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"Operation Epic Fury" (US) and "Operation Roaring Lion" (Israel), the joint strike in Iran on Saturday is a rare convergence of interests, reportedly influenced by lobbying efforts from Israel and Saudi Arabia, the Washington Post reported.
As per the Washington Post, Saudi Arabia pushed the United States to carry out joint attacks on Iran along with Israel, which ultimately led to the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to four undisclosed people familiar with the matter. For years, these two powers operated as "frenemies" in the shadow of Iran's regional influence. The frame here is "The Enemy of My Enemy." As per the four people, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had privately called US President Donald Trump multiple times in recent weeks, even as he publicly called for "diplomatic support" to resolve the issue, said the Washington Post. At the same time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continued his long-standing public campaign for US strikes against what he sees as an existential threat to his country, said the Washington Post. The combined influence of Saudi Arabia and Israel reportedly helped lead Trump to order a large-scale aerial operation against Iran's leadership and military, which, in its initial hour, resulted in the deaths of Khamenei and several other senior Iranian officials, the Washington Post said. Returning to the White House with a mandate of "Strength through Action," Trump obliterated a 37-year-old threat. The death of 86-year-old Ali Khamenei, along with several top military and political leaders, effectively ends the "Second Revolution." The US and Israel launched a massive aerial campaign targeting Iran's leadership and military, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior officials. Iran retaliated with missile attacks on US bases, Israel, and other targets in the Middle East. The situation remains fluid, with Trump's administration claiming the strike was necessary to prevent an "imminent threat" from Iran. Iran is observing 40 days of national mourning after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death, with widespread grief and protests reported across the country. The Supreme Leader's office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects. Khamenei, who succeeded the Revolution's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini, led Iran with unwavering defiance against Western influence since 1989. Authorities have heightened security across the country, particularly in major cities like Tehran, to prevent unrest and ensure public safety. The focus is now on selecting Khamenei's successor, with speculation about potential candidates and the impact on Iran's future leadership. (ANI)
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