Joint US-Israel Airstrike Targets Iran's Leadership

In a significant escalation, the United States and Israel have conducted a joint airstrike that killed Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This operation was the culmination of years of intelligence work, including hacking Tehran's traffic cameras to monitor Khamenei's movements. The airstrikes targeted key military figures and installations, prompting Iran to retaliate with missile strikes towards Israel and US bases in the Gulf. US officials have indicated that further military actions are anticipated, while Iranian leaders accuse the US of waging a war on behalf of Israel. This unfolding situation raises critical questions about regional stability and international relations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 3, 2026, 12:52 IST

Significant Airstrike on Iran

On Saturday, the United States and Israel executed a coordinated airstrike in Iran, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei along with several high-ranking military officials. A recent report has unveiled a strategic plan orchestrated by Israeli intelligence agencies that facilitated these targeted killings, which included hacking into traffic surveillance systems.

As reported by the Financial Times, Israel had invested years in infiltrating Tehran's traffic cameras and mobile networks to track Khamenei's movements and those of his security team. The extensive hacking operation allowed for the collection of encrypted footage, which was sent to remote servers, enabling US and Israeli forces to accurately locate Khamenei for the strike. A specific camera angle provided crucial insights into the operations within the heavily secured compound.

According to CNN, intelligence officials from both nations meticulously analyzed Khamenei's daily habits, including his residence, meetings, communication methods, and potential escape routes in case of an attack. The airstrikes not only targeted Khamenei but also aimed at other senior leaders and military installations.

In response, Iran retaliated by launching missiles towards Israel and Gulf states that host US military bases. The US has indicated that more significant military actions are forthcoming. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the operation was designed to neutralize threats from Iran's short-range ballistic missiles and its naval capabilities, particularly concerning global shipping safety.

Following the strikes, Iranian Foreign Affairs Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi accused the US of engaging in a "war of choice" on behalf of Israel. In a statement on social media, he remarked, "Rubio acknowledged what we all suspected: the US has entered a war of choice for Israel. There was never any genuine Iranian 'threat'."