Trump Orders Iran Strikes, Khamenei Dead

0:00It's March 1st. This episode is brought to you by Surfshark, simple, affordable online privacy. Links in the episode description. Let's get into the latest global headlines. President Trump ordered targeted military strikes on Iran this Saturday, marking a major shift in his approach to the regime. The operation, coordinated with Israel, took out the 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Kaminay, Iran's Defense Minister, and the Commander of its Revolutionary Guard. Trump announced Kaminay's death on social media, calling it a chance for Iranians to reclaim their country. This comes after months of failed talks, where the U.S. offered Iran a peaceful civilian nuclear program, even free fuel forever. But officials say Iran kept stalling, pushing for weapons-grade uranium instead. Just days earlier, Trump's on-voys wrapped up another round of negotiations, but allies urged more patience as he signaled frustration. Trump's note the high stakes, warning of uncertain fallout inside Iran and across the region.

1:02The regime, already weakened by sanctions, a battered economy, and last year's war, might lash out desperately. Trump's team briefed lawmakers early, and he followed the strikes from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. It reflects Trump's growing risk appetite, shaped by past moves like pulling out of the nuclear deal, the 2020 drone strike on General Kasem, Salamani, and June's bombing of Iranian nuclear sites, all with limited backlash. Success in capturing Venezuela's leader earlier this year may have boosted his confidence too. Iran hasn't confirmed the deaths as of Saturday evening, leaving the next steps unclear amid rising tensions.