Tehran announces ‘unprecedented’military response after killing of Khamenei

Authorities in Tehran have officially announced the launch of what they described as an unprecedented military response following the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it was preparing for a strike which, according to Iranian leaders, is intended to alter the course of history in the Middle East.

“This will be the most powerful offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic. We will not stop until the enemy is defeated,” the statement said.

Tehran identified its primary targets as US military bases in the region, particularly in Iraq and Syria, as well as strategic sites in Israel and what it described as decision-making centres responsible for the operation that led to the leader’s killing.

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated that the country rejected any attempt at a diplomatic resolution at this stage. He described Khamenei’s killing as a “grave crime” requiring a forceful response.

“We will make them regret it. The response will be so strong that Washington and Tel Aviv will be forced to capitulate,” Pezeshkian said, adding that Khamenei’s legacy would continue.

Following confirmation of Khamenei’s death, Iran’s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi described the development as the beginning of a “national celebration” and the de facto end of the Islamic Republic.

According to media reports, a series of missile strikes carried out by the United States and Israel killed at least four members of Khamenei’s family, along with several senior officials. Those reportedly killed include his daughter, son-in-law, grandson and one of his daughters-in-law.