America and Israel have once again launched military attacks on Iran, raising new questions on the security of the country’s nuclear program and political leadership.
World News: The United States and Israel have once again attacked Iran. After these attacks, the ongoing talks regarding Iran’s nuclear program have again derailed. The latest attacks have also raised the question whether their aim is to weaken Iran’s security and top leadership. Many areas of the capital Tehran were targeted in the attacks on Saturday. According to media reports, some attacks took place near places that are said to be directly linked to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Khamenei’s security level is extremely high. According to Reuters sources, he is not in Tehran at present and has been sent to a safe place. Khamenei is 86 years old and has been the Supreme Leader of Iran since 1989. Under his rule the country has faced tensions with Western countries, economic sanctions, and internal protests.
How Khamenei became the Supreme Leader
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei took over the post from Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who led the Iranian Islamic Revolution in 1979. In that revolution, the power of US-backed Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi ended. As Supreme Leader, Khamenei has ultimate authority over the government, military and judiciary. He is also the spiritual leader of the country.
The bulk of their power lies in two major security institutions – the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Basij paramilitary force, which comprises millions of volunteers.
Iran’s nuclear program
Khamenei has repeatedly said that Iran will never produce nuclear weapons and that its nuclear program is only for civilian use. However, some leaders of America and Israel have been continuously accusing Iran of developing nuclear weapons. The United Nations and American intelligence agencies have not found such evidence yet.
In Saturday’s attacks, missiles fell near the presidential palace and Khamenei’s compound in the Shemiran area of northern Tehran. According to Tasnim News Agency and the Associated Press, the attacks occurred near his office. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously indicated that targeting Khamenei had not been ruled out. Former US President Donald Trump has also made strong statements against Khamenei in recent months.
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