Israel Attacks Qom’s Assembly of Experts Compound
Israeli forces struck a building in the holy city of Qom reportedly linked to Iran’s Assembly of Experts. Reports said the attack occurred while the body was meeting to discuss selecting a new supreme leader.
The Assembly of Experts consists of 88 senior clerics and legal scholars. Under Iran’s constitution, it holds the authority to appoint and oversee the country’s supreme leader.
Source: Al Jazeera
Leadership Selection Began After Khamenei’s Death
The meeting reportedly followed recent airstrikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Earlier operations were attributed to joint action by the United States and Israel.
According to Iranian officials, the council had begun deliberations over his successor. Clerical sources suggested that a leadership decision could be reached relatively quickly.
Reports Differ on Damage and Casualties
Iranian media outlets reported that the compound in Qom sustained significant structural damage. Some sources described the building as heavily affected by the strike.
However, Iranian state television stated that individuals had evacuated the site before the attack. Officials have not confirmed any fatalities linked to the incident.
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Israeli Officials Say Strike Targeted Leadership Meeting
Israeli officials indicated that the strike aimed to disrupt the leadership selection process. A senior official reportedly said the attack coincided with an active assembly session.
Sources suggested the objective was to weaken Iran’s political command structure. Disrupting leadership institutions could complicate the transfer of authority.
Iranian Media Disputes Strategic Importance of Building
Iranian news agencies provided an alternative account of the targeted structure. Reports claimed that the building struck in Qom was an older auxiliary facility.
Those accounts stated that the location was not frequently used for official sessions. Iranian outlets also alleged that both the US and Israel were involved in the broader campaign.
Israeli Air Force Expands Strikes Across Iran
The incident followed additional Israeli air operations across various parts of Iran. Israeli authorities said a new wave of strikes targeted key military infrastructure and senior commanders.
The military reported deploying dozens of fighter jets during the operation. Hundreds of munitions were said to have been launched at sites tied to Iran’s command network.
Strike Seen as Challenge to Iran’s Political System
Analysts argue that targeting the Assembly of Experts carries political and symbolic significance. The body plays a central role in Iran’s constitutional framework.
By striking during a leadership transition, Israel may have sought to destabilize Iran’s governing structure. The attack underscores the expanding scope of the regional conflict.
