Khamenei has been confirmed killed in an Israeli Air Force strike on his compound.

This marks the end of an era that has defined Iran — and much of the Middle East — for nearly half a century.

For 47 years, Ali Khamenei stood as the central figure of the Islamic Republic, shaping its ideology, suppressing dissent, and directing regional conflicts. Now, on the very first day of this war, reports suggest the man who ruled Iran with absolute authority is gone.

This is not just another battlefield development — it fundamentally changes everything: the psychological balance of the conflict, the future of the regime, and the trajectory of Iran itself.

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Reports indicate that Iran’s Defense Minister, Amir Hatami, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian were targeted during the first wave of strikes.

The presidential compound in Tehran has been confirmed to get hit by multiple strikes.

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From “Overlord” and “Desert Storm” to “Epic Fury” — The Curious History of Codenaming Military Operations

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Gulf War 1941 — The Forgotten Allied Invasion of Iran

“The ensuing campaign would cost hundreds of lives, raise to the throne a future dictator and set the stage for the first real show down of the Cold War.”

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In March of 1945, Gunner's Mate 1st Class Carrick Thomas passes a clip of four 40mm rounds through a hatch aboard the USS Alaska during the Battle of Iwo Jima. ⚓️

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In 1945, two American soldiers pass through a small cemetery during the fighting near the Rhine in Hemmerden, Germany. 🪖

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In March of 1944, Private Ray Thiel of the 82nd Airborne Division cleans his mortar squad’s 81mm mortar outside of the Anzio beachhead, Italy. 🪂

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In 1945, a flamethrower operator of the 3rd Marine Division under enemy fire on Iwo Jima. 🪖

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In March of 1945, the first tank under General George S. Patton’s 3rd Army to reach the Rhine River is photographed. 🇺🇸

The tank, nicknamed "Flat Foot Floogie", is from F Company, 41st Tank Battalion, 11th Armored Division. 🪖

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The grave of Czechoslovakian born American, Sgt. Michael Strank at Arlington National Cemetery. 🪦

The flag raiser was KIA on Iwo Jima 81 years ago today. 🇺🇸

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In 2012, a General Motors/Eastern Aircraft Division FM-2 “Wildcat” is pulled out of Lake Michigan after spending 68 years under water. ✈️

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In March of 1945, Army engineers of the 4th Infantry Division place TNT charges on a tree being used as a road barrier near Prum, Germany. 🪖

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In March of 1945, Sgt. Pernell Shillcutt, a medic with the 2nd Infantry Division, treats the wounds of a soldier wounded in Königsfeld, Germany. 🪖

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81 years ago today, American & Filipino troops recapture the city of Manila from Japanese forces. 🇺🇸🇵🇭
The month-long battle resulted in the death of over 100,000 civilians and the complete devastation of the city. 🪖

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81 years ago today, the remains of the Japanese troop and cargo ship Kyusy Maru beached on the shores of Guadalcanal.

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81 years ago today, three Marines kneel down on the field of battle and receive Communion from a Chaplain on Iwo Jima. 🪖

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During WW2, Ernest Hemingway used his fishing boat to hunt German U-boats in the Caribbean. ⚓️

The boat was armed only with Thompson machine guns & hand grenades, & Hemingway was given unlimited gasoline by the U.S. government. ⛽️

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In March of 1945, Marines of the 4th Marine Division take a well deserved break on Iwo Jima. 🪖

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82 years ago today, US Army Air Forces launch their first bombing raid on Berlin. 🇺🇸

A force of 730 bombers set off from England with hundreds of escort fighters. Fierce battles raged & resulted in heavy losses for both sides. ✈️

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81 years ago today, Marines from the 4th Marine Division check communication lines after conducting repairs during the Battle of Iwo Jima. 🪖

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