Iran’s state media has confirmed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who led the country since 1989, has been killed following a major military attack by the United States and Israel. Iranian state television announced his death early on 1 March 2026, declaring a 40-day period of national mourning and several days of public holidays.
The strikes part of a coordinated operation targeting leadership compounds and military infrastructure in Iran were publicly acknowledged by U.S. and Israeli officials. American President Donald Trump had earlier said Khamenei was killed in the offensive, describing it as a significant blow to what he called a long-standing threat.
In addition to Khamenei, reports say several of his close family members and top Iranian officials were also killed in the attacks. Witnesses in Tehran described smoke rising from the area near the supreme leader’s compound during the bombardment.
The situation has triggered immediate retaliation from Iran, which has launched missile and drone strikes against Israeli and U.S. positions in the region. Many governments and international organizations are urging de-escalation as tensions threaten to spread across the Middle East.
