Gulf rocked by blasts as Iran retaliates after Khamenei killed in US–Israel strikes

Several loud explosions were reported over Dubai and Doha on March 1, marking the second consecutive day of blasts across the Gulf as Iran intensified retaliatory missile and drone strikes following coordinated US and Israeli attacks on the Islamic Republic.

Witnesses said the explosions reverberated across the skylines of both cities amid Tehran’s expanding military response, which has targeted US bases and strategic sites in neighboring states. The escalation comes hours after Iran confirmed that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in US–Israeli strikes on Tehran — a development that dramatically deepens the conflict that erupted on Saturday.

In an official statement, Tehran said Khamenei was killed at his office during the assault on the capital. Israel described the US-led operation — codenamed “Epic Fury” — as a series of pre-emptive strikes. US President Donald Trump confirmed what he termed a “major combat operation,” as explosions were reported across multiple Iranian cities.

Vowing a “crushing” response, Iran launched strikes targeting US bases across the Middle East, including in the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and Jordan. Several countries swiftly shut their airspace, while governments across the region issued urgent advisories urging residents to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.

Reza Pahlavi calls it ‘hour of freedom’

In the wake of Khamenei’s death, exiled opposition figure Reza Pahlavi — son of Iran’s last shah — welcomed the development in a public statement.

Writing in The Washington Post, Pahlavi thanked President Trump for what he described as sending a clear message to Iranians that “the hour of your freedom is at hand.” He argued that for nearly five decades, the Islamic Republic has destabilized the region, fuelled foreign conflicts, and pursued nuclear weapons and long-range missile programmes.

Pahlavi further alleged that the regime’s most severe abuses were inflicted domestically, citing the killing of thousands of protesters during crackdowns earlier this year.

Iran divided between grief and defiance

Scenes across Iran revealed a nation sharply split. In some areas, people were seen celebrating the news of Khamenei’s death. Elsewhere, thousands gathered in mourning, dressed in black and carrying his portraits while chanting “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.”

The contrasting public reactions underscored the profound divisions within the country at a moment that could reshape the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape.

With retaliatory strikes ongoing and regional powers on high alert, the situation remains volatile, raising fears of a broader and prolonged confrontation.