On Saturday, President Donald Trump reached his breaking point with Iran and initiated a significant joint airstrike campaign alongside Israel. This assault is anticipated to continue for several days, and unlike the previous 12 Day War, this operation seems to aim for a more definitive outcome: the downfall of the Iranian Islamic regime.
For weeks, the Trump administration worked hard to reach a diplomatic solution, only to face repeated refusals marked by arrogance and a lack of flexibility on crucial issues. While Iran’s negotiators insisted they were making progress on concessions, the American president openly voiced his growing frustration with the unfolding situation.
With the arrival of the USS Gerald Ford carrier group in the region, the conditions were ripe to put an end to the ongoing delays by the Iranians, and the action has now commenced. According to various reports, the initial round of strikes executed by the IAF directly targeted the regime’s leadership, resulting in the elimination of some prominent figures.
Mohammad Pakpour was appointed during the 12 Day War after his predecessor was eliminated, vowing to “keep going until the end.” In the end, he certainly stuck to that promise.
Damage assessments are still underway, but it’s expected that a substantial portion of Iran’s military and political leadership has been wiped out. The fact that these strikes occurred in broad daylight, during the mid-morning hours, was clearly part of the strategic plan. The Iranians likely anticipated that any attack would take place under the cover of darkness.
The main question on everyone’s mind is whether Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, was actually struck. While we don’t have that information yet, we do know he was definitely a target. Recently released videos show his compound being severely damaged.
It will take some time to truly grasp what’s unfolding on the ground. I’d advise against getting too comfortable with what you see online or on TV. It’s all too easy to watch the same few clips on repeat and underestimate the scale of the situation. Everything suggests that we are witnessing a large-scale, widespread assault on Iran. You can be sure that much of their navy has already met its end at the bottom of the sea.