On 18 March, the
Hengaw Organization for Human Rights estimated that 5,300+ members of the Iranian military forces had been killed in the attacks. Iranian state media declared a period of 40 days of mourning (the
Arba'in) and seven days of public holidays in the wake of Ali Khamenei's death, and an
Interim Leadership Council was appointed pending the election of a new Supreme Leader. On March 7, the Assembly of Experts announced
Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Ali Khamenei, as the new Supreme Leader. International observers including
France,
Russia, and the
United Nations said that regime collapse or escalation of the fighting could occur. U.S. and Israeli officials said that the operation is a step toward
regime change, while Iran has retaliated. == See also ==