Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei Killed in Joint U.S.-Israeli Strike
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader since 1989, was killed in a coordinated military operation by the United States and Israel, leading to significant regional repercussions.
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed on February 28, 2026, during a coordinated military operation conducted by the United States and Israel. President Donald Trump confirmed Khamenei's death on social media, stating, "Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead."
The joint operation targeted multiple high-ranking Iranian officials. Among those killed were Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander Mohammad Pakpour, and Ali Shamkhani, Secretary of the Iranian Security Council.
In response to the attack, Iran launched missile and drone strikes targeting U.S. military bases and Israeli locations, including residential areas in Tel Aviv. The U.S. military reported no casualties and minimal damage from these retaliatory strikes.
The death of Khamenei, who had led Iran since 1989, marks a significant turning point for the Islamic Republic. Iran has declared a 40-day mourning period and a week-long public holiday in his honor. The Assembly of Experts is expected to convene to select a new Supreme Leader, though no clear successor has been announced.
The operation has heightened tensions in the Middle East, with concerns about potential regional instability and the future direction of Iran's leadership.