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Iranian FM Survives Israeli-U.S. Strike Killing Khamenei, Hormuz Plan

7/23/2026

30 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi escaped the February 28 Israeli-U.S. airstrike that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Security personnel drove him in a civilian vehicle to the foreign ministry after the strike.
He warned that attackers’ precise schedule knowledge revealed a lingering security breach and that Iran had a Code 110 plan to close the Strait of Hormuz if the supreme leader were targeted.

History

Historical Context

On 18 April 1988 the U.S. Navy carried out Operation Praying Mantis, the largest surface engagement since World War II, to avenge the 14 April mining of USS Samuel B. Roberts. The raid sank the frigate Sahand, destroyed two Iranian oil platforms and multiple warships, costing Iran about $1 billion, and now the February 28 strike on Iran’s leadership revives fears of a Code 110 Hormuz closure.

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Story summary

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi escaped the February 28 Israeli-U.S. airstrike that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Security personnel drove him in a civilian vehicle to the foreign ministry after the strike.
He warned that attackers’ precise schedule knowledge revealed a lingering security breach and that Iran had a Code 110 plan to close the Strait of Hormuz if the supreme leader were targeted.

1 / 2