Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Reportedly Killed in Joint US-Israel Strike

Multiple sources are reporting that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed in air strikes conducted jointly by the United States and Israel. The reports emerged on Saturday, February 28, 2026, triggering a swift response from Iran and escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Conflicting Reports and Official Statements

Reuters, citing an unnamed Israeli official, initially reported Khamenei’s death and the discovery of his body [Source: Reuters]. Israeli media corroborated these reports, too referencing an unnamed Israeli official. U.S. President Donald Trump stated he believes the reports are accurate, though he refrained from providing specific details [Source: AP News]. However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei asserted that Ayatollah Khamenei is “safe and sound” [Source: Reuters].

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated there were “many signs” that Iran’s leader “is no longer” alive, but stopped short of confirming his death [Source: Reuters].

Retaliation and Regional Impact

Iran has retaliated against the strikes by launching missiles and drones towards Israel and Gulf countries hosting U.S. Military bases [Source: Times Now News]. A warning was issued regarding the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil supplies, prompting expectations of a significant increase in oil prices. Airlines have cancelled flights in the Middle East due to the escalating conflict.

Reports indicate a strike on a girls’ school in Minab city in Hormozgan province resulted in at least 51 student fatalities and numerous injuries [Source: Times Now News]. This area is located near a Revolutionary Guard base.

US and Israeli Objectives

President Trump stated the U.S. Operation aimed to eliminate threats and prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons [Source: Times Now News]. He urged Iranian security forces to lay down their arms and called on the Iranian people to rise up against their government. Netanyahu stated the objective is to end the Ayatollah’s regime [Source: The Jerusalem Post].

Key Figures Reportedly Killed

In addition to the reports surrounding Ayatollah Khamenei, several senior Iranian officials were reportedly killed in the strikes. These include Iranian Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh and Revolutionary Guard commander Mohammed Pakpour [Source: The Jerusalem Post]. Reports also suggest the deaths of Khamenei’s son-in-law and daughter-in-law [Source: Times Now News].

International Response

The UN Security Council is scheduled to meet to discuss the escalating situation. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate end to hostilities.

Ongoing Situation

The situation remains highly volatile, with Iran warning of a stronger response. A senior Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander stated that the initial missile attacks used only “scrap missiles” and that more advanced weaponry would be unveiled soon [Source: Times Now News]. The conflict threatens to escalate into a wider, deadlier war in the region.