A major joint military operation launched by the United States and Israel has resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, President Donald Trump announced on Saturday. The strikes, targeting sites across Iran, mark a significant escalation in regional tensions and come after weeks of increasing threats of conflict.
According to reports, the campaign began shortly after 8 a.m. Israel time on Saturday, March 1, 2026, and included attacks on military targets, symbols of government, and intelligence facilities throughout the Islamic Republic. Several senior Revolutionary Guards commanders and political officials were also reportedly killed, including the commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, and Iranian defense minister Aziz Nasirzadeh. [The Times of Israel] and [CBS News] both reported on the deaths.
President Trump stated the operation was intended “to prevent this very wicked, radical dictatorship from threatening America and our core national security interests.” He also indicated that “heavy and pinpoint bombing” would “continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary.” [CBS News]
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei as a “declaration of war against Muslims, particularly Shiites across the globe,” and vowed to seek justice and retaliation against those responsible. [CBS News] He described the event as “one of the gravest trials facing the Islamic world today.”
Early reports suggest approximately 40 Iranian officials may have been killed in the strikes. Israeli forces have reportedly targeted the “heart of Tehran” for the first time since the operation began. [PBS NewsHour] and [Expressen]
The development underscores growing regional instability and raises concerns about potential further escalation. The strikes could have significant implications for diplomatic efforts in the Middle East and beyond. According to early reports, thousands of Swedish citizens are believed to be stranded in countries surrounding Iran. [Sveriges Radio]
Experts suggest that the Iranian regime is unlikely to collapse quickly. [Dagens Nyheter]
