U.S. President Donald Trump has broken his silence regarding the specifics of the joint U.S.-Israeli operation that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, framing the strike as a preemptive act of self-defense.
In a phone call on Sunday evening, March 1, 2026, Trump reportedly told ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl: “I got him before he got me. They tried twice. Well, I got him first.”
The “2024 Plot” Connection
According to U.S. intelligence briefings, Trump’s “they tried twice” remark refers to documented Iranian-linked plots to target him during his 2024 presidential campaign.
- The Intelligence Assessment: American agencies had previously flagged Tehran’s intent to avenge the 2020 killing of General Qasem Soleimani by targeting high-ranking U.S. officials, including Trump.
- Preemptive Strike: By authorizing the current “opening salvo” against Tehran, Trump is positioning the assassination of the 86-year-old Supreme Leader as a necessary move to neutralize ongoing threats to his life and U.S. national security.
The Military Escalation: Latest Updates
The situation in the Middle East has rapidly deteriorated since the strike:
- F-15 Crash in Kuwait: A U.S. F-15 fighter jet was downed over Kuwaiti airspace today. Viral footage shows the pilot’s dramatic escape through flames after an apparent Iranian-linked interception.
- Ballistic Salvos: Experts warn that Iran’s latest missiles can reach Israel in just 12 minutes. Sirens continue to wail in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, with explosions reported in Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi.
- Global Oil Markets: Saudi Arabia has emerged as the “quiet power broker,” balancing its production to prevent a total global energy collapse while the U.S. and Israel intensify strikes on Iranian infrastructure.
A Village in Mourning: The Karnataka Connection
In a surprising turn of events, a small village in Karnataka, India, has reportedly gone into mourning following Khamenei’s death.
- The Local Impact: Despite being 3,000 miles away, the community—which has historical and religious ties to Iranian clerical lineages—has shuttered shops and held prayer vigils for the late leader, highlighting the complex transnational influence of the Supreme Leader.
Regional Status: March 2, 2026 (12:45 PM IST)
| Location | Status | Current Event |
| Tehran, Iran | State of War | Retaliatory “Wave 6” launches underway. |
| Kuwait | High Alert | Investigations ongoing into the downed F-15. |
| Dubai/Abu Dhabi | Partial Shutdown | Intermittent GPS interference and airport delays. |
| Karnataka, India | Section 144 | Security tightened in specific pockets amid mourning. |