Dehlan, Iran – Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader for over three decades, has died, according to multiple reports. The announcement follows a joint U.S.-Israeli strike against Iran, marking a significant turning point in the region and potentially ushering in a period of uncertainty for the Islamic Republic.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday, March 1, 2026, that Khamenei was killed during the large-scale aerial assault. The news was later confirmed by Iranian state television. This development underscores growing regional tensions and could have far-reaching consequences for international diplomacy.
Khamenei, 86, had been in power since 1979, becoming one of the longest-serving leaders in the world. As supreme leader, he held ultimate authority – serving as head of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces, including the elite Revolutionary Guard. While not an absolute dictator, he possessed the power to veto public policy and personally select candidates for public office.
According to reports, a satellite image showed significant damage to Khamenei’s heavily guarded residence in Tehran, with smoke rising from the complex. The residence was reportedly destroyed in the attack.
The strike also reportedly resulted in the deaths of several other high-ranking Iranian military officials, including Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Commander Mohammad Pakpour, Defense Minister Aziz Nassizadeh and Ali Shamkhani, a close advisor to Khamenei and former commander of the Iranian Navy.
While the exact details of how Khamenei was killed remain unclear, the operation demonstrates a high degree of coordination between the United States and Israel. Israeli officials stated that the initial strikes targeted a gathering of senior Iranian officials.
Following the confirmation of Khamenei’s death, Iranian state television announced 40 days of national mourning and a seven-day public holiday. Reports indicate that four of Khamenei’s close relatives, including his wife, also died in the attack.
Initial reports from Iranian officials attempted to dismiss the claims of Khamenei’s death as disinformation or psychological warfare. However, these denials were ultimately superseded by the state television announcement. An image was subsequently posted on Khamenei’s official X account featuring a faceless religious figure holding a flaming sword.
The death of Khamenei, who had dominated Iranian politics for decades, is expected to trigger significant political change both within Iran and across the wider region. His son is reportedly being considered as a potential successor, though this remains unconfirmed. The announcement could influence future diplomatic talks and the overall geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
Khamenei was born in Mashhad, northeastern Iran, in 1939. He survived multiple assassination attempts throughout his life, including a bombing during his 1981 presidential campaign that damaged his vocal cords, lungs, and right arm.
Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that the U.S. Military expects to have complete control of Iranian airspace within a week. Iran, however, has claimed to have full control of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane.
Read more at Hong Kong Radio Television
