Watch: How US-Israel strikes on Iran unfolded
Watch: How US-Israel strikes on Iran unfolded
On Saturday, the United States and Israel executed a coordinated assault on multiple locations within Iran. Shortly after, US President Donald Trump declared that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had perished. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Khamenei’s residence in Tehran had been obliterated by a sudden and intense attack.
“Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead,” said US President Donald Trump.
Iranian state television later confirmed the demise of Khamenei. In retaliation, Iran launched a barrage of missiles and drones toward Israel and four Gulf Arab nations that house US military facilities: Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
Humanitarian Situation in Gaza
More assistance has reached Gaza since the ceasefire was established three months ago, yet the United Nations reports that the volume of aid is still insufficient. A UN humanitarian official warned that 14,000 infants could perish in 48 hours without proper aid distribution. During a recent visit, the official described scenes of despair in the coastal territory.
“More aid trucks are entering Gaza, but it’s a huge job to get vital supplies to those in need,” stated Tom Fletcher.
Kurdish Prisons
Kurdish-led detention centers hold approximately 8,000 individuals suspected of ties to ISIS, alongside nearly 34,000 family members in nearby encampments. The sounds of heavy machinery are audible in the surrounding area, as reported by BBC Middle East correspondent John Sudworth.
Protests in Iran
Anti-government demonstrations in Iran have persisted for 13 consecutive days. The uprising, which began on December 28, was initially sparked by economic grievances and has since expanded into one of the most significant movements in recent years. On Thursday, the protests reached their most widespread level so far.
Protesters in Iran, as captured in a video authenticated by BBC Persian, were heard chanting slogans against the government. The unrest continues to affect the nation deeply, with residents still feeling the impact of the recent suppression.
BBC Correspondents on the Ground
Lyse Doucet, a BBC journalist, is in Iran for the first time since the suppression of nationwide anti-government demonstrations. She reported that the emotional toll remains fresh. Hugo Bachega, a BBC Middle East correspondent, covered the situation at the Iranian-Armenian border, where an internet blackout followed the deadly protests.
Execution Threat
Relatives of Erfan Soltani, arrested last week, announced that he is scheduled for execution on Wednesday. BBC Verify investigated grim footage from a Tehran mortuary, suggesting it could offer insights into the circumstances within Iran.
Additional Context
A British woman detained by Iran shared her struggle to maintain optimism while awaiting sentencing for espionage. Her husband was also facing similar charges. Meanwhile, a vehicle once used to transport Pope Francis to Bethlehem in 2014 was highlighted in the coverage.
