WASHINGTON (March 2, 2026) – On Saturday, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, was killed during joint U.S. and Israeli strikes. In response, Israel faced six Iranian missile attacks, which covered much of their territory. The Israeli government and military officials are anticipating conflict that could last for weeks.
Since the beginning of these strikes,oil production has been hindered, raising concerns about global energy markets, several countries are looking to evacuate their citizens, and Dubai International Airport was damaged during an airstrike. President Trump told CNN that the "big wave" is yet to come to Iran.
Experts at George Washington University are available for further analysis on these developments. To schedule an interview, please contact Nadia Payne at nadia [dot] payne
gwu [dot] edu (nadia[dot]payne[at]gwu[dot]edu) or GW media at gwmediagwu [dot] edu (gwmedia[at]gwu[dot]edu).
Dr. Sina Azodi is the Director of the Middle East Studies (MES) and Assistant Professor of Middle East Politics, at the George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs. Azodi is an expert in international relations of the Middle East, Iranian Foreign Policy, U.S.-Iranian Relations, Nuclear non-proliferation, Iran’s nuclear program and Iranian politics. Azodi can discuss the threats of rising tensions between Iran and Israel.
Dr. Amy Austin Holmes is a Research Professor of International Affairs. In the fall of 2024, she joined the Bush School of Government & Public Service in DC as a full-time faculty member. Previously, Dr Holmes served as the Acting Director of the Foreign Area Officers Program at George Washington University. In 2024, Dr Holmes was awarded a Minerva-Decur research grant comparing territorial and maritime expansion by Turkey, Russia, and China.
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