Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s Death and Trump’s Response

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader for nearly four decades, was killed in a U.S.-Israeli attack on Saturday, February 28, 2026, according to President Donald Trump. The announcement has sparked both celebration among opponents of the regime and concerns about regional instability.

Trump Announces Khamenei’s Death

President Trump announced Khamenei’s death on social media, stating, “This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS.” ABC News and NBC News both reported on Trump’s announcement.

Confirmation from Iranian State TV

Iranian state TV confirmed Khamenei’s death on Saturday night.

Khamenei’s Leadership

Khamenei, 86, had led Iran since the 1989 death of Ruhollah Khomeini, the country’s founding supreme leader. He previously served as Iran’s president from 1981 to 1989.

Reaction to the News

Witnesses in Tehran reported loud cheers and celebratory music following reports of Khamenei’s death.

Recent Conflict and Warnings

During the 2025 Iran-Israel conflict, Khamenei vowed that Iran would not surrender, stating, “War will be met with war, bombing with bombing, and strike with strike. Iran will not submit to any demands or dictates.”

Operation Epic Fury

The U.S. And Israel launched a predawn assault on Iran, a major military campaign dubbed “Operation Epic Fury.” Targets included air defense capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields.

Casualties Reported

According to the Iranian rights group HRANA, 133 civilians had been killed and 200 others were injured as of late Saturday.

International Response

The death of Khamenei creates a leadership vacuum in Tehran as heads of state worldwide grapple with the prospect of wider regional instability. CNN reports that Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, vowed retaliation, stating Iran would “stab” America in the heart.