Reactions and statements from the international community
On July 15, 2019, Ali Khamenei appointed Alireza Arafi as a member of the Guardian Council's jurists, one of six responsible for approving laws and overseeing elections, to strengthen his control over power in Iran.
US CENTCOM contradicts Iran's UN statement that its military response targeted only American bases, instead accusing the Iranian regime of attacking civilian infrastructure across multiple countries including airports, hotels, and residential areas in the UAE, Iraq, Israel, Bahrain, and Qatar. The allegation directly challenges Iran's claims of precision targeting and raises questions about civilian casualties in the regional escalation.
Masih Alinejad expresses gratitude to Martha MacCallum for amplifying Iranian voices against forced hijab policies since 2014, citing loyalty and support during international dismissals of the issue as cultural practice.
Video shows Iranians expressing joy in areas of Tehran that were bombed. Citizens are seen filming the scene without apparent fear.
U.S. Central Command announced that since the start of the "Epic Wrath" operation against Iran on Saturday until Sunday at 9:30 a.m. ET (18:00 Iran time), three U.S. military personnel were killed and five were severely wounded; several others sustained minor injuries.
The Israeli army announced the initiation of new airstrikes in central Tehran, with operations still ongoing. The Israeli military also stated that efforts to intercept incoming attacks are continuously underway.
CENTCOM, the U.S. Central Command, released a statement denying the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' claim that the USS Abraham Lincoln was targeted with ballistic missiles, asserting that the missiles did not come close to the ship. The USS Abraham Lincoln continues to operate and launch aircraft as part of ongoing U.S. efforts to defend against threats from the Iranian regime.
The Austrian Foreign Ministry, in an official statement signed by Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger, described the death of Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, as "the opening of a window for the people of Iran" and called for coordinated actions among European governments to prevent further costs in the region.
On Sunday, February 29, 2025, the Vahid Online user account published videos showing heavy airstrikes in northern Tehran near the Siahak intersection, reportedly targeting the Ministry of Intelligence.
Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of the Islamic Republic, announced in a video message that the "Selected Guardians Council for Governing the Country" has commenced its operations and stated that the Islamic Republic's armed forces are "powerfully crushing the bases of the enemies."
An Iranian regime vessel was reportedly bombed in the Persian Gulf, with the source suggesting this incident undermines the government's portrayal as a powerful military force. The incident raises questions about the regime's military capabilities and control.
Two OPEC+ sources informed Reuters that the group is likely to consider increasing oil production by around 411,000 barrels per day or more, a significant rise from the initial estimate of 137,000 barrels per day. This decision comes amid halted oil and gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz due to Tehran's threat to close the strategic shipping route.
