Reactions and statements from the international community
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.
Guards at the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan successfully repelled an attack allegedly organized by Iran's IRGC Quds Force, resulting in ten attackers killed and multiple others wounded. The incident reportedly involved both Quds Force agents and Iranian regime supporters, including social media operatives.
An observer notes that current actions are significantly weakening the Iranian regime, with IRGC retaliatory responses notably smaller than those seen in June, suggesting either diminished military capacity or reduced willingness to escalate.
On Sunday, the United States and Israel carried out intense bombings of the Tehran IRGC field and the Joint Chiefs of Staff building of the Iranian army, along with several explosions in areas including Vanak, Shariati, Azadi, Seyed Khandan, and Velenjak.
Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, posted on X with an image of late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, stating: "America and Israel have burned the heart of the Iranian nation; we will burn their hearts." Ali Khamenei was killed in attacks on Tehran by America and Israel on Saturday.
On February 29, 2025, Roberto Metsola, President of the European Parliament, tweeted that the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in U.S. missile strikes on the Islamic Republic marks the end of an era of dictatorship in Iran and the beginning of a time for freedom after 47 years.
