Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei Killed in Joint U.S.-Israeli Airstrikes

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on February 28, 2026, during a joint U.S.-Israeli airstrike targeting his compound in Tehran. Iranian state media confirmed his death, which occurred during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The attack also resulted in the deaths of other high-ranking officials, including the head of the Revolutionary Guard and Khamenei's senior security adviser.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced the operation, describing it as a significant blow to Iran's leadership and a step toward disabling its nuclear capabilities. In response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, U.S. bases in the region, and several neighboring countries. While the U.S. and Israel reported successful defense measures with minimal casualties, substantial damage and civilian deaths were reported in Iran, including a strike on a girls' school.

The operation had been planned for months amid rising tensions and followed stalled nuclear talks. Iran declared a 40-day national mourning period and formed a temporary ruling council, vowing retribution. The situation has significantly heightened fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East and disrupted regional air traffic and oil shipments.

In Pakistan, at least nine people were killed and around 25 injured in violent clashes in Karachi after protesters stormed the U.S. Consulate in response to the joint U.S.-Israeli attack. The violence erupted as hundreds of mostly Shiite demonstrators gathered, with some attempting to damage the consulate. Police and paramilitary forces intervened, and officials confirmed a nearby police post was torched and windows broken.

The U.S. Embassy issued safety advisories for American citizens across Pakistan, including in Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi called for calm, urging peaceful protest while expressing solidarity with Iranians over Khamenei’s death. Protests also occurred in other cities like Multan and Lahore, where Shiite demonstrators condemned the U.S. and Israel. Authorities increased security at U.S. diplomatic sites nationwide to prevent further unrest.

Khamenei, who had ruled Iran since 1989, oversaw the country's hardline theocracy, expanded influence via regional proxy forces, and crushed internal dissent. His death leaves a power vacuum, with no clear successor chosen. The Assembly of Experts will name a new leader, but the Revolutionary Guard remains a decisive force.