The US president has called for regime change following a massive US and Israeli attack, which prompted an unprecedented wave of retaliatory strikes by Iran.
Where things stand now
• Attack on Iran: Donald Trump said Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a massive US and Israeli attack, which the president said would continue with heavy bombing throughout the week. Iran has claimed its leaders are “safe and sound.”
• About the strikes: Trump indicated the military operation is aimed at overturning Tehran’s government. One strike killed scores of students in an elementary school in southern Iran, according to state media.
• Unprecedented retaliation: Iran unleashed strikes on US military bases, Israel and other targets across the Middle East, rocking densely populated areas and disrupting air travel and oil shipments. The US military has reported no combat-related American casualties.
• A region on edge: The United Arab Emirates called the attacks a “historic moment” in the Middle East, saying world leaders had failed to ensure the region’s stability.