Joint US-Israel airstrikes have severely damaged a building in Qom, Iran, housing the Assembly of Experts, the body responsible for selecting and overseeing the supreme leader.
Context of the Attack
The strikes occurred days after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei died during a series of US-Israeli attacks. Tasnim news agency reported: ‘The American-Zionist criminals attacked the Assembly of Experts building in Qom.’
Casualty figures remain unclear. Conflicting accounts exist on the building’s use at the time, with Mehr news agency stating it was no longer active for meetings. Additional strikes targeted the assembly’s main headquarters in Tehran earlier this week.
Iran Launches Leadership Transition
Iran announced a transition process on Sunday following confirmation of Khamenei’s death. An interim leadership council forms, comprising the president, the head of the judiciary, and a jurist from the Guardian Council, which vets legislation and candidates.
Iran’s top security chief, Ali Larijani, holds a key role. The council governs until a permanent supreme leader successor emerges.
Escalating Regional Conflict
Iran retaliated by striking the US embassy in Saudi Arabia as Washington evacuates personnel from the Middle East. US President Donald Trump described the airstrikes as the opening phase of a conflict disrupting global oil and gas supplies, shipping, and air travel.
On the fourth day, Israel deploys ground troops into Lebanon amid explosions in Tehran. Hundreds have died, predominantly in Iran, prompting concerns over the war’s duration and resolution.
Trump indicated the operation may span four to five weeks, with readiness for extension.
