Tehran: Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) pledged the "most ferocious offensive operation in history" against the US and Israel, vowing revenge for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's killing in a joint strike.
In a Telegram statement, the IRGC declared: " The hand of revenge of the Iranian nation for a severe, decisive and regrettable punishment for the murderers of the Imam of the Ummah will not let go of them." It promised a "severe, decisive punishment," with IRGC, armed forces, and Basij continuing Khamenei's legacy against "internal and external plots." The Cabinet echoed that the "great crime will never go unanswered."
State TV confirmed Khamenei's death Sunday, announcing 40 days of mourning and seven days of office closures. The 86-year-old cleric—ruler since 1989—died alongside his daughter, son-in-law, and grandson, per reports.
US President Donald Trump announced the strike Saturday on Truth Social, crediting US intelligence, Israeli cooperation, and other leaders' deaths. Tehran retaliated with drones and missiles on Israel, Qatar, Bahrain, UAE, Jordan, and Kuwait—after failed Oman-brokered Geneva talks over uranium enrichment.
(Inputs from IANS)