A joint U.S.-Israel military operation, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury,” has sent ripples across the Middle East. The Pentagon confirmed the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in targeted strikes. President Donald Trump hailed Khamenei’s demise as “Justice” and a “single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country,” vowing continued “heavy and pinpoint bombing.” Iranian state media and President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed Khamenei’s death, announcing a new leadership council is already at work.
The operation, however, has come at a cost. Three U.S. military personnel have tragically lost their lives, with five more seriously injured during Operation Epic Fury. In response to the strikes, Iran launched missiles at Jerusalem, resulting in at least eight Israeli deaths. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) also confirmed the elimination of 40 senior Iranian commanders, including the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Abdolrahim Mousavi.
Amidst the escalating conflict, Iran claimed to have struck the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier with ballistic missiles. However, the U.S. Central Command swiftly denied these claims, labeling them a “lie” and stating the missiles “didn’t even come close.” President Trump issued a stark warning to Tehran, declaring that if Iran retaliated further, the U.S. would strike with “a force that has never been seen before!” The region remains on high alert as new leadership emerges in Iran and the international community watches closely.
Source: https://www.themirror.com/news/us-news/pentagon-iran-death-toll-update-1712070
