In a statement issued by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) via AP, the IRGC said: “The most-intense offensive operation in the history of the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will begin in moments, targeting (Israel) and American terrorists bases.”
Air defence sirens sounded across Dubai as the sun rose anbd further explosions have been heard across the city since.
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At time of writing, it is about 6.30am in Israel where air raid sirens are warning of further incoming Iranian missiles.
A post from the Israeli Air Force on X said they were “working to intercept and attack wherever necessary to eliminate the threat”.
State media added that the 86-year-old was killed in an airstrike targeting his compound in downtown Tehran. Satellite photos from Airbus showed that the site was heavily bombed.
His death at his office “showed that he consistently stood among the people and at the forefront of his responsibilities, confronting what officials call global arrogance,” state TV said.
Iran’s state media confirm the deaths of IRGC commander Mohammad Pakpour and top Supreme Leader adviser Ali Shamkhani were also killed.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has condemned the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, dubbing the act “a great crime” and vowed that those responsible would face consequences, according to a statement from his office.
“This great crime will never remain unanswered and will turn a new page in the history of the Islamic world and Shiism,” the statement said.
Pezeshkian said Iran would respond with “all our strength and determination,” warning that the perpetrators and commanders of the attack would come to regret it.