IRANIAN officials were the main target of the first wave of US-Israeli strikes, Israeli sources said yesterday.
The mission is focused on “e” in the hope of bringing about longed-for regime change in the oppressed rogue state.
Strikes by the US and Israel have been aimed at ‘cutting the head off the snake’. Picture shows an explosion in Iran’s capital TehranCredit: AFP
Donald Trump’s patience ran out with Iran and the US President ordered a strike on the rogue regimeCredit: Splash
People watch as smoke rises on the skyline after an explosion in TehranCredit: AP
Rumours of the death of President Pezeshkian swirled as one Israeli source described “very significant” harm to senior figures in the regime and “indications” of direct hits.
Sources say Iran’s defence minister Amir Nasirzadeh and Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammed Pakpour may have been killed in the strikes.
’s patience finally ran out after ’s fanatical regime continued to block his no-nuke demands.
The mullahs issued a pledge not to build a bomb but were still rejecting the US demands to stop enriching uranium used to arm warheads.
And they are also refused point blank to make concessions on their ballistic missile arsenal; funding Middle East terror and launching bloody massacres of opposition protesters.
Iran’s negotiator, foreign minister Abbas Araghchi refused to deliberate directly with Trump envoy Steve Witkoff and the president’s son-in-law .
The “indirect talks” in Geneva involve Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi acting as a go-between, shuttling between the two delegations.
Albusaidi said yesterday that talks were progressing in a “constructive spirit,” with negotiators demonstrating “unprecedented openness to new and creative ideas.”
But a huge gulf remained between the two wides yesterday as the biggest US strike force – which as America’s commander-in-chief finally called “no deal” yesterday.
An unprecedented squadron of 11 F-22 Raptors – America’s most advanced warplane – were believed to have led the onslaught on Iran’s air defences last night.
The undetectable radar-dodging jets made up the vanguard of Donald Trump’s campaign.
War erupted after Israeli officials said they believed a US was “inevitable” on Thursday as talks broke up with no agreement.
Aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln and the USS Gerald R Ford – the most powerful warship on earth – were both in range of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s lair but their role remained unclear.
The Raptors – providing a vital Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) platform – were the last key component to be deployed before the president gave his attack order.
Officials said it was the first time F-22s had ever been based on Israeli soil for a combat mission.
They complete a huge package comprising the two aircraft carrier strike groups with 150-plus aircraft – among 500 warplanes in total – 700 tonnes of munitions plus refuelling tankers.
Three AWACS “eye-in-the-sky” early warning planes are also in position while more spyplanes are already airborne watching over the Strait of Hormuz off the Iranian coast.
Strikes began at 6am UK time – 9am in – with a blitz on the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The presidential palace was also targeted but the figurehead of the blood-soaked regime was reported to be in hiding in the city of Mashhad.
Unconfirmed rumours also spread through Tehran yesterday that Khamenei’s chief henchman President Masoud Pezeshkian had been killed in the initial wave of attacks.
An Iranian source told The Sun a family member had called in panic telling how she was sent fleeing as enormous explosions erupted across the city.
The source said: “My sister called me from Tehran and said bombing began about an hour ago – she said there were 30 explosions downtown.
“People are saying President Pezeshkian has been been killed but the government is saying nothing.
Iran has launched retaliatory strikes across the Middle East
“The supreme leader was not in Tehran in his office, which is next to the presidential palace.
“My sister was on her way to pick her daughter from school when it started and the internet connection was very bad.”
Massive explosions were also heard in the cities of Isfahan, Qom Karaj, Kermanshah and Shiraz were as waves of fighter jets roared overhead.
Volleys of cruise missiles were also seen streaking across the sky above Iraq on the way to the targets in western Iran.
But islamist zealot Khamenei remained defiant and hit back with a string of retaliatory ballistic missile blasts at US bases across the region.
Terrified citizens were seen running in panic in the normally safe haven of Dubai as Iran hit the for the first time.
Panic spread as blasts were heard near the Dubai Marina tourist and leisure hub.
It comes as…
- US and Israel
- Khamenei’s regime
- Middle East sits on brink of all-out war
- Iran fires barrage of missiles at Israel
- Iran
One person was reported to have been killed in the UAE state of Abu Dhabi after a volley of missiles were intercepted near the international airport.
Regional strife spread as four US bases were targeted by Iran simultaneously with multiple missile attacks.
Missile and drone interceptions were reported in Jerusalem and sirens wailed across .
Plumes of smoke from strikes and interceptions were seen at Al Udeid Air Base in , Al Salem base in , Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates, and the US Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain.
Khamenei's web of evil revealed
Exclusive, by , Deputy Foreign Editor
A CLANDESTINE web of 4,000 shady figures protecting Iran’s evil supreme leader from overthrow has been exposed for the first time.
Evil has spent decades carving a vast network of stooges to ensure the regime’s tentacles have every aspect of the rogue nation in a chokehold.
Known as the Bayt-e Rahbari – or the Bayt – it safeguards the aging Ayatollah’s overarching iron-grip over – and ultimately “coup-proofing” his regime.
Since the US and Israel launched an unprecedented 12-day blitz on the Islamic Republic last June, Khamenei, 86, has been increasing invisible in the public eye.
But extensive research by United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) today reveals while the West has interpreted this as vulnerability or even a leadership vacuum, it is actually proof of the immense apparatus working in the shadows.
Kasra Aarabi, director of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps research at UANI, told The Sun: “Khamenei has created the extensive Bayt apparatus to ‘coup proof’ his regime — and retain absolute control over every aspect of policy in the Islamic Republic.
“Khamenei has the Bayt to ensure continuity and the durability of the regime should he be eliminated.”
Intricate and covert, the network has tens of thousands of loyal henchmen propping up Khamenei behind the scenes – ready to pull the levers if and when war breaks out.
Acting as an insurance policy for if Khamenei is holed up in a bunker or killed – it makes it near-impossible to wipe out his twisted regime without a lengthy, well-executed operation.
“The structure he’s created ensures that his elimination will not result in the complete collapse of the regime — despite the fact that Khamenei has personalised every aspect of power in the Islamic Republic,” Kasra added.
“It has effectively transformed the supreme leader from an individual into an institution – one that can function regardless of whether Khamenei is hiding or even eliminated.”
It was the most serious against US assets ever launched as it was confirmed America’s vital Fifth Fleet HQ was “subjected to a missile attack”.
The UK’s Foreign, and Development Office has posted on X, advising UK citizens in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE to seek shelter.
It said: “Due to reported missile attacks, British nationals in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and United Arab Emirates should immediately shelter in place.
“Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities.”
Israel Defence Forces yesterday issued a public warning to all Iranians near military and nuclear sites to run for their lives.
Its warning said: “To all individuals who are inside or in the vicinity of military weapons production factories and military infrastructure facilities across Iran:
“You are located near weapons and military facilities that are considered dangerous.
“Dear citizens, for your safety and well-being, we urge you to immediately evacuate these areas and remain outside of them until further notice.
“Your presence in these locations puts your lives at risk.”
ISraelis run to bomb shelters in Tel Aviv asr red alert sirens are sounded after Iran launched a rocket attackCredit: Getty
Iran has hit back with rocket strikes across the Middle East, including Bahrain, shown hereCredit: AFP
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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