The United States has distanced itself from the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stating that the strike was carried out by Israel and was not part of an American military operation.
Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday, the Pentagon’s policy chief, Elbridge Colby, clarified that the attack that killed Khamenei and other senior Iranian leaders was an Israeli operation.
“Those are Israeli operations,” Colby said when questioned by lawmakers about whether the United States was pursuing regime change in Iran.
According to AFP report, Colby emphasized that the objectives of the American military campaign are limited and focused. According to him, US actions are aimed at reducing Iran’s ability to project military power against American forces, bases, and allies in the region.
“The objectives of the military campaign are focused on addressing the ability of the Islamic Republic to project military power against us, our bases, our forces, as well as our allies and partners,” he said.
He identified Iran’s expanding missile capabilities, weapons production infrastructure, and elements of its navy as primary targets. Colby described these goals as “scoped and reasonable objectives that can be attained.”
His measured remarks contrasted sharply with comments made by President Donald Trump, who has described the strikes in broader and more forceful terms.
RELATED TRENDS:
‘This Is a Setback for Nigeria’ – Group Demands Reversal of Electoral Reform Law
Tinubu Nominates Taiwo Oyedele as Minister of State for Finance
In a recent social media post, Trump said Khamenei was “unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems,” adding that “working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do.”
Trump also criticized the Iranian regime, stating that it had spent decades chanting “death to America” and engaging in violent actions against US interests.
The difference in tone between Colby and Trump has raised questions about Washington’s broader objectives in Iran.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also weighed in on the matter, saying the United States acted after learning that Israel was preparing to strike, suggesting that America’s involvement was reactive rather than part of a coordinated plan for regime change.
Despite Trump’s public call for Iranians to take advantage of what he described as an “unprecedented opportunity” to overthrow their government, Colby reiterated that the US military campaign is not explicitly aimed at removing Iran’s leadership.
The developments highlight ongoing uncertainty over the scope and long-term goals of US involvement in the escalating conflict with Iran.
Here are the two refined and publication-ready news reports using the improved headlines:
Iran Declares 40 Days of Mourning for Late Leader Khamenei
Iran has declared 40 days of nationwide mourning following the death of its Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint United States–Israel airstrike.
Iranian state media confirmed that the 86-year-old cleric died during coordinated strikes on key military and leadership targets in Tehran. Authorities described his death as “martyrdom” and announced that public mourning, official ceremonies and national observances would be held across the country.
Khamenei, who led Iran from 1989 after succeeding Ruhollah Khomeini, exercised ultimate authority over the country’s political system, armed forces and judiciary. Throughout his rule, he shaped Iran’s ideological direction and oversaw decades of strained relations with Western countries, particularly the United States and Israel.
Iranian officials said several senior security figures and members of Khamenei’s family were also killed in the strikes. The government has since initiated an interim leadership arrangement as part of a broader transition process.
The mourning declaration has triggered emotional scenes across Iran, with citizens gathering in mosques, public squares and city centres to pay tribute to the late leader. Authorities condemned the strike as a “grave crime” and accused the United States and Israel of responsibility.
Khamenei’s death is expected to have far-reaching geopolitical implications across the Middle East and beyond, as world leaders react to the development and tensions remain high in the region.
Northern Nigeria Stages Protests to Mourn Iranian Leader Khamenei
Thousands of members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), led by Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, staged coordinated protests across northern states on Sunday to mourn the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
The demonstrations took place in Kano, Gombe, Bauchi, Yobe, Niger and Sokoto states, where protesters marched through major streets waving Iranian flags and carrying placards condemning the United States and Israel over the airstrike that killed the Iranian leader.
In Gombe, protesters gathered after prayers and marched from their religious centre in Tudun Wadan Pantami. A spokesperson for the group, Sheikh Muhammad Abbari Gombe, described the strike as unfortunate and urged participants to remain peaceful and law-abiding while expressing their grievances.
Similar demonstrations were recorded in Kano, Bauchi, Yobe and Niger states, where participants displayed placards reading “We Stand With Iran” and chanted solidarity slogans.
Following the protests, the Nigeria Police Force ordered heightened surveillance nationwide. The acting Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, directed state commands to intensify intelligence gathering and increase security presence around worship centres and public spaces.
Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin said authorities would ensure that Nigeria does not become a platform for foreign conflicts and warned against any attempt to import sectarian tensions into the country.
Islamic organisations, including the Muslim Rights Concern led by Ishaq Akintola, condemned the strike but urged Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
The protests in northern Nigeria reflect wider reactions across parts of the Muslim world following Khamenei’s death, as tensions continue to rise in the Middle East.
Follow us on X @ Symfoni (@SymfoniNews) / Posts / …X · SymfoniNews1K+ followers
