Some aspects of the recent operation remain undisclosed. It is possible that some of them will never be published to keep the sources and methods used for surveillance of other targets secret, reports The Financial Times.
The elimination of Khamenei was the result of a political decision, not just technological progress. The strike against Iran had been prepared for several months; however, the details were changed after American and Israeli intelligence confirmed that Khamenei and his closest associates would be at his Tehran complex on Saturday morning.
The decision was made with the understanding that once open hostilities began, the "hunt" would become significantly more complicated: Iranian forces could quickly move to pre-prepared shelters, such as underground bunkers, which are resistant to Israeli strikes.
Unlike his ally, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, Khamenei did not live in constant hiding. However, in wartime, he took certain security measures. A source noted: "It was unusual for him to be outside a bunker—he had two of them, and if he had stayed there, Israel would not have been able to reach him with its bombs."
Although publicly the U.S. president expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of negotiations, in private conversations, Trump was frustrated with Iran's responses, which ultimately led to conflict.
Israeli intelligence had access to electronic intelligence data, including hacked surveillance cameras and mobile networks. However, the Americans had a more valuable source of information—a person.
This allowed Israeli planes, which had been in the air for several hours, to conduct up to 30 precision strikes. Israeli military officials emphasized that choosing daytime provided a tactical advantage. "The morning strike was the second case of tactical surprise, despite Iran's high readiness," they noted.
According to media reports, military actions, including airstrikes and missile attacks, continue.
The Saudi Ministry of Defense confirmed the information about the attack on the U.S. embassy in Riyadh.
The diplomatic mission was attacked by two drones, resulting in a fire on its premises, the ministry reported.
Iran also struck Israel with missiles using cluster munitions, reported the Mehr agency.
Militants from the Iraqi pro-Iranian group Saraya Awliya al-Dam attacked a hotel building in Erbil with a kamikaze drone, claiming that American soldiers were present there.
Reuters confirmed the strike and the presence of American soldiers in the hotel.
Iranian Major General Ibrahim Jabbari stated in an interview with Iranian television that the IRGC had closed the Strait of Hormuz to shipping and would attack any vessels attempting to pass through it.
"The Strait of Hormuz is closed. We will attack and set fire to every vessel that tries to pass. (Vessels attempting to pass) will be burned by our heroes from the Naval and Ground Forces of the Revolutionary Guard," he added.
He also warned: "Do not come to this region. The price of oil has reached $82, and the world expects it to rise to at least $200. We will also attack pipelines and will not allow a drop of oil to be exported from the region."
The first response from the U.S. soon followed.
"CENTCOM asserts that the Strait of Hormuz is not closed, despite the IRGC's statement. Iran does not control the strait, and there is currently no evidence of its mining. 80% of their oil goes to China. Mining the strait would harm Iran and its main ally," wrote Fox News journalist Jennifer Griffin on social media X.
Vice President JD Vance stated that the U.S. has multiple options for conducting a military operation against Iran, which could extend for a longer period.
"The president has made it clear that the United States has a wide range of options. And, you know, we can continue for a little while longer. Or we can go for much longer," Vance noted on Fox News.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Iran faces more serious strikes from American military forces.
"I'm not going to disclose the details of our tactical actions, but the heaviest strikes against Iran are still ahead. The next phase will be even harsher than what is happening now," Rubio said.
He clarified that the operation in Iran will take as long as necessary.
"We have goals. We will act as long as it takes to achieve them," the Secretary of State added.
"The goal of this operation is to destroy their ballistic missiles and prevent the restoration of that capability," Rubio emphasized.
According to a poll, half of Americans do not support attacks on Iran, reports WP.
The Washington Post conducted a quick poll among a thousand Americans regarding their opinion on U.S. strikes against Iran. The majority of respondents opposed it. Specifically, 13% chose the option "somewhat oppose," while 39% voted for "strongly oppose." Only 22% of respondents expressed full support for Trump's actions.
Most respondents believe that Trump has not clearly defined the goals of Operation "Epic Fury." At the same time, about half of the respondents think that the actions of the American military will contribute to the long-term security of the U.S. and help stop Iran's nuclear program.
Donald Trump: I won't get bored. If I were to get bored, I wouldn't be standing here.
According to the U.S. president, the main goal of the operation in Iran is to destroy missile production and the fleet, as well as to "prevent them from ever obtaining nuclear weapons" and "to ensure that the regime cannot finance terrorists in other countries":
"We have the most powerful army in the world. And we will win easily. We are already ahead of schedule. No matter how long it takes, we will achieve our goals. We anticipated that it would take 4-5 weeks, but we are ready to fight as long as necessary. The media says I will lose interest in a week or two. I won't get bored. If I were to get bored, I wouldn't be standing here."
The U.S. president also stated in a phone interview with CNN that American military forces "are smashing Iran to pieces," but "a big wave" is still ahead:
"We are smashing them to pieces. I think everything is going very well. This is very powerful. We have the best army in the world, and we are using it."
When asked whether the U.S. is taking any actions besides military attacks to support the Iranian people, Trump replied: "Yes":
"Yes, we are doing that. But right now we want everyone to stay home. It is not safe outside. We haven't even started delivering serious blows to them yet. A big wave is still ahead. It will come soon."
The post Americans had an intelligence source in Khamenei's circle. The war in Iran continues first appeared on the K-News website.
