Major US-Israel Strikes Target Iran, Claims of Supreme Leader’s Death Emerge
Tehran, Iran – The United States and Israel launched a large-scale attack on Iran on Saturday, February 28, 2026, opening a new chapter in U.S. Intervention in the region. U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in the strikes, though Iranian authorities have not confirmed his death. The development underscores growing regional instability and raises concerns about potential escalation.
According to early reports, the first strikes appeared to target a compound near the offices of Ayatollah Khamenei in downtown Tehran. Iranian media reported explosions in the capital, with smoke rising over Jomhouri Square and Hassan Abad Square. Explosions were also reported in other cities, including Karaj, Isfahan, Qom, and Kermanshah. Videos circulating on social media showed people running in panic near the sites of the explosions.
President Trump urged the Iranian people to “take over your government” in a video address released Saturday, calling on them to rise up against the Islamic leadership that has been in power since 1979. This is the second time in eight months that the Trump administration has used military force against Iran.
In response to the attacks, Iran launched missiles and drones towards Israel and four Gulf Arab countries hosting U.S. Military bases: Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE. Sirens were reportedly heard in Israel, which had been placed on high alert following the strikes. Explosions were also heard in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and the UAE.
Several countries, including Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, closed their airspace on Saturday, leading to temporary flight cancellations by multiple airlines.
At the United Nations, the United States and Israel defended their strikes against Iran, even as Iranian news agencies reported that Ayatollah Khamenei remains “steadfast and firm in commanding the field.”
In Canada, Iranian monarchists expressed their gratitude to the United States for the actions taken. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as the international community assesses the impact of these events.
