U.S.-Israel Strikes Kill Iran's Khamenei, Trigger Retaliation

U.S. and Israeli forces launched joint military strikes against Iran on February 28, igniting a regional conflict that has disrupted global oil supplies and prompted calls from Senator Lindsey Graham for greater involvement by U.S. allies. The operation, which targeted Iranian leadership and infrastructure, has led to retaliatory attacks by Iran on American bases, Gulf states, and key shipping routes, raising fears of broader escalation in the Middle East.

The strikes killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, according to U.S. and Israeli officials, and have drawn sharp responses from Tehran. Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for about 20 percent of the world's oil transit, and targeted several oil tankers attempting to pass through, causing significant delays in energy shipments. Iranian forces have also conducted missile and drone strikes on U.S. military positions in Gulf countries, including bases in Iraq, and attacked the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with drones that caused minor damage and a small fire. Saudi officials reported the incident but confirmed no casualties. In further retaliation, Iran fired ballistic missiles into Turkish...