Trump Issues Dire Warning to Iran After Khamenei Killing
Former US President Donald Trump has issued a fresh and severe warning to Tehran, threatening to unleash a force "that has never been seen before" if Iran retaliates for the death of its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The warning comes amidst a rapidly escalating crisis in the Middle East, with explosions reported in Doha and Dubai as Iran's Revolutionary Guard vows to launch its "most intense offensive operation" in response.
Confirmation of US Involvement and Iranian Losses
Donald Trump has publicly confirmed that the United States was involved in military strikes on Iran, which resulted in the death of the 86-year-old Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, "Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever been hit before." He added a stark ultimatum, warning of unprecedented retaliation if Iran follows through.
Iranian state media, including the semiofficial Tasnim news agency, confirmed Khamenei's death, reporting, "To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return," and noting that several members of his family were also killed. Trump had earlier announced the leader's demise, describing him as "one of the most evil people in History."
Military Operations and Regional Fallout
The attacks were part of what Trump termed "major combat operations" launched by the US and Israel to dismantle Iran's nuclear program and remove its leadership. Trump indicated that operations could continue through the coming week and for as long as "necessary," with Israel announcing another wave of strikes on Tehran on Sunday.
In response, Iran's Revolutionary Guard threatened its "most intense offensive operation" against American and Israeli bases. Shortly after, loud blasts were heard in Dubai and Doha for the second consecutive day, marking Iran's retaliatory strikes. Witnesses reported damage to key infrastructure, including Dubai's international airport, the Burj Al Arab hotel, and the Palm Jumeirah Island. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed Khamenei's death, stating, "The IDF has brought to an end a decades-long chapter with the elimination of the leader of the Iranian terror axis."
Humanitarian and Logistical Impacts
The crisis has triggered significant disruptions across the region:
- Travel Chaos: British Airways is offering refunds to passengers booked to travel to Middle East destinations, including Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, and Tel Aviv, over the next three days. The airline has grounded outbound flights, with Virgin Atlantic also cancelling services to Dubai and Riyadh.
- Evacuations: The US embassy in Oman has instructed staff and Americans to shelter in place due to "ongoing activity" outside Muscat. China is organising evacuations for its citizens in Iran, with over 200 individuals scattered across the country.
- Casualties and Damage: In Dubai, two people were injured by shrapnel from intercepted drones, and fires broke out at the Jebel Ali port. Qatar reported a limited fire in an industrial zone from missile debris.
Political Repercussions and International Reactions
Iran has moved to establish a "temporary leadership council" following Khamenei's death, with top security official Ali Larijani accusing the US and Israel of attempting to plunder and disintegrate Iran. Parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that the US and Israel had crossed a red line and would "pay for it."
Internationally, Argentine President Javier Milei praised the joint operation, calling Khamenei "one of the most evil, violent, and cruel individuals in modern history" and linking the action to the 1994 AMIA bombing in Buenos Aires. Meanwhile, a source briefed on the Israeli campaign indicated that strikes would continue to target Iranian officials and missile infrastructure, with no change in military strategy.
Ongoing Threats and Future Outlook
As the situation unfolds, Iran has confirmed additional high-profile casualties, including the chief of army staff and defence minister, killed in an airstrike targeting a defence council meeting. The Revolutionary Guard's head, Maj. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, and security adviser Ali Shamkhani were also reported dead.
With Trump's warning looming and Iran's promise of intense retaliation, the region braces for further escalation. The crisis underscores the volatile nature of US-Iran relations and the broader geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with potential implications for global security and stability.
