US launched ‘most lethal’ aerial operation against Iran, Hegseth says

Emirati authorities confirmed on Saturday that the Dubai International Airport was hit during Iran’s retaliatory strikes against the US and Israel.

Footage shows significant damage to one of the terminals.

The Media Office of the Government of Dubai tweeted that four airport staffers were injured and are currently receiving medical treatment.

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei served as justice for Iranians, Americans and others around the world who were killed or maimed by him and his allies.

“This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social account.

Trump said the killing created what he called a rare opening for Iranians to “take back their Country,” adding he was hearing some members of Iran’s security forces no longer wanted to fight and were seeking immunity.

He said the United States would keep up “heavy and pinpoint bombing” for as long as needed to achieve “peace throughout the Middle East and, indeed, the world.”

According to the sources speaking on condition of anonymity, the remaining IRGC command structure is seeking to finalize the decision within the coming hours, specifically by dawn on Sunday, March 1.

The sources said with airstrikes ongoing, it is not feasible to convene a session of the Assembly of Experts, the constitutional body responsible for selecting the Supreme Leader. As a result, the IRGC is pushing for the appointment of the next leader to take place outside the legally prescribed procedures.

Reports received by Iran International also indicate that following the killing of Khamenei in joint US-Israeli strikes, disarray and confusion have intensified within the Islamic Republic’s security and military structures.

Sources say parts of the chain of command have been disrupted, with the transmission of orders and operational coordination facing difficulties. This could further complicate field decision-making and crisis management in the hours and days ahead.

The information also suggests that some military commanders and lower-ranking personnel have refrained from reporting to their bases and military centers.

According to Iran International’s sources, this reluctance stems from concerns over continued US and Israeli strikes and the risk of command and support facilities being targeted.

The IRGC is also reportedly deeply concerned that once daylight breaks on Sunday, people across various parts of the country may take to the streets, potentially triggering a new wave of gatherings and protests.

The United States and Israel accelerated the timeline for a planned strike after intelligence pointed to a “target of opportunity” tied to a specific meeting, multiple sources told Fox News.

Officials said the decision led to an unusual daytime operation aimed at maximizing surprise and targeting the gathering, rather than waiting for a more typical nighttime window.

An Israeli military spokesman said on Saturday the following senior Iranian officials were among those targeted:

Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran’s Defense Council, was described as a central figure in Iran’s security decision-making process and a close personal adviser to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on security affairs.

Mohammad Pakpour, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps since June 2025, was identified as one of the key architects of what Israel described as Iran’s “plan to destroy Israel.”

According to the spokesman, he commanded Iran’s central military force, oversaw the deployment of strategic fire systems against the State of Israel, and directed and supported Iranian-backed militant organizations across multiple fronts. He was also said to have played a leading role in the violent suppression of Iranian protesters during last month’s domestic unrest.

Salah Asadi, head of intelligence for Iran’s emergency command and a senior intelligence officer within the General Staff, was described as involved in shaping Iran’s strategy toward Israel and the United States and as extensively active in the “plan to destroy Israel.”

Mohammad Shirazi, who headed the military office of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei since 1989, was said to have been responsible for coordinating between senior armed forces commanders and the Supreme Leader, serving as a key figure at the top of Iran’s power structure.

Aziz Nasirzadeh, Iran’s defense minister and a former air force commander and deputy chief of staff of the armed forces, was described as responsible for long-range missile production facilities and weapons systems transferred to Iran’s proxy forces. The spokesman also said he oversaw the SPND organization, which advances projects in the fields of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons.

Hossein Jabal Amelian, head of SPND, was described as responsible for developing advanced technologies and weapons for the Iranian regime, including projects related to nuclear, biological and chemical weapons.

Reza Mozaffari-Nia, former head of SPND, was said to have played a role in advancing efforts to develop nuclear weapons.