WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump said Iran’s Supreme Leader has been killed. This follows an intensive strike between US and Israeli forces early Saturday morning. Experts said the killing could have a huge political shift in Iran and the Middle East.
UPDATE: US Central Command announced on Sunday, March 1, there were three US service members killed. They initially reported no US service member casualties. This article reflects the changes from US Central Command.
In a Truth Social post, Trump said Iran’s leader Ali Khamenei “one of the most evil people in history, is dead.”
“For 47 years the Iranian regime has chanted death to America and waged an unending campaign of bloodshed and murder, targeting the United States, our troops, innocent people in many, many countries,” said the President in a video message informing the world the US and Israeli forces issued an attack on Iran.
In retaliation of the attack, Iran launched ballistic missiles at Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait. Those countries also host US military bases. US Central Command provided an update on Sunday: they state three US service members have been killed and action and others have been injured. They initially reported no US service members were killed on the day they launched the strikes. This article has been updated to reflect those changes.
The President has made clear that Iran should not build up their nuclear capabilities. Trump authorized strikes last year on some of Iran’s nuclear sites and this latest strike followed months of rising tensions. In the video the President shared, he said he gave Iran options to “make a deal” but he said they refused.
The strike created mixed reaction among members of congress. Most Republicans praised the President’s actions but most Democrats are calling for a swift vote on a War Powers Resolution that would constrain the President’s ability to issue a military attack on Iran.
On the streets, reaction has also been mixed. In the US, there were anti-war demonstrations and demonstrations that celebrated the strikes. In Tehran, there’s reports of cheering in the streets.
The President is telling the Iranian people to seize the moment and take back control of their country.
“Now is the time to seize control of your destiny and to unleash the prosperous and glorious future that is close within your reach,” the President said in a video message. “This is the moment for action. Do not let it pass.”
We expect there to be multiple attacks. We will continue to monitor this situation.
