Demonstrations have erupted across the world in the wake of US–Israeli strikes on Iran, with some condemning the attacks and others rallying in support. At least 550 people have been killed in Iran since the beginning of the strikes, which also resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Saturday.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz says Hezbollah chief Naim Kassem is now a target for elimination after Hezbollah fired at Israel in retaliation for Khamenei’s killing. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, says the country remains open to talks.

Meanwhile, the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has urged travellers scheduled to depart from South African airports to the Middle East and the United Arab Emirates not to proceed to airport precincts until they have confirmed their flight status directly with their airlines. The disruption has affected many travellers, including South Africans currently in, or based in, the Middle East.
South Africans caught up in the bombings carried out by Iran in Bahrain and Dubai say they are fearing for their lives and hope to return home safely once the situation allows.

Lulu Gaboo spoke to Yathin Soni, Managing Director of North Star, and Amir Bagherioromi, a South African–Iranian Independent Political Analyst and Writer focusing on Iran, the Middle East and global power dynamics.