Escalating Tensions: US and Israel Strike Iran's Supreme Leader

The recent joint military strikes by the US and Israel that resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have significantly heightened tensions in the region. Following these events, the US has accused Iran of plotting to assassinate former President Trump. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the military actions and called for an emergency session of the Security Council. US Ambassador Mike Waltz has defended the strikes as lawful, while Iran has vowed to avenge Khamenei's death, declaring a period of national mourning. This situation raises critical questions about the future of US-Iran relations and regional stability.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 1, 2026, 10:04 IST

US and Israel Conduct Joint Strikes

In a significant escalation, the United States and Israel have executed joint military strikes that resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Following this event, Washington has asserted that Tehran had previously plotted to assassinate former US President Donald Trump. Amidst rising tensions, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the military actions involving the US, Iran, and Israel, calling for an urgent session of the UN Security Council.

During the Council meeting, US Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, accused the Iranian government of engaging in a long-standing campaign of violence and murder, claiming that Tehran had even attempted to kill President Trump. Waltz defended the US strikes as compliant with international law, stating, "For 47 years, the Iranian regime has chanted ‘Death to America’ and has consistently sought to eliminate the State of Israel. It has conducted a relentless campaign of violence and is responsible for numerous unprovoked attacks against the US and Israel, violating the UN Charter and threatening international peace in the Middle East."

Failed Peace Negotiations with Iran

Waltz further alleged that Iran's aggressive actions not only threaten the US but also endanger its troops and allies globally. He emphasized that the US has made numerous attempts to reach a peaceful resolution with Iran, but these efforts have been met with failure. In collaboration with Israel, the US has taken necessary actions to counter these threats, in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter. He remarked, "The Iranian people are the ones celebrating in the streets tonight, not those who are concerned about international law."

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who led Iran for over three decades, was killed at the age of 86 during the strikes in Tehran. Following the confirmation of his death by state media, the Iranian Cabinet declared that this "great crime will never go unanswered" and announced a period of 40 days of national mourning, pledging to seek revenge for the Supreme Leader's assassination.