President Donald Trump’s decision to launch military onslaught against Iran on Saturday was influenced by intense lobbying by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Israel, the Washington Post reported on Sunday.

The report cited four sources familiar with the matter, stating that Mr Trump launched “Operation Epic Fury” against Iran on Saturday after months of private calls by Mr Bin Salman requesting the attack.

“Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made multiple private phone calls to Trump over the past month advocating a U.S. attack, despite his public support for a diplomatic solution,” the report said.

It added that combined behind-the-scenes push from Saudi Prince and Israel eventually “helped lead Trump to order a massive aerial campaign against Iran’s leadership and military.”

Saturday’s attack jointly coordinated by U.S. and Israel forces led to the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several other members of his regime. 

State media in the early hours of Sunday confirmed Mr Khamenei was killed in the attack on Saturday. Also, at least 40 members of Mr Khamenei’s regime were killed in a wave of attack. 

In retaliation, Iran fired several missiles at U.S. bases in Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia. 

While the attack was underway, Mr Trump, in a live broadcast, said he was out to eliminate members of Iranian regime, charging citizens to take over their government once the attack were concluded.

Mr Trump said Iran would never be allowed to have nuclear arms, vowing to destroy the Islamic Republic’s nuclear weapon infrastructure.