An Israeli strike has destroyed a compound where up to 88 of Iran’s most senior clerics, the Assembly of Experts, had gathered to elect a new Supreme Leader in the city of Qom.
US President Donald Trump said the operation had been “substantial” and claimed Iran’s regime had been “decimated.”
Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, the second son and chosen heir of the late Ayatollah Khamenei, was subsequently elected Supreme Leader, according to Iran International.
Trump denied Israel forced US involvement. “No, I might have forced their hand,” he said.
“(We were) having negotiations with these lunatics (Iran), and it was my opinion they were going to attack first. I didn’t want that to happen.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described Iran as “run by lunatics, religious fanatic lunatics,” adding: “The President made the decision to go after them.”
Iran’s Assembly of Experts later met virtually following the strikes.
Israeli military spokesman Effie Defrin said of the Qom strike: “The results of the strike are still being examined. If there are confirmed outcomes, we will provide updates accordingly.”
Meanwhile, a suspected Iranian drone strike caused a fire near the US Consulate in Dubai.
“A drone unfortunately struck a parking lot adjacent to the chancellery building and then set off a fire in that place. All personnel are accounted for,” Mr Rubio said.
Dubai authorities confirmed the blaze was contained.
Source: The Advertiser.
