Israeli air force strikes Tehran’s core under ‘Roaring Lion’ operation after Iran’s supreme leader killed

Israeli forces confirmed a new wave of attacks targeting the Iranian capital, Tehran, this Sunday, October 1, 2025. The strikes are part of Operation “Roaring Lion,” a significant escalation following joint operations with the United States that resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, just the previous day.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement declaring that “for the first time since the start of Operation ‘Roaring Lion,’ the Israel Defense Forces are attacking targets belonging to the Iranian terrorist regime in the heart of Tehran.” This announcement underscores a direct and unprecedented assault on the Iranian capital.

Reports from Tehran confirmed multiple explosions across the city on Sunday morning. Images circulated on social media, purportedly showing dense smoke clouds rising from various parts of the metropolitan area, indicating the widespread nature of the attacks.

Escalation into the heartland

The aerial assault on Tehran comes just a day after the Israeli Air Force conducted extensive strikes to establish air superiority, paving the way for deeper penetrations into Iranian airspace. These preparatory actions were critical in enabling the latest offensive phase.

These actions follow a period of heightened tensions. Over the past day, the Israeli Air Force focused on neutralizing Iranian air defense capabilities and strategic assets, ensuring minimal resistance for subsequent operations.

Operation “Roaring Lion” commences

Operation “Roaring Lion” signifies a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. The targeted strikes in Tehran represent a direct confrontation with the core infrastructure of the Iranian regime.

The specific targets within the capital have not been fully disclosed, but Israeli military communications emphasized hitting critical assets belonging to what they described as the “terrorist regime.” This suggests a focus on command and control centers, intelligence hubs, or key strategic facilities.

The precision and depth of these strikes highlight an apparent shift in strategy, aiming to cripple Iran’s capacity to project power and influence in the region from its central command.

Tehran under fire

Residents across Tehran reported loud explosions and witnessed plumes of smoke, signaling the intensity of the attacks. The extent of the damage and casualties remains unclear as Iranian authorities have yet to release comprehensive information.

Social media platforms became a primary source for initial visual evidence, with citizens sharing videos and photographs of the unfolding events. The dense smoke visible in these images suggests significant impacts in several urban sectors.

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This marked the first time Tehran has been subjected to such direct and extensive aerial bombardment during daylight hours, contrasting sharply with previous engagements. The timing of the attacks—on Saturday morning, the first day of the Iranian week—caught millions as they commenced their daily routines.

Iranian state media, while acknowledging the attacks, has focused on condemning the aggression and rallying national support. Reports also confirmed the deaths of a general and a key advisor to the late Supreme Leader Khamenei in earlier attacks, indicating significant losses within the Iranian military command.

A strategic shift in tactics

The current military operations by the United States and Israel against Iran represent a significant departure from previous engagements. Unlike the joint attacks in June 2025, which reportedly concluded within a few hours, current plans indicate operations designed to span several days.

This prolonged operational scope suggests a broader objective beyond immediate retaliation, aiming for more comprehensive damage to Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities. The daylight commencement of these strikes also signals a more overt and forceful approach.

Iran’s leader targeted in joint operation

The current escalation follows a critical development on Saturday, September 30, 2025, when US President Donald Trump announced the initiation of “major combat operations” against Iran. President Trump, in a video posted on Truth Social, accused Iran of consistently rejecting “all opportunities to renounce its nuclear ambitions” and stated that the US “cannot tolerate it anymore.”

These initial attacks explicitly targeted Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with other high-ranking Iranian officials. Khamenei’s death, a foundational figure in the Islamic Republic for decades, immediately triggered an announcement of 40 days of national mourning across Iran, underscoring the profound impact of his demise on the country’s political and social landscape.

Regional fallout intensifies

In response to the initial wave of attacks that killed its supreme leader and other commanders, the Iranian regime launched an unprecedented series of retaliatory strikes across the Middle East. Explosions were reported in numerous countries hosting American military bases, signaling a broad regional escalation.

Countries affected by these retaliatory actions include the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Iraq. The widespread nature of these attacks demonstrates Iran’s capacity for rapid and extensive military response, broadening the scope of the conflict far beyond its borders and raising significant concerns about regional stability and security.

Attacks mark a critical juncture

The intensified military actions by Israel, supported by the United States, against Iran’s core infrastructure mark a critical juncture in Middle Eastern geopolitics. The direct targeting of Tehran and the death of Iran’s supreme leader signify a profound shift in regional power dynamics and strategies.