Rising tensions in the Middle East escalated dramatically over the weekend after the United States and Israeli forces launched joint strikes inside Iran.
In a video posted to his social media accounts, President Donald Trump announced the start of “Operation Epic Fury,” saying the objective is to defend the American people by eliminating what he described as imminent threats from the Iranian regime.
The strikes reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with other senior regime figures. The president said the military campaign could last for weeks.
Iran responded with retaliatory attacks across the region. Missiles launched by Iran’s armed forces have struck multiple countries, including Israel, Qatar, Iraq, Kuwait, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, raising concerns of a broader regional war.
The violence also resulted in American casualties, with Trump confirming at least three U.S. service members dead and five others injured. U.S. Central Command later announced a fourth service member died.
Back in the U.S., reactions have been mixed. Some demonstrators gathered in support of the strikes, calling for democracy and an end to terrorism. Others protested against U.S. involvement, saying they oppose any American intervention or war in the Middle East.
As fighting continues, global leaders are closely monitoring the situation amid fears the conflict could further destabilize the region, or worse, the entire world.
