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
US submarine sinks Iranian warship off Sri Lanka coast, at least 80 dead A United States submarine struck an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean, killing at least 80 people, according to reports from Sri Lanka’s deputy foreign minister. The attack occurred off the coast of Sri Lanka on Tuesday, with the U.S. Department of War confirming the incident. The Iranian frigate, IRIS Dena, was reportedly sunk by a torpedo, marking the first such attack by a U.S. submarine since World War II. The IRIS Dena had participated in an International Fleet Review in India, held from February 15 to February 25, where it was docked alongside ships from multiple nations. Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath stated that 32 critically injured sailors were rescued from the warship, though the exact number of casualties remains unclear. The vessel had a capacity of 180 crew members, and earlier reports suggested that 101 were missing after the explosion. Sri Lanka’s navy launched a rescue operation, deploying two naval vessels and an aircraft to recover survivors. An unidentified Sri Lankan official noted that the search for the remaining crew was ongoing, with no immediate clarity on their fate. The rescue mission was conducted in accordance with international maritime obligations, according to a Sri Lanka Navy spokesman. The attack took place amid a joint U.S.-Israel operation targeting Iran, which both nations claim poses an existential threat to Israel. Israel has accused Iran of advancing its nuclear program, while Iran insists its nuclear activities are for civilian purposes. In response, Iran retaliated by striking Israeli and U.S. military bases, as well as targeting cities in the Gulf region and ships.#iran_supreme_leader #iranian_warship #us_submarine #sri_lanka_coast #international_fleet_review
