Khamenei, 86, one of Iran’s longest-serving leaders and a lifelong foe of both the US and Israel, took power in 1989. In the nearly 40 years that followed, the ideological hardliner ruthlessly put down public demonstrations and silenced dissidents who challenged his rule.
In recent months, Iran has been gripped by nationwide protests fueled by widespread economic discontent and anger with the government. The country has seen periodic civil demonstrations over the years, some of which have focused on the administration’s treatment of women.
Trump administration officials plan to brief lawmakers on Sunday about the military strike, including members of the Senate and House Intelligence, Armed Services and Foreign Affairs committees, according to two sources with knowledge of the matter.
The US previously hit Iran in June amid a different round of nuclear talks.
“Our mission is to protect the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime,” Trump shared in an eight-minute video message on Truth Social as the bombing unfolded.
Trump added that the administration was taking “every possible step” to reduce the risk to US personnel, but he warned that “the lives of brave American heroes may be lost and we may have casualties.”
“That usually happens in war,” he said.
Two US officials told NBC News that Israel tasked the US with targeting Iranian leaders. pursued Iran’s ballistic missile and nuclear programs.
Top congressional Democrats blasted Trump’s decision to launch US military actions in Iran, arguing that the strikes require congressional approval, while most Republicans applauded the president’s action.
European powers condemned Iran’s retaliatory attacks on Middle Eastern countries, with the leaders of the UK, Germany and France releasing a joint statement urging Tehran to resume talks.
Trump said the military operation will not end until there is peace in the region.
“Nevertheless, heavy and precise bombing will continue unabated throughout the week or as long as necessary to achieve our objective of peace throughout the Middle East and indeed the world!” He wrote.
