Day 18 of Middle East Conflict — Iranian Leaders Killed, Trump Official Quits The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Tuesday that they would continue targeting individuals and groups perceived as threats to Israel, including Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. IDF spokesperson Effie Defrin stated that while the military had no confirmed information about Khamenei’s whereabouts since his recent appointment, they remained committed to neutralizing any threats. Defrin emphasized that the IDF would pursue all targets, including members of Iran’s paramilitary Basij forces, following the reported killing of their commander, Gholamreza Soleimani. The IDF also hinted at preparing for a prolonged campaign, including during the upcoming Passover holiday, which falls in early April. Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has not made public appearances or issued statements since his appointment as Iran’s new supreme leader. State media suggested he may have been injured during the “Ramadan War,” a reference to recent clashes in the region. Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune addressed reports of potential U.S. military involvement in Iran, stating that while the administration was not currently planning to deploy ground troops, the option remained open. Thune acknowledged the importance of securing the Strait of Hormuz but expressed confidence in the administration’s ability to resolve the situation without direct military intervention. Senate Intelligence Chairman Tom Cotton defended the ongoing conflict’s timeline, comparing critics who claim the U.S. is losing to historical analogies.#iran_supreme_leader #idf_spokesperson #us_senate_majority_leader #accor_hotels_ceo #ukraine_president
