Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Killed in US-Israeli Strike, Trump Announces

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader for nearly four decades, has been killed in a joint U.S.-Israeli military operation, according to announcements made by U.S. President Donald Trump and confirmed by Iranian state TV . The strike, which occurred on Saturday, February 28, 2026, marks a significant turning point in the region and has sparked both celebration and calls for retaliation.

A Decades-Long Reign Ended

Khamenei, 86, had held the position of supreme leader since 1989, succeeding Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran . His death eliminates a key figure who shaped Iran’s domestic and foreign policy for almost 40 years. Prior to becoming supreme leader, Khamenei served as Iran’s president from 1981 to 1989.

Details of the Strike and Casualties

The U.S. And Israel launched a predawn assault on Iran, targeting air defense capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields . The operation, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury,” followed months of escalating tensions and warnings from Trump regarding potential military intervention. In addition to Khamenei, several other high-ranking Iranian officials were reportedly killed, including his daughter, son-in-law, grandson, Iran’s army chief of staff General Abdol Rahim Mousavi, defence minister General Aziz Nasirzadeh, Major General Mohammad Pakpour, and Ali Shamkhani, a top security adviser .

Reactions and Calls for Change

Following the announcement of Khamenei’s death, celebrations erupted in parts of Tehran, Karaj, and Isfahan, with residents expressing hope for a change in leadership . President Trump urged Iranians to “seize control of their government,” calling it “yours to take” . He described Khamenei as “one of the most evil people in history” and warned of a forceful response to any retaliatory attacks.

Formation of a Temporary Leadership Council

In the wake of Khamenei’s death, a three-person temporary leadership council has been formed to govern Iran, in accordance with Islamic Republic law . The council includes Iran’s reformist president, Masoud Pezeshkian, the hard-line head of the judiciary, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, and Alireza Arafi, a member of Iran’s Guardian Council and head of the Basij paramilitary force.

Retaliation and Regional Instability

Tehran has vowed to retaliate for Khamenei’s death, describing it as a “legitimate right and duty” . Iranian missiles and drones have already targeted military bases across the Middle East, with reports of attacks in Israel, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. Three U.S. Servicemen were killed and five wounded in an Iranian attack on Kuwait . The attacks have led to airspace closures and disruptions to air travel across the region.

International Response

The international community has reacted with a mix of condemnation, and concern. China’s foreign ministry condemned the attacks as a violation of international law , while Russian President Vladimir Putin described Khamenei’s death as a “cynical murder” and a violation of international norms .

Trump Open to Talks

Despite the recent military action, President Trump has indicated a willingness to engage in talks with Iran’s recent leadership, stating, “They want to talk, and I have agreed to talk” . He suggested that Iran should have pursued dialogue earlier.