Tehran — Iran has been thrown into chaos after its Supreme Leader was killed in a wave of coordinated U.S.–Israeli strikes, triggering mass protests, vows of revenge and fears that the Middle East is sliding toward an uncontrollable regional war.

State television, its anchors dressed in black, interrupted regular programming with Qur’an recitations before announcing that the Supreme Leader had “attained martyrdom” in what it called a “joint American–Zionist act of aggression.” Within minutes, huge crowds poured into the streets of Tehran, Mashhad and Qom, waving black flags and portraits of the dead leader while chanting “Death to America” and “No compromise, only resistance.”

According to U.S. officials, the operation targeted command bunkers, Revolutionary Guard headquarters and key missile sites believed to be directing recent attacks on U.S. forces and Israel. Israeli warplanes and American bombers struck in overlapping waves, backed by cyber operations that disrupted Iranian air defenses and communications. Washington insists the goal was to “eliminate imminent threats,” but has refused to say whether killing the Supreme Leader was an explicit objective.

Inside Iran’s ruling elite, an emergency council of senior clerics and generals has assumed temporary authority as rival factions quietly maneuver for succession. Hardliners are pressing for an immediate, massive response — including ballistic‑missile salvos at U.S. bases and major Israeli cities — while some officials warn that an overreaction could invite even more devastating strikes.

World powers are scrambling to contain the fallout. Oil prices are surging, embassies are evacuating non‑essential staff, and the UN Security Council has called an emergency session. With the central figure of Iran’s system suddenly gone and missiles already flying, diplomats fear the region has entered a new, far darker chapter — one with no obvious off‑ramp in sight.