Iran latest: Supreme leader ‘safe and sound’, spokesman tells Sky – but Netanyahu claims there ‘signs’ he is dead
Iran Latest: Supreme Leader ‘Safe and Sound’, Spokesman Tells Sky – But Netanyahu Claims There ‘Signs’ He Is Dead
The United States and Israel have launched coordinated strikes against Iranian leadership, with the White House confirming “Operation Epic Fury” as the initiative. Iran responded with missile attacks on Israeli and US military installations in the region, escalating tensions. The fallout is spreading to neighboring nations, with reports of strikes hitting bases in Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE.
Global Reactions and Statements
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt shared updates on Donald Trump’s strategic decisions following the attacks. The US president has connected with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, as well as NATO’s Mark Rutte, according to social media posts. Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign ministry asserted that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei remains unharmed, though Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted at “signs” he may be “no longer.”
Netanyahu’s Address and Objectives
Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a statement, framing the conflict as a push for regime change rather than mere nuclear disarmament. “Israel’s campaign will persist as long as necessary,” he declared, aiming for “true peace” through the removal of Iran’s leadership. He criticized the regime for endangering global security, stating, “Everyone understands that this murderous regime should not possess nuclear weapons capable of threatening humanity.”
“We would like to thank the Iranian people for being liberated from those ties. This moment is crucial—do not remain passive, for you must rise and dismantle this regime,” Netanyahu added.
France’s Stance and Diplomatic Shifts
French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that France was not informed of the strikes in advance and had no role in the operation. “Our primary concern is the safety of our citizens and assets,” he stated, calling for diplomacy to take precedence. This came after Republican Lindsey Graham condemned Western Europe for its perceived softness, criticizing their responses to the conflict.
Regional Impact and Updates
Qatar has paused public events and gatherings to ensure safety, following missile attacks that left debris in Doha. A separate incident in Dubai saw a fire at Fairmont The Palm hotel after falling missile fragments. The US Central Command reported that defenses held against hundreds of Iranian missiles and drones, with no casualties reported and minimal damage to installations.
“CENTCOM forces successfully defended against Iranian attacks, ensuring no injuries to US personnel and uninterrupted operations,” the command stated.
Iran’s Ministry of Culture instructed media to rely only on official channels, dismissing earlier claims of a Supreme Leader speech. The conflict continues to unfold, with Netanyahu set to address the press shortly. A live stream and text updates will be available at the top of the page as the event progresses.