- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Demarest Today
By the People, for the People
US Launches Strikes Against Iran, Killing Top Leaders
Readers debate whether the president's decision to attack Iran was a 'war of choice' or a necessary action to confront a dangerous regime.
Published on Mar. 5, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The US has launched a series of strikes against Iran, killing the country's top leadership including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The decision to attack Iran, dubbed 'Operation Epic Fury', has sparked debate, with some arguing it was a necessary action to confront a dangerous regime, while others claim it was a 'war of choice' that will have dire consequences.
Why it matters
The conflict with Iran is not just a regional issue, but one that concerns the stability and security of the entire world. Iran has long been accused of sponsoring terrorism and violence that has affected many countries. The US decision to take decisive action against Iran's leadership has major geopolitical implications.
The details
The US strikes, coordinated with Israel, targeted and killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other top officials. This was seen by the US as a necessary step to confront Iran's theocratic, fascist and fanatical regime, which has been accused of pursuing nuclear weapons and supporting terrorist activities. However, critics argue that the attack will only serve to make Khamenei a martyr, potentially sowing the seeds of a century of violent extremism among Shia Muslims worldwide.
- The US launched the strikes, dubbed 'Operation Epic Fury', on March 4, 2026.
The players
Ali Khamenei
The Supreme Leader of Iran, who was killed in the US strikes.
Donald Trump
The President of the United States who ordered the strikes against Iran.
Benjamin Netanyahu
The Prime Minister of Israel, who was said to have pushed the US into the preemptive attack on Iran.
What they’re saying
“The war on terror will not be won on the defensive. We must take the battle to the enemy, disrupt his plans, and confront the worst threats before they emerge.”
— George W. Bush, Former President
“Making its supreme leader a martyr effectively sows the seeds of a century of violent extremism among 200 to 300 million Shia around the world.”
— Eric Radack (nypost.com)
“Trump's sensational attack, coordinated with Israel, was simply astounding. After 47 years of torture, terrorism and other outrages, Iran's top leadership was wiped out.”
— Matthew Pease (nypost.com)
What’s next
The US and its allies will likely face increased tensions and potential retaliation from Iran and its proxies in the region following the strikes. The long-term implications of the attack on Iran's leadership remain to be seen.
The takeaway
The US decision to launch strikes against Iran's top leadership was a high-stakes gamble aimed at confronting a dangerous regime, but it also risks further destabilizing the region and fueling extremism. The move highlights the difficult choices facing policymakers when it comes to addressing long-standing threats.
