IDF Spokesperson:

We eliminated 40 commanders and senior Iranian regime officials in the opening strike.

In one minute.

Who Will Succeed Khamenei?

Following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, attention has turned to the leadership transition process in Tehran. Although it was previously reported that three candidates had been designated, political circles are now discussing a list of 8 possible successors.

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Hezbollah’s Secretary-General issues a statement on Khamenei’s killing, but again stops short of explicitly announcing entry into the war.

Ayatollah Ali Reza Arafi has been selected as a member of the interim leadership council alongside Iranian President Pezeshkian and the head of the judiciary.

Israeli Defense Minister Katz:

From now on, a continuous air bridge will operate to carry out powerful strikes on “Tornado” targets in Tehran.

Putin has expressed condolences to Iran’s President Pezeshkian over Khamenei’s killing.

Putin describes Khamenei’s death as a “cynical murder” that violates all standards of human morality and international law.

Israel is preparing for attacks that could last a month or more if necessary.

“We will continue the offensive until surrender or regime change,” officials said.

They added that so far Israel has dropped around 1,200 bombs, while the U.S. has dropped about 1,050.

During 12-day war there were four aerial refueling aircraft; now there are about 50.

“In effect, there are fuel stations in the sky for anyone who needs to refuel. In the coming days, people will be stunned by what has been achieved,” the officials said.

Source: Yinon Magal

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran sees retaliation for attacks by Israel and the United States as its “legitimate right and duty.”

In a statement carried by state media, Pezeshkian said Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed “at the hands of the most wicked villains in the world.”

“The Islamic Republic of Iran considers bloodshed and revenge… as its duty and legitimate right” and “will fulfil this great responsibility… with all its might,” he said.

Iranian state media released a video announcing plans to bomb U.S. bases in the region using F-4 Phantom jets.

Iran still operates aging U.S.-made F-4 Phantom II jets acquired before 1979, with roughly 60 aircraft believed to remain in service.

Iran says it used Fattah-2 hypersonic cruise missiles for the first time in its attacks on U.S. bases.

Source: Fars

UAE Minister of State Reem Al-Hashimy:

We have one of the best air to missile defense systems in the world and we are doing everything to ensure that we are being safe and secure.

Most of the loud sounds are the sounds of interceptions.

UAE Minister of State Reem Al-Hashimy:

We are prepared to defend ourselves. We hope it doesn’t come to it, but we’re not going to sit idly by as we continue to be recipients of such a barrage of attacks that are unlawful and unjustified.

Israeli Apache helicopter spotted near Karak, inside Jordan, likely to intercept Iranian drones.

WATCH: Oil tanker Skylight is on fire in the Gulf of Oman following Iranian attack.

UAE Minister of State Reem Al-Hashimy:

The ball is in Iran’s court right now about how they want to deal with a neighborhood and neighbor that has been traditionally a very fair and good neighbor to them

North Korea condemns U.S. strikes on Iran, calling them a violation of Iran’s national sovereignty and territorial rights.

French President Macron:

A major blow to the shadow fleet: in the North Sea, our French Navy helicopters helped last night in the boarding by Belgian forces of an oil tanker under international sanctions.

Europeans are determined to cut off the sources of funding for Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine by enforcing sanctions.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi:

The United States and Israel launching attacks on Iran during negotiations is unacceptable.

The EU’s take on the death of Khamenei:

The CIA helped Israel locate Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, after months of tracking his movements.

U.S. intelligence discovered he would attend a Saturday meeting of top Iranian officials at a government compound in Tehran.

The United States and Israel adjusted the timing of their planned strike to target the gathering.

Israeli jets launched the attack using precise long-range weapons, killing Khamenei and several senior military and security officials.

Source: NYT