Riyadh [Saudi Arabia], March 1 (ANI): “Operation Epic Fury” by the United States and “Operation Roaring Lion” by Israel — the joint strikes in Iran on Saturday — marked a rare convergence of interests reportedly influenced by lobbying efforts from Israel and Saudi Arabia, The Washington Post reported.
According to The Washington Post, Saudi Arabia urged the United States to carry out joint attacks on Iran alongside Israel, which ultimately led to the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, citing four people familiar with the matter. For years, the two countries operated as “frenemies” in the shadow of Iran’s regional influence.
The four sources said Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had privately called President Donald Trump multiple times in recent weeks, even as he publicly called for diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue, The Washington Post reported. At the same time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continued his long-standing public campaign for U.S. strikes against what he views as an existential threat to Israel.
The combined influence of Saudi Arabia and Israel reportedly helped lead Trump to order a large-scale aerial operation against Iran’s leadership and military, which in its initial hour resulted in the deaths of Khamenei and several other senior Iranian officials, according to The Washington Post.
The United States and Israel launched a broad aerial campaign targeting Iran’s leadership and military infrastructure. Iran responded with missile attacks on U.S. bases, Israel and other targets in the Middle East.
The situation remains fluid, with the Trump administration saying the strike was necessary to prevent what it described as an imminent threat from Iran.
Iran is observing 40 days of national mourning following Khamenei’s death, with widespread grief and protests reported across the country. The Supreme Leader’s office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-staff and public gatherings planned to pay respects.
Khamenei, who succeeded the founder of the revolution, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, in 1989, led Iran for more than three decades. Authorities have heightened security across the country, particularly in major cities such as Tehran, to prevent unrest and ensure public safety.
Attention is now focused on selecting Khamenei’s successor, with speculation about potential candidates and the implications for Iran’s future leadership. (ANI)
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