LONDON, 01 March. - (ANA) - The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced what it said was the "most devastating offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic of Iran”, after the killing of Mr Khamenei and other senior officials was confirmed.

 

A joint US-Israeli attack on Iran on Saturday killed the country's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior military commanders, as well as hundreds of civilians, according to Iranian media reports.

 

The strikes came after nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran failed to reach a breakthrough, despite signs of progress in the negotiations and claims of understanding on "most elements of an agreement".

 

US President Donald Trump announced the launch of Operation Epic Fury in a video posted to his Truth Social platform on Saturday. Iran has vowed to hit back with a "force never experienced before".

 

Tehran retaliated by striking 27 US bases in the region, it said, prompting concern and condemnations from its Gulf neighbours. Dozens of injuries have been reported in Gulf states, resulting from shrapnel caused by intercepting Iranian missiles over residential areas. Authorities have urged the public to follow safety precautions and seek news from official sources only.

 

Meanwhile, airlines in the region have temporarily suspended flights due to airspace closures.

 

Regional and international players have been urging for de-escalation and a return to the negotiating table.   - (ANA) -

 

AB/ANA/01 March 2026 - - -