A joint US-Israeli strike killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and senior officials, triggering widespread Iranian retaliation with missiles and drones targeting the Middle East, including Dubai, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, and Israel.

Civilian casualties are rising, with at least 555 dead in Iran and multiple deaths across the Gulf, raising global concerns.

Airspace closures in the UAE, Qatar, Israel, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain have disrupted travel, resulting in nearly 6,000 flight cancellations and 30,000 delays.

The Strait of Hormuz closure caused oil prices to surge 13%, threatening fragile economies with higher fuel costs and global instability.

Diplomatic tensions mount as the UK permits limited US use of bases while the EU faces criticism for delayed response. Israel mobilized 100,000 reservists, and Iran continues “scorched earth” operations, escalating the regional crisis.

The conflict also prompted controversy online after a Polymarket user profited nearly $500,000 by betting on the strike’s timing, sparking debates over prediction market ethics and insider knowledge.