Iran Confirms Supreme Leader Killed in US-Israeli Strikes

Iran has formally confirmed the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, following coordinated airstrikes by the United States and Israel, according to Iranian state broadcasters on Sunday.

Khamenei, who was 86 and had ruled Iran for more than three decades, was killed during the attacks carried out on February 28, 2026. Authorities have announced a 40-day national mourning period in his honour.

The news was first made public by former US President Donald Trump, who posted on Truth Social, describing the killing as “justice for the people of Iran.”

Reports indicate that the air campaign struck targets across 24 Iranian provinces, leaving at least 201 people dead. Among those killed were the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and a senior national security adviser.

In response, Iran launched retaliatory strikes, including attacks on the US Fifth Fleet stationed in Bahrain, as well as other American military facilities in the region. Iranian missiles also struck Tel Aviv, killing at least one civilian.

Iran has further escalated the situation by moving to shut down the vital Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route.

Khamenei’s death has plunged Iran into political uncertainty. The Assembly of Experts is constitutionally mandated to appoint a new Supreme Leader, but analysts warn the transition could take several paths — from the continuation of clerical authority to direct military rule, or even a broader collapse of the current system.

Public reaction within Tehran has been sharply divided. While some citizens have been seen celebrating in the streets, highlighting longstanding social and political grievances, others are openly mourning the long-time leader.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council has urged all parties to immediately de-escalate, cautioning that the rapidly intensifying conflict risks igniting a wider regional war.