Trump Confirms Iranian Leader's Death in US-Israeli Strikes
PALM BEACH, Florida - U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday celebrated coordinated U.S.-Israeli airstrikes that reportedly killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, while warning that military operations would continue throughout the week.
The strikes, which Trump said targeted Iranian missile capabilities and naval assets, represent the second major U.S. military action against Iran since his return to office last year. The operation follows repeated warnings from Washington and Tel Aviv regarding Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
Death of Iranian Leader Claimed
Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Trump posted on Truth Social that Khamenei had been killed in the strikes. While Iran has not officially confirmed the death, with Iranian news agencies Tasnim and Mehr reporting the leader remains "steadfast and firm in commanding the field," a senior Israeli official told Reuters that Khamenei's body had been recovered.
"This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS," Trump wrote on social media.
Operations to Continue
The president indicated that heavy bombing would "continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary" to achieve "PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD!"
Despite earlier warnings of potential American casualties from "major combat operations," U.S. Central Command reported no U.S. casualties or combat-related injuries nearly 12 hours after the first strikes commenced. Damage to American installations was described as minimal.
Diplomatic Efforts Deemed Insufficient
Senior Trump administration officials said recent negotiations with Iran, including a Thursday meeting, proved unsuccessful. One official accused Iranian negotiators of using "games, tricks, stall tactics" to prolong discussions while maintaining their nuclear enrichment capabilities.
"It was very clear that the intent for them was to preserve their ability to do enrichment, so that over time, they could use it for nuclear bombs," the official stated.
Another senior official cited intelligence indicating Iran intended to use its missile capabilities against American forces "potentially, preemptively" or simultaneous to U.S. military operations.
Call for Regime Change
In his announcement video, Trump directly addressed Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, encouraging them to lay down their weapons in exchange for immunity. He urged the Iranian people to "take over" governance of their country, calling it "probably your only chance for generations."
Congressional Response Mixed
While most Republicans and some Democrats like Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania supported the strikes, others questioned the administration's approach. Representative Jim Himes of Connecticut, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, called it "a war of choice with no strategic endgame."
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries demanded congressional authorization for what he termed "an act of war."
Secretary of State Marco Rubio had briefed congressional leaders throughout the week, with sources confirming he informed them Friday that operations would likely commence within hours, though Trump retained the option to change course.
Some European nations continue urging a return to negotiations, prompting criticism from Senator Lindsey Graham, who accused European allies of going "pathetically soft" in confronting what he termed evil.
The strikes mark a significant escalation in Middle East tensions, with implications extending far beyond the immediate region as the international community watches developments closely.