Operation 'Lion's Roar' Launched by U.S. and Israel: Khamenei Killed, Strait of Hormuz Blocked

Operation 'Lion's Roar' Commences

According to ХВИЛЯ: On February 28, the United States and Israel initiated a major military campaign against Iran, codenamed 'Lion's Roar'. According to leading Middle East expert Mohammad Farajallah, this operation differs significantly from previous engagements. It focuses primarily on airstrikes and the work of intelligence networks. The morning strike at 10:00, which targeted Iran, demonstrates the meticulous preparation by the Mossad and CIA, who reportedly waited for Iran's leadership to emerge from underground facilities before acting.

Iranian state television has confirmed the death of the country's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Israeli command estimates the active combat phase could last approximately two months. As part of 'Lion's Roar', the Strait of Hormuz has also been blockaded. This critical waterway handles roughly 20% of the world's oil and gas shipments, making its closure a significant event for global energy markets.

Strategic Consequences of the Campaign

Expert Farajallah reports that 'moles' inside Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were involved in the operation. He also stated that Iran's Defense Minister and several IRGC commanders were eliminated. Farajallah emphasized that 'this war is already unlike previous wars for many reasons,' highlighting the critical timing of the strikes.

Farajallah noted that 'the United States set an objective' not only against the ayatollahs' ideology but also to 'neutralize or disarm a primary rival, China, by cutting off its access to cheap Iranian oil.'

Operation 'Lion's Roar' carries severe implications for regional security, and continued hostilities could drastically reshape the Middle Eastern landscape. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global energy supplies, threatens serious economic repercussions not only for nations reliant on Iranian oil but for the world economy at large. The situation remains highly volatile, demanding close observation from the international community as events unfold.