The United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes against Iran on Saturday, killing the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with several senior figures in Iran’s leadership, according to Iranian state media. The attack marks one of the most consequential escalations in the region in decades and signals a dramatic shift in the balance of power in the Middle East.

Journalists David E. Sanger and Mark Mazzetti examine what the assassination means for Iran’s political future and for regional stability. The killing of the long-serving leader raises urgent questions about succession, internal unrest, and the possibility of retaliation against American and Israeli interests.

The strikes threaten to unleash a broader conflict, with uncertainty surrounding how Iran’s military and political institutions will respond. As global leaders assess the fallout, the region faces a period of profound instability that could redefine alliances and reshape the geopolitical landscape.