politics
March 2, 2026
Iran confirms Supreme Leader Khamenei is dead
Iranian state media has confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the joint US-Israeli strikes on the Islamic Republic
TL;DR
- Iranian state media announced the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
- Khamenei was reportedly killed in a joint US-Israeli strike.
- Iran's President's office vowed strong retaliation and announced 40 days of mourning.
- Moscow condemned the assassination, calling it a violation of international relations.
- Conflicting reports emerged earlier, with US President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu hinting at Khamenei's death.
- Netanyahu claimed a 'powerful surprise attack' on Khamenei's compound and threatened further strikes.
- The strikes targeted Iranian leadership, military, and nuclear facilities, described by Washington and West Jerusalem as 'preemptive'.
- Trump stated the attack aimed to destroy Iran's missile industry and navy and force regime change.
- Iran has retaliated with missile and drone strikes against Israeli territory and US bases.
- Russia described the operation as a 'premeditated and unprovoked act of aggression'.
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