US and Israel Launch Strikes on Iran
On Saturday, the United States and Israel carried out coordinated attacks across Iran. Following the strikes, US President Donald Trump declared that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had died.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Khamenei's compound in Tehran was destroyed in a "powerful, surprise strike." Subsequently, Iranian state media confirmed the death of Khamenei.
In response to the US-Israel attacks, Iran launched missiles and drones targeting Israel as well as four Gulf Arab countries hosting US military bases: Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
BBC Coverage from Tehran Amid Protests
Lyse Doucet is reporting from Iran for the first time since the government crackdown on nationwide anti-government protests.
Government's Political Response to Protests
Lyse Doucet describes the situation in Iran, noting that the pain remains intense following the unprecedented force used to suppress the protests.
Humanitarian and Regional Updates
Gaza Hospital Struggles to Care for Newborns
Since the ceasefire began three months ago, more aid has been allowed into Gaza; however, the United Nations reports that the assistance remains insufficient.
Syrian Camp for Families of Suspected IS Fighters
Kurdish-run prisons currently hold approximately 8,000 suspected Islamic State fighters and about 34,000 of their family members in camps.
UN Compound Demolition in East Jerusalem
John Sudworth reports from East Jerusalem where the sounds of heavy machinery are audible as Israel demolishes a UN compound in the neighborhood.
Situation at Iranian-Armenian Border
BBC Middle East correspondent Hugo Bachega reports from the Iranian-Armenian border amid an ongoing internet shutdown following deadly protests.
Profiles and Political Developments
Who is Reza Pahlavi?
Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran's last shah, has emerged as a prominent voice advocating for continued protests against Iran's authoritarian regime.
US President Trump’s Warning on Protester Executions
President Trump has vowed "very strong action" should Iran proceed with executing protesters. Relatives of 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, detained last week, informed BBC Persian that he is scheduled for execution on Wednesday.
Mortuary Footage Reveals Deadly Crackdown
BBC Verify has analyzed disturbing videos from a Tehran mortuary showing numerous bodies, potentially providing insight into the scale of the crackdown inside Iran.
Ongoing Protests in Iran
Protests Continue in Tehran
On Friday night, protesters took to the streets of Tehran for the 13th consecutive night. The demonstrations began over economic concerns and have escalated into the largest protests seen in years.
Reasons Behind the Protests
Anti-government protests have persisted in Iran for 13 days, reflecting widespread discontent.
Buildings Set on Fire During Demonstrations
Videos verified by BBC Persian show protesters chanting anti-government slogans as buildings in Tehran are set ablaze.
Widespread Protests in Iranian Capital
The protests on Thursday were the most widespread since the movement began on December 28.
Additional Regional Reports
Syrians Reflect on Assad’s Fall
BBC Middle East correspondent Hugo Bachega interviews Syrians about changes in their lives one year after the fall of Assad.
Bethlehem Christmas Tree Illuminated
Hundreds gathered in Manger Square to celebrate the Christmas tree lighting for the first time since the Gaza war began, enjoying music, dancing, and Santas distributing sweets.
Popemobile Converted to Mobile Health Clinic
The vehicle that transported the late Pope Francis during his 2014 Bethlehem visit has been repurposed as a mobile health clinic for children in Gaza.
UN Warns of Infant Deaths in Gaza Without Aid
The UN humanitarian chief warns that approximately 14,000 babies in Gaza could die within 48 hours if aid does not reach them.
UN Official Describes Gaza Ruins
Humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher described the devastation in Gaza as "like Hiroshima" during a recent BBC interview.
UN Aid Chief on Gaza Starvation Crisis
Tom Fletcher told the BBC that more aid trucks are entering Gaza but emphasized the "huge job" of delivering vital supplies to those in need.
Freed Detainee Reunites with Family
Shadi Abu Sido recounted to the BBC that an Israeli prison officer had told him his family was killed, but after release, he found them alive.
