Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has weathered a series of challenges but Israel's unprecedented strikes mark his most serious crisis yet, threatening both the clerical system he leads and his own physical survival.

Unconfirmed reports by Iran's opposition claim that the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed during Israel's strikes on Tehran.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is alive and is being continuously briefed about the situation, a security source told Reuters, following an Israeli attack on Iran early on Friday.

DUBAI (Reuters) -Iran does not intend to develop nuclear weapons but will pursue its right to nuclear energy and research, President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Monday, reiterating Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's religious edict against weapons of mass destruction.

Waves of Israeli airstrikes hit two nuclear enrichment sites, multiple military bases, and military scientists and commanders. Iran replied with a barrage of missiles and drones.

Iran began its retaliation against Israel for its surprise attack with over 100 ballistic missiles. The Israel Defense Forces announced the expected retaliation, with Iranian state media showing footage purporting to be some of the launches.

Tensions escalate as Iran launches a missile barrage on Israel, retaliating for Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and the killing of military commanders. Explosions rocked Jerusalem and Tel Aviv,

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian affirmed Wednesday that his country will not yield to “American arrogance” regarding its nuclear program. Speaking to the official IRNA news agency, Pezeshkian said negotiations with the US and Europe over the nuclear file are ongoing.