• Israeli and US airstrikes hit the Assembly of Experts building in Qom, Iran.
• The strikes occurred during a critical meeting to choose Khamenei's successor.
• No casualties reported, but the building was described as damaged and unused.
• The leadership transition comes after the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
• Hostilities between Iran and Israel have escalated significantly.

Israeli and US airstrikes targeted a building linked to Iran’s Assembly of Experts in Qom, which was reportedly hosting senior clerics involved in selecting a successor to the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The airstrikes reportedly occurred during the assembly's meetings for this critical leadership transition, with an Israeli official stating, "Israel struck while they were counting the votes for the appointment of the supreme leader,” according to Middle East Eye and India Times.

The targeted building was described as an “old auxiliary structure” by Iranian sources, claiming it was not in use for official meetings. Iranian state media reported no casualties from the strikes, which have incurred heavy damage to the structure. Meanwhile, an Israeli security official mentioned uncertainty regarding how many assembly members were in attendance at the time, reinforcing the tensions surrounding the leadership transition as Iran prepares to appoint Khamenei's successor, according to AA and Middle East Eye.

The escalation of hostilities follows the assassination of Khamenei, prompting swift actions from Iran’s leadership to fill the supreme leader position, marking a rare event since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Reports suggest a potential interim leadership council may form, which will be pivotal as future tensions unfold. With nearly 800 casualties reported from the conflict thus far, both countries have engaged in retaliatory strikes, signaling a severe deterioration in relations, according to Middle East Eye and India Times.