US and Israel Launch Strikes on Iran, Trump Claims Khamenei is Dead
The United States and Israel conducted extensive strikes on Iran on Saturday, February 28, 2026, with U.S. President Donald Trump announcing that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the operation. The attacks, described as the most ambitious against Iran in decades, have triggered retaliatory missile launches by Iran towards Israel and several Gulf Arab nations hosting U.S. Bases.
Trump Announces Khamenei’s Death
President Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform, stated that the 86-year-traditional Khamenei was killed during the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes. He characterized Khamenei as “one of the most evil people in history” and urged Iranians to “take over your government,” claiming “the hour of your freedom is at hand.” NBC News reports Trump believes this presents a “single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.”
Conflicting Reports on Khamenei’s Status
Although Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated Khamenei’s death, Iranian state media disputed the claim. Tasnim and Mehr news agencies reported that Khamenei remained “steadfast and firm in commanding the field.” The head of public relations at Khamenei’s office accused enemies of engaging in “mental warfare.” Al Jazeera notes a senior Israeli official, citing Reuters, reported that Khamenei’s body had been located.
Details of the Joint Attack
The U.S. Launched “major combat operations” in Iran, working in conjunction with Israel. Israeli forces targeted Iranian political and military leaders, while the U.S. Focused on Iran’s ballistic missile and nuclear programs. NBC News reports that approximately 200 fighter jets were involved, hitting 500 targets across Iran, including strategic defense systems.
Iran’s Response and Regional Impact
Iran responded by firing missiles at Israel, as well as at U.S. Bases in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. The Pentagon reported no U.S. Deaths or injuries from the retaliatory attacks, which were part of a campaign dubbed “OPERATION EPIC FURY.” Iran also warned that the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil transport, had been closed, prompting expectations of a sharp increase in oil prices and flight cancellations in the Middle East. Reuters
Casualties and Humanitarian Concerns
The Iranian Red Crescent reported over 200 people killed and approximately 700 injured. Reports indicate a girls’ primary school in Minab, southern Iran, was struck, resulting in 85 deaths, though this remains unconfirmed by independent sources. Civilians expressed fear and panic, with one mother in Tabriz describing widespread terror. PBS
Diplomatic Efforts and Future Outlook
The U.N. Security Council is scheduled to meet to discuss the escalating situation. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated Iran is open to de-escalation and negotiations if the U.S. And Israel halt attacks, but dismissed Trump’s call for regime change as “mission impossible.” Trump has stated that the “heavy and pinpoint bombing” will continue, potentially for a week or longer, until the objectives of peace in the Middle East are achieved.