Iran Holds Khamenei Funeral, Selects Interim Leaders Amid U.S.-Israel Conflict

Republican Sen. Tom Cotton, the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, stated that while President Trump acknowledged possible American casualties in the operation against Iran, there are currently no plans for deploying ground troops. Cotton emphasized that the president envisions a prolonged air and naval campaign aimed not only at curtailing Iran’s nuclear ambitions but also at dismantling its extensive missile arsenal.

In an interview on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” Cotton mentioned the risks associated with the ongoing strategy. He noted the potential for aircraft to be targeted and assured that “the president would never leave a pilot behind.” He added, “We have combat search and rescue assets in the region prepared to extract any downed pilot, but outside of such scenarios, Margaret, the president does not have any plans for a significant ground force in Iran.”

Britain’s defense secretary revealed that Iran’s “indiscriminate retaliatory attacks” included “two ballistic missiles fired in the direction of Cyprus.” However, it was not believed the missiles were aimed directly at the Mediterranean island, home to a major U.K. military air base. John Healey informed CBS News’ partner network, BBC News, that defensive measures were being implemented by British warplanes based in Cyprus and the wider Middle East.

Healey expressed confidence that the missiles were not aimed at Cyprus but noted the risk faced by military personnel stationed in the region. He did not specify whether the missiles had been intercepted or had missed their intended targets.

Israel’s military reported that it was “not aware” of any airstrikes by U.S. or Israeli forces targeting a school in southern Iran. Iranian officials claimed that a girl’s elementary school in Minab was struck during the military operations, resulting in over 100 casualties, including many children. Israel Defense Forces spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani emphasized that their operations are precisely coordinated.

U.S. Central Command representative Captain Tim Hawkins noted awareness of the claims regarding civilian casualties and stated an investigation is underway. He affirmed the U.S. commitment to civilian protection, declaring, “We have never – and never will – target civilians.”

Pope Leo XIV appealed for an end to the escalating “spiral of violence” in the Middle East, following recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran that incited retaliatory actions. During a gathering at St. Peter’s Square, the Pope urged all parties involved to accept their moral responsibility and prevent further tragedy.

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Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s top diplomat, expressed optimism about the potential changes in Iran following recent uncertainties. She highlighted the current moment as an opportunity for the Iranian populace to reshape their future. In a social media post, Kallas referred to the death of Ali Khamenei, stating that this could be a pivotal point in Iran’s history.

She is actively engaging with regional partners to identify practical steps to achieve de-escalation in the ongoing tensions.

The U.S. Embassy in Bahrain announced the relocation of personnel from hotels in Manama due to safety concerns following missile and drone attacks from Iran. In a security alert, the embassy confirmed that the Crowne Plaza Hotel had been struck, resulting in injuries. U.S. citizens in Bahrain were advised to avoid hotels in Manama, which might be potential target sites for future attacks.

North Korea condemned the ongoing military operations by the United States and Israel against Iran, labeling them as an “illegal act of aggression.” A spokesperson for the North’s foreign ministry stated that these actions exemplify the “gangster-like nature” of Washington.

Iran’s Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi issued a decree calling for Muslims to engage in “jihad against America and Israel” in retaliation for the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He stated that the main offenders responsible for this crime are America and the Zionist regime, emphasizing that avenging this act is a religious duty for all Muslims worldwide.

While the Grand Ayatollah does not officially lead Iran’s theocratic government, he is considered one of the most significant Shiite Muslim religious figures globally.

Russian President Vladimir Putin denounced the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in U.S. and Israeli operations as a “cynical violation” of ethical and legal norms. He conveyed his condolences to the Iranian leader Masoud Pezeshkian, describing the assassination as an affront to morality and international law.

Russia and China have historically supported Iran amidst prolonged tensions with Western powers, assisting the nation economically despite ongoing sanctions.

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According to Israel’s military, approximately half of Iran’s missile stockpiles have been destroyed, and the Iranian regime has been producing numerous surface-to-surface missiles monthly. Military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin announced that operational actions prevented the production of at least 1,500 additional missiles, as the regime had plans to escalate their production significantly.

The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah pledged to retaliate against the actions of the U.S. and Israel regarding Iran. Their chief, Naim Qassem, stated, “We will undertake our duty of confronting the aggression,” asserting the group’s commitment to honor and resistance.

Israel has significantly weakened Hezbollah’s power in recent years, targeting multiple leaders of the group.

Iran’s state-run news agency reported that Alireza Arafi, a long-time senior member of the Islamic Republic’s Guardian Council, has been appointed to the Leadership Council. This body is responsible for fulfilling the role of the supreme leader until the Assembly of Experts elects a successor to Ayatollah Khamenei. Arafi will serve alongside President Masoud Pezeshkian and Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejeibe on the interim council.

In his initial remarks following Khamenei’s assassination, Iran’s interim President Masoud Pezeshkian asserted that seeking “blood and revenge” against those responsible for the act is a legitimate duty. He characterized the killing of the Islamic Republic’s highest political authority as a declaration of open warfare against Muslims, particularly Shiites worldwide, and vowed to retaliate against Israel and the U.S. with full force.

CBS News producer Seyed Bathaei reported people gathering in Tehran ahead of the funeral for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, which is to be held at the University of Tehran. Khamenei served as Iran’s second supreme leader since 1989.

While there were public celebrations following the confirmation of Khamenei’s death, protests against the ongoing conflict also emerged, calling for revenge in various parts of the country.

Iran’s transitional leadership comprises President Masoud Pezeshkian and two other officials, who will guide the country following Khamenei’s death. A leadership council is to be formed in accordance with constitutional guidelines, managing the duties associated with the supreme leader’s role until a successor is elected. This council includes Pezeshkian along with the speaker of the parliament and head of the judiciary.

As tensions escalate, the skies over Tel Aviv echoed with the sounds of missiles and fighter jets following the U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign. Observers suggest that this conflict presents significant risks even with the Iranian leadership’s decimation. Expert Elliot Ackerman warned of a potential power vacuum, as interim leadership emerges.

He speculated that the Iranian populace may rise against the oppressive regime established post-1979, highlighting that remnants of hardliners might attempt to maintain control, which could exacerbate regional instability. Rep. Rick Crawford indicated that further strikes may occur, emphasizing that conditions are ripe for change and hoping for Iranian citizens to seize this opportunity.

After expressions of joy over Khamenei’s death, protests arose in Iran against the U.S.-Israeli military operations. Various cities witnessed gatherings demanding revenge. Internationally, demonstrations were reported, including attempts to storm the U.S. embassy in Baghdad and unrest in Karachi, Pakistan, where security forces clashed with protestors.

In Kashmir, crowds gathered to chant anti-U.S. and anti-Israel slogans, signaling a broader unrest across the region.

Additionally, the U.S. Embassy in Oman issued warnings to staff and citizens to shelter in place due to ongoing disturbances in Muscat.

The Israel Defense Forces announced they have targeted locations in the “heart of Tehran” for the first time in the ongoing military campaign. The operations are reported to focus on key infrastructures related to the Iranian regime.

Iranian state media announced that its armed forces have struck U.S. bases in northern Iraq and the Persian Gulf in retaliation for ongoing U.S. and Israeli military actions. The attacks reportedly included both missile and drone strikes targeting American installations, alongside several other regions within the Middle East.

The International Atomic Energy Agency’s board of governors will convene for a special meeting Monday to discuss the developments in Iran at Russia’s request. The meeting aims to address the military actions taken by the U.S. and Israel in relation to Iran’s territory.

Russia, a key ally of Iran, has maintained its support for the nation amidst the conflict.

In a statement on his Truth Social platform, President Trump warned that Iran’s announcement of potential retaliatory actions must not be taken lightly. He indicated that any aggressive actions from Iran could invite an unprecedented response from the U.S., asserting that “heavy and pinpoint bombing” would persist throughout the week as necessary.

Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, responded verbally, stressing that the U.S. had “crossed our red line” and must face consequences for their actions.

Recent satellite imagery revealed extensive damage to the compound of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei resulting from the U.S.-Israeli strikes. One particular image shows significant destruction, with smoke plume visible above what was once the palace. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the targeted strike, asserting that evidence is emerging that Khamenei has indeed been killed in the operation.

The Israeli military has indicated that several high-ranking members of Iran’s leadership were also casualties of the strikes.

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