump warned Iranian security forces to surrender and accept immunity or face “certain death.”
The Pentagon said three US service members were killed and five seriously wounded in the operation, named “Epic Fury.” Trump promised strong retaliation, saying America would deliver a punishing blow.
However, top Democrat Hakeem Jeffries criticized the strikes as reckless and said there was no immediate threat to justify preemptive action.
Iran Retaliates Across the Region
Iran launched missiles and drones across the Middle East. In Israel, at least nine people were killed in Beit Shemesh and others injured near Tel Aviv and in Jerusalem.
In the Gulf region, at least four people were killed in Iranian strikes. Attacks were reported in the UAE and Oman. Two drones hit Oman’s Duqm port, injuring a foreign worker. Three ships were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, raising oil prices.
Iran claimed it struck the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, but the Pentagon denied the claim. Trump said US forces had sunk nine Iranian naval vessels and damaged its navy headquarters.
Iran’s Leadership and Regional Reaction
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian called Khamenei’s killing a “declaration of war against Muslims” and vowed revenge. Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, promised a powerful response.
Iran appointed Ayatollah Alireza Arafi to serve on an interim leadership council alongside Pezeshkian until a new supreme leader is chosen.
Ali Shamkhani, a senior adviser to Khamenei, and Revolutionary Guards chief General Mohammad Pakpour were confirmed killed.
Inside Iran, the Red Crescent earlier reported at least 201 deaths and hundreds injured.
Some Iranians celebrated Khamenei’s death, while others held pro-government rallies chanting anti-American slogans.
Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s former shah, urged caution but encouraged public opposition to the Islamic Republic.
In Pakistan, 17 people were reported killed in unrest, and protesters tried to storm the US consulate in Karachi.
International Response
The attacks came just days after nuclear talks between the US and Iran. Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK would allow defensive use of its bases but would not join offensive operations.
Oman, which had been mediating between Washington and Tehran, saw one of its ports attacked and had earlier reported progress in nuclear negotiations.
The conflict continues to escalate, with airspace closures across several Middle Eastern countries and growing international concern over wider regional war.