Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Killed in US-Israeli Attack on Iran
Iran confirmed the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, following a joint U.S.-Israeli attack on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The attack, which targeted multiple locations in Tehran, likewise resulted in the deaths of Iranian Defense Minister Amir Nasirzadeh and Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammed Pakpour [USAToday].
Details of the Attack
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Khamenei’s Tehran compound was destroyed, along with Revolutionary Guard commanders and senior nuclear officials [USAToday]. Satellite imagery captured by Airbus showed smoke billowing from Khamenei’s residence. The attack involved high-precision ammunition and long-range missiles, hitting three locations almost simultaneously [Reuters].
U.S. And Israeli Response
President Donald Trump announced the attack as part of “a massive and ongoing operation,” stating it would halt Iran’s military and nuclear weapons program and complete its leadership [USAToday]. Trump urged the Iranian people to “capture over your government” and “seize control of your destiny” [USAToday]. The operation was reportedly weeks in the making, with Netanyahu informing Trump of Iran’s advancements in its missile program after a U.S. Bombing in June that targeted uranium enrichment facilities [Reuters].
Casualties and Aftermath
Iranian media reported at least 201 people killed and 747 injured across 24 provinces as a result of the attacks [USAToday]. At least 85 people were reported killed at a girls’ school in Minab, southern Iran [USAToday]. Iran responded with counterattacks against U.S. Bases in several countries [Reuters].
Intelligence Gathering
Intelligence agencies from the U.S. And Israel had been monitoring Khamenei and other Iranian leaders for months, analyzing their routines and movements [Reuters]. The opportunity to strike arose when high-ranking officials, including Khamenei, gathered at a complex in Tehran housing the Ayatollah’s office, the Iranian presidency, and the national security apparatus [Reuters].
A 40-day mourning period for Khamenei has been announced [Al Jazeera].