Reactions and statements from the international community
In Kadhimiya, Iraq, a video shows a symbolic funeral procession where participants carry a coffin for Ali Khamenei.
US military operations resulted in significant destruction in Tehran, Iran, on an unspecified date. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reportedly suffered heavy losses when confronted by US forces.
Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Secretary of War, announced the launch of Operation "Epic Wrath" against the Islamic Republic of Iran on orders from former President Donald Trump, aiming to dismantle Iran's missile capabilities and prevent nuclear weapon acquisition. Hegseth urged the Iranian people to "seize this extraordinary opportunity" and warned Iranian security forces to make "wise decisions."
An unidentified member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Iran has publicly renounced their allegiance to the regime, stating they are removing their uniform in protest against the regime's actions. The defector calls on other IRGC members to follow suit and refuse to participate in what they describe as a war against the people of Iran.
The Lebanese cabinet has prohibited all military activities of Hezbollah within Lebanon's territory in response to Hezbollah's attacks on Israel, which were carried out as "revenge for the blood of Ali Khamenei," according to reports by Ashkan Safaei and Reza Mohaddes of Iran International.
Israel and the United States conducted intense attacks on military and security centers in Tehran, including a settlement housing IRGC commanders in the capital.
The Islamic Republic of Iran is bombing British territories of Akrotiri and Dhekelia, which are NATO bases. Questions have been raised about whether NATO should respond to the attacks.
The price of Brent crude oil surged by 10 percent on Sunday, reaching around $80 per barrel, during the third day of U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran. Wholesale gas prices in the Dutch and British markets rose more than 25 percent on Monday, March 2, following Iran's warning to ships against passing through the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a halt in oil and LNG shipments through the strategic waterway.
An Iranian man was observed smoking a hookah casually from his rooftop in Karaj while watching U.S. and Israeli military operations destroy Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) facilities in the city.
The IRGC Intelligence Organization issued a statement expressing condolences for the death of former leader Ali Khamenei and warning that any disruptive movements or street riots will be treated as collaboration with the enemy and met with a firm response.
Overnight, US and Israeli air forces conducted extensive strikes on multiple locations in Iran, targeting the National Security Council headquarters, police stations, judiciary buildings, military training facilities, and IRGC bases in Tehran, Isfahan, Bandar Abbas Port, Chabahar Port, Abadan Oil Refinery, Ardabil, Urumiyeh, Qazvin, Ahvaz, Kermanshah, and Tabriz.
Homayoun Shamh, the Jewish representative in Iran's parliament, condemned the Israeli and American strikes that led to the assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei, stating that the leader dedicated his life to managing state affairs for the Iranian nation.
