Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Killed in Joint US-Israeli Strike

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, was killed in a joint American and Israeli operation on Saturday, March 1, 2026, according to statements from both US President Donald Trump and Iranian state media NPR. The operation targeted Iran as part of a broader military campaign intended to topple the Islamic regime.

Confirmation and Reactions

Trump announced Khamenei’s death on his Truth Social account, stating that Israel, with US support, carried out the strike. He claimed that Khamenei “was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems” NPR. Hours later, Trump warned Iran against retaliation, threatening a response “with a force that has never been seen before!” NPR.

Iran’s government has declared 40 days of mourning NPR. In addition to Khamenei, several top Iranian security officials were reportedly killed in the strikes, including the country’s defense minister, the commander of the Revolutionary Guard Corps, and a close advisor to Khamenei NPR. Iran state media has confirmed these deaths.

Broader Campaign and Casualties

The strikes are part of a larger military campaign aimed at regime change in Iran The Guardian. As of Tuesday, March 3, 2026, the Iranian Red Crescent reported that more than 780 people have been killed in Iran since the attacks began The Guardian.

Trump stated that 48 Iranian leaders have been killed in the US and Israeli strikes The Guardian.

Potential Leadership Succession and Regional Response

Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah, has announced himself as a possible interim leader of Iran BBC News. However, Trump has not endorsed Pahlavi, suggesting that someone from within Iran might be more suitable BBC News.

Hezbollah, a key ally of Iran, has launched missiles and drones towards Israel in retaliation for Khamenei’s death The Guardian. Israeli strikes have targeted Hezbollah positions across Lebanon, including the southern suburbs of Beirut The Guardian.

Calls for Regime Change

Both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have called on the Iranian people to overthrow the current regime The Guardian. Trump has also urged Iranian soldiers to lay down their arms, offering them “full immunity” The Guardian.