Iran Releases First Video of Mojtaba Khamenei as Missiles Target Israel, US Bases

Iranian state media outlets have released what they said is the first-ever video of the country’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, even as tensions across West Asia continue to escalate with fresh missile and drone exchanges involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.

The video, aired by Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, appears to be an archived clip, though its date remains unknown.

It shows Khamenei teaching religious science to a group of attentive pupils. The broadcaster said the footage was published for the first time.

Meanwhile, Press TV reported on Friday that Iran launched its 66th wave of Operation True Promise 4, deploying five super-heavy and multi-warhead missiles.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the operation involved a large-scale reprisal targeting locations across Israel and US military positions in the region.

How did the Israel Defense Forces respond to Iran’s missile launches?

In a statement, the Corps' Public Relations Office said the latest phase was carried out "successfully" and struck targets in the heart and south of what it described as occupied territories, including Tel Aviv, as well as US bases in the region.

The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that missiles were launched from Iran towards Israeli territory.

Authorities issued emergency alerts to civilians. The Home Front Command sent preliminary directives directly to mobile phones, urging residents to move to protected spaces.

"The defense systems are operating to intercept the threat. In the last few minutes, the Home Front Command has issued a preliminary directive directly to mobile phones in the relevant areas. The public is requested to exercise responsibility and act in accordance with the directives--they save lives," the post further read.

What safety directives did the Israel Defense Forces issue amid Iran missile threats?

"One must enter protected spaces upon receiving the alert and remain in them until a new announcement. Exit from the protected space will be permitted only after receiving an explicit directive; continue to act in accordance with the Home Front Command's directives,” the IDF added.

Regional spillover of the conflict was also reported. Al Jazeera Breaking said Kuwait was targeted by missile and drone attacks, while the United Arab Emirates defended against a missile threat.

The Dubai Media Office confirmed that all air interception operations were successful and no injuries were reported.

Explosions were also reported in Tehran as air defence systems engaged incoming targets. The Saudi Defence Ministry said it intercepted five drones in its eastern region.

In recent strikes, National Security Advisor Ali Larijani and Minister of Intelligence Esmail Khatib were also eliminated. The conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran is now approaching its fourth week.

How did Iran respond to Israel’s South Pars attack with strikes on Qatar and Haifa?

Following an Israeli attack on Iran’s South Pars Gas Field on Wednesday night, Iran struck Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City, causing extensive damage, according to the country’s Ministry of Defence.

On Thursday, an Iranian ballistic missile hit a major oil refinery complex in northern Israel. According to CNN, the missile struck the Haifa oil refinery complex, with Israeli sources confirming the impact.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Tehran had used only a "fraction" of its capabilities in its response.

"Our response to Israel's attack on our infrastructure employed FRACTION of our power. The ONLY reason for restraint was respect for requested de-escalation. ZERO restraint if our infrastructures are struck again. Any end to this war must address damage to our civilian sites," he said in a post on X.

Diplomatic engagement also continued amid the escalation.

The UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and US President Donald Trump discussed regional developments and their implications for global peace during a phone call, according to Al Jazeera citing the state-run WAM news agency.

The two leaders reviewed what were described as "blatant and continuous Iranian aggressions against the United Arab Emirates and other countries in the region, which target civilians, civilian facilities, and infrastructure, representing a violation of the sovereignty of these countries and international laws."

Trump condemned the attacks and reaffirmed the "United States' solidarity with the UAE and the countries of the region, and its full support for them in defending their territories, stability, and security," the report added.

(With inputs from ANI)