US’s Hegseth claims new Iran Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei injured

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth claimed on March 13, 2026, that Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was wounded in US-Israeli attacks. Hegseth stated Khamenei was "wounded and likely disfigured" during a Pentagon press conference, but provided no evidence. This follows Khamenei's first public statement since becoming Supreme Leader after his father's assassination on February 28, where he vowed to continue fighting and attack US bases if they weren't closed. The statement was written, not videoed, which Hegseth cited as suspicious. Tensions remain high, with President Trump expressing disapproval of Khamenei's appointment. The conflict has reportedly resulted in over 1,444 deaths and 18,551 injuries in Iran.

In March 2026, the International Energy Agency (IEA) announced the release of nearly 400 million barrels of oil from its strategic reserves, the largest release in its history. This action was taken in response to a significant supply disruption caused by the war between the United States, Israel, and Iran, which began in late February 2026. Iran's retaliatory strikes, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil supply route, drove crude prices above $100 per barrel. The IEA, comprised of 32 member nations, aims to stabilize volatile energy markets with this release, which represents one-third of its total government reserves. The agency believes the current crisis surpasses the impact of the 1991 Gulf War and the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine on global oil markets.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has outlined conditions for ending the ongoing war with the United States and Israel, marking a potential shift in Tehran's stance after nearly two weeks of conflict. Pezeshkian stated on X that ending the war requires recognizing Iran's rights, payment of reparations, and international guarantees against future aggression. This announcement comes as pressure increases on the US to end the costly mission. Iran has retaliated against US assets and disrupted global supplies, including threatening the Strait of Hormuz, in response to military attacks by the US and Israel. Analysts suggest Iran's ability to inflict economic pain will likely determine the war's conclusion.

Chinese analysts believe the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran, initiated with joint air strikes on February 28th, may be difficult to end quickly due to Israel's potential to escalate the conflict. The war, which has already surpassed Iran's previous conflict with Israel, involves retaliatory strikes across the region, with civilian and military casualties reported by both sides. Tehran reports over 1,300 civilian deaths, while Washington confirms injuries to approximately 140 US troops and the death of seven service members. Despite the high tensions and fighting spreading to neighboring countries, analysts doubt the conflict's long-term sustainability and reject the idea that it would benefit China. The conflict began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran, including an oil storage facility in Tehran.

In his first public statement since becoming Iran's Supreme Leader on March 8th, Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to continue blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping channel. The message, broadcast on Iranian state TV, also promised retaliation for Iranians killed in the war with the US and Israel, including his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died in a US-Israeli strike. Khamenei warned neighboring countries to close US bases, stating that Iran would continue targeting them. He claimed to have learned of his appointment as Supreme Leader via state TV. While reports suggest Khamenei was lightly injured in the strike that killed his father, he has not been seen publicly since assuming the role.

In March 2026, despite US President Trump's claims of victory in the US-Israeli war on Iran, Iran's retaliatory strikes against Israel and US assets have continued, disrupting global markets. Following US-Israeli strikes on Tehran that killed Iranian leaders, Iran's Foreign Minister stated that bombings would not impact Iran's ability to wage war. Analysts suggest Iran is employing "asymmetric" warfare tactics due to its conventional military inferiority compared to the US and Israel. This involves unconventional methods like guerrilla tactics, cyberattacks, and the use of proxies to offset conventional weaknesses and exploit vulnerabilities. Experts say that these methods are central to Iran's grand strategy.

Israeli security sources have stated that Israel's attack on Iran lacked a clear plan for regime change, with hopes of a popular uprising considered unrealistic. Despite nearly two weeks of bombing raids and the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's leadership remains. The success of the conflict may depend on the fate of 440kg of enriched uranium, enough for multiple nuclear warheads, buried under a mountain. Sources say that if the regime survives and retains the uranium, Iran may pursue nuclear weapons. The US is reportedly considering a high-risk mission to secure the uranium, and pre-war negotiations included proposals for Iran to surrender it.

Chinese analysts believe the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran's new supreme leader will likely ensure continuity and stability in the country's policies, particularly regarding its relationship with China. Khamenei, son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was confirmed as the new supreme leader by Iran's Assembly of Experts on Monday. Analysts suggest Khamenei may maintain or even harden his father's hardline stance against the US and Israel, potentially driven by personal grievances stemming from the death of his wife during recent US-Israeli military strikes. This continuity is expected to stabilize ties between Beijing and Tehran, as Khamenei assumes ultimate authority over Iranian state affairs, including foreign policy and the nuclear program.

On day 11 of the US-Israel war on Iran, March 10, 2026, intense bombardments continue in Tehran, where hundreds of thousands rallied in support of Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. Despite ongoing attacks, including one on Arak that killed five, Iran vows to continue fighting, rejecting US President Trump's claim of a quick end to the war. Iran accuses the US of intending to partition the country and seize oil. Several nations, including China, Russia, and France, have contacted Iran regarding a ceasefire. Attacks on residential areas in Tehran have resulted in numerous casualties, with Iran reporting over 1,255 deaths and 10,000 injuries. The US is monitoring for potential activation of Iranian sleeper cells within the country.

Following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli attack, Mojtaba Khamenei has been named the new Supreme Leader of Iran in March 2026. In Kano, northern Nigeria, Shia Muslims gathered to mourn the late leader, viewing his death as the silencing of a spiritual teacher and a blow to the "continuation of his father's resistance." Nigerian Shias see their faith as intertwined with Iran's Shia community. The elder Khamenei, who became Supreme Leader in 1989, was seen as a leader of oppressed people globally due to Iran's involvement in issues like Gaza and Palestine. His death has stirred deep emotions among Nigeria's Shia minority.

Following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli strike, Iran's state media is showcasing pro-Mojtaba Khamenei rallies across the country, with citizens pledging loyalty to the new leader. These displays contrast sharply with earlier celebrations of Ali Khamenei's death, fueled by public anger over decades of repression. Despite an internet blackout, reports suggest some Iranians fear increased repression under Mojtaba, who has strong ties to the IRGC and Basij militia. Mojtaba's appointment follows the strike that killed his father and other family members. The prosecutor general has warned Iranians against cooperating with the US and Israel, signaling a potential crackdown amid the ongoing war.

Following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, his son Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, has become Iran's new leader. Selected by the Assembly of Experts, Mojtaba assumes power as the Islamic Republic faces what is described as an existential battle. While supporters celebrated his appointment, some protesters voiced opposition, fearing an even harsher regime. Mojtaba, considered an ultraconservative, has worked within his father's government for decades and has close ties to the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC, which holds significant security and economic power, reportedly supported his candidacy. The war is described as personal, as Mojtaba also lost his mother in the same Israeli strike that killed his father.

Fighting between the U.S., Israel, and Iran has entered its second week, raising significant questions about the conflict's duration, objectives, and economic impact. The war began on February 28th, and there are no signs of it ending soon. Iran is retaliating against Israel, U.S. assets, and neighboring Arab countries. Mediation efforts are reportedly underway, although details are scarce. A key unknown is the stance of Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father after the war's initial strikes. Seen as more hard-line, his intentions regarding negotiations or continued conflict remain unclear. Iran's strategy of regional disruption persists, with attacks reported in Persian Gulf countries.

On March 9, 2026, Mojtaba Khamenei was named Iran's new supreme leader, succeeding his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This transition occurred amidst ongoing attacks on Iran by the US and Israel, with explosions reported in Qom and Tehran. Israeli attacks on Iranian oil facilities earlier caused toxic smoke to spread across Tehran. Iran's military and political leaders have reportedly pledged allegiance to the new supreme leader. Saudi Arabia has reported two deaths amid Iranian counterattacks.

Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Mojtaba Khamenei has been chosen as Iran's new supreme leader. This transition occurs amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East. Iran is reportedly conducting retaliatory strikes across the region, including a drone attack in Bahrain that injured 32 people. Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait have also reported new attacks and interceptions of missiles and drones. The escalating conflict has caused oil prices to surge past $100 a barrel, triggering fears of global inflation and causing the Australian share market to plunge.

Following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli strike, Iran's Assembly of Experts has reportedly reached a consensus on his successor. According to Assembly member Ayatollah Mohammad-Mahdi Mirbagheri, the selection process faces some remaining obstacles. The 88-member Assembly is constitutionally authorized to choose the Supreme Leader. Israeli military officials have threatened members of the Assembly of Experts against participating in the selection process. Another member of the body, Hojjatoleslam Jafari, expressed hope that the Iranian people will be satisfied with the decision, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.

Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei amid escalating conflict, Iran has signaled that his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, is likely to be named the new supreme leader. Ayatollah Hosseinali Eshkevari stated a vote had been cast, and another cleric indicated the announcement would be made by Hosseini Bushehri. Wartime conditions have prevented a public gathering to confirm the selection. The news comes as Israel reportedly struck fuel depots in Tehran, and Bahrain claimed an Iranian attack damaged a desalination plant. US President Donald Trump asserted that Washington should have a say in the selection process, implying potential consequences if the chosen leader doesn't receive US approval.

Iranian state TV announced on Sunday that Mojtaba Khamenei, a son of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been named his successor. Mojtaba Khamenei was considered a potential successor even before his father was killed in an Israeli strike at the start of the war. The strike, which targeted the supreme leader's offices, also killed Mojtaba's wife. Despite being a secretive figure, Mojtaba had long been viewed as a contender for the position. He assumes the role despite never having been elected or appointed to any government position.

Following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes, Iran has appointed his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as the new Supreme Leader. The announcement was made by clerics, with support quickly pledged by the IRGC, armed forces, and key political figures. Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, has been a highly influential figure within the Supreme Leader's inner circle for decades, cultivating strong ties to the IRGC. Analysts suggest his appointment indicates the continued power of hardline factions within the Iranian government. As the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei will lead Iran through a period of significant crisis amidst a growing regional war.

Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is a potential candidate to succeed his father as the country's paramount ruler. He was considered a contender even before his father's death in an Israeli strike last week. Despite this, Mojtaba has never held an elected or appointed government position. He is described as a secretive figure within the Islamic Republic. Mojtaba Khamenei has not been seen publicly since the Israeli airstrike that killed his 86-year-old father. The circumstances surrounding the succession remain unclear.

Intense Israeli strikes targeted Iran and Lebanon as the US warned of a dramatic surge in bombardment in the Middle East on Thursday, March 5, 2026. The US has been striking Iran for six consecutive days, escalating the conflict. Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah intensified, with Israeli tanks moving to the Lebanese border. Azerbaijan accused Iran of a drone attack and threatened retaliation, signaling a potential expansion of the war. Governments worldwide are scrambling to evacuate citizens stranded across the region as the conflict disrupts travel, including at Dubai International Airport. The escalating conflict raises concerns about regional stability and potential internal destabilization within Iran.

Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in attacks by the US and Israel in March 2026, his son Mojtaba Khamenei has emerged as a leading contender to become the next Supreme Leader of Iran. Mojtaba, a hardline cleric with close ties to the IRGC, has been influential behind the scenes for decades, despite never holding public office or being publicly vetted. His potential succession signals the continued strength of hardline factions within the Iranian government. While he has maintained a low public profile, he has been accused of involvement in the violent suppression of protests. If appointed, it would create a dynastic succession reminiscent of the pre-revolution monarchy.

Iran postponed the funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died in a US-Israeli airstrike, due to anticipated large crowds. The three-day ceremony was originally scheduled to begin at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla mosque in Tehran at 10pm local time on Wednesday. State television announced the delay, citing the "expected unprecedented presence of mourners," and indicated a new time would be announced later. The funeral is expected to draw supporters of the Islamic Republic who oppose US and Israeli actions, which have escalated into a regional war. Khamenei's death has been met with condemnation from Russia and China, but also celebrations from opponents of the Iranian regime.

Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is being considered as a possible successor amidst ongoing conflict. The Israeli airstrike that killed his father and wife has elevated his profile, despite his lack of elected or appointed government positions. Mojtaba, a secretive figure, has not been seen publicly since the attack and is believed to be in hiding. His potential succession has been criticized as resembling a hereditary monarchy, a departure from the Islamic Republic's principles. The possibility of Mojtaba Khamenei assuming the role of Supreme Leader is circulating as American and Israeli airstrikes continue in Iran.

Recent US and Israeli airstrikes in Iran have resulted in significant damage, including to the UNESCO-listed Golestan Palace in Tehran. The strikes, which began on Saturday, have targeted numerous government and military sites, reportedly killing nearly 800 people. Iranian media reports that the Golestan Palace sustained damage to windows, doors, and mirrors due to the reverberations from blasts targeting Arag Square. UNESCO confirmed the damage and stated that it had provided the coordinates of World Heritage sites to all parties involved to prevent such incidents. The US military claims to have hit nearly 2,000 targets inside Iran since the operation began.

On the fifth day of the war between Israel and Iran, Israel launched fresh strikes on Tehran and Beirut, while Iranian missiles targeted US bases in the Gulf. Israeli strikes on Tehran, including police stations and IRGC headquarters, resulted in a rising Iranian death toll, estimated between 800 and 1,500. The US and Israel expressed satisfaction with the war's progress, though their objectives remain unclear. Funerals for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in earlier strikes, began in Tehran as senior clerics convened to select his successor, with Mojtaba Khamenei, Ali Khamenei's son and the IRGC's preferred candidate, being the frontrunner. Analysts suggest his appointment would signal a more authoritarian regime and a larger role for the IRGC.

Footage from across Iran has shown the scale of strikes in several cities as the conflict reaches its fourth day. The US and Israel launched attacks on Saturday, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Videos shared on social media, verified by the BBC and news agencies, depict multiple explosions and destruction across the country. The US has also released video footage showing military targets being hit. Iran has responded with a wave of attacks across the region. The attack is believed to be retaliation for the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei, but details on the motivations behind the strike are not yet clear.

The Middle East is experiencing escalating conflict, with a joint US-Israeli aerial assault on Iran followed by the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other Iranian leaders. The US preemptive strike was reportedly triggered by concerns over potential Iranian attacks on US troops. This conflict has stranded over 100,000 Britons in the Gulf due to airspace closures and risky overland evacuation routes. In UK news, Scotland has legalized hydrolysis as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burials. Meanwhile, UK programs supporting nature and climate protection in developing countries are facing budget cuts. In UK politics, Nigel Farage is facing accusations of election denial following a recent byelection.

As of March 3, 2026, the Middle East is experiencing escalating violence following coordinated US and Israeli attacks on Iran. Key government and symbolic sites in Tehran have been damaged, resulting in over 600 deaths, including Supreme Leader Khamenei. The US has warned of further strikes intended to cripple Iran's military capabilities and halt its nuclear ambitions. In response, Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, threatening any vessels attempting passage, and has launched attacks on US and allied targets across the region, including energy facilities. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is expected to have significant global economic consequences.

In March 2026, President Donald Trump indicated he is seeking a new leader for Iran who is an improvement over Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Trump stated he wants a leader who can improve the country for its citizens. The statement comes amid discussions about exiled Iranian dissident Reza Pahlavi as a potential successor to the current regime. Pahlavi, an opposition figure, is being considered as a possible alternative leader for Iran. The U.S. President did not explicitly endorse Pahlavi but suggested the U.S. is looking for a leader who can positively transform Iran.

The United States and Israel have launched a military campaign against Iran, leading to escalating strikes and retaliation. These actions have resulted in casualties, a spike in oil prices, and significant geopolitical shocks. China has strongly condemned the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, an event that has destabilized Tehran. Financial markets have reacted negatively, with futures and Asian shares experiencing a sharp sell-off as the conflict continues. The situation is causing turmoil in the Middle East and raising concerns about a major regional escalation.

Following the confirmed killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli attack, a conflict has escalated with attacks reported across the region. The US and Israel initiated strikes on Iran on Saturday during ongoing nuclear talks, prompting retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Iran on US assets in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and Iraq, as well as targets in Israel. On Monday, explosions were reported in Abu Dhabi and Doha, with Qatar deploying fighter planes to intercept threats. An oil tanker off the coast of Oman was also attacked, resulting in a fire and at least one fatality. Iranian news reported over 20 deaths in Tehran, while the US claimed 48 Iranian leaders were killed.

Following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other Iranian officials, Iran has launched attacks on US assets in the Gulf. As of March 2, 2026, these attacks have resulted in one death in Bahrain, with Iraq and Kuwait also reporting Iranian raids. The United States has stated that attacks on Iran will continue until all objectives are met. The escalating conflict also involves Hezbollah, which has fired rockets. The situation marks a significant escalation of tensions in the region.

In March 2026, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that a planned Israeli attack on Iran influenced the timing of the US military's assault on Tehran. Rubio explained that the US was aware of Israel's impending action and anticipated Iranian retaliation against US interests. To preemptively mitigate potential casualties, the US launched its own strikes. This revelation came as the US military confirmed six service members had died in the conflict following Iranian retaliation, which included drone and missile attacks on US bases. Rubio defended the US-Israeli joint action, arguing it was necessary to thwart an imminent threat, as Iran would have retaliated against the US following the Israeli strike.

Following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in March 2026, Iran retaliated by targeting Israel and US-linked military sites in the region, including in Gulf states hosting US forces. The exchange raises concerns about escalating conflict and Iran's capacity to strike back. Central to Iran's strategy is its large and diverse missile arsenal, including ballistic and cruise missiles, providing long-range capabilities. Iranian officials consider the missile program a key deterrent, especially given its aging air force. Western governments, however, view Iran's missile capabilities as destabilizing and potentially linked to nuclear ambitions, claims Iran denies.

On March 1, 2026, Iran launched missile strikes against Israel, including the town of Beit Shemesh, resulting in at least nine deaths and 28 injuries. These attacks are part of Iran's retaliation for the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an earlier Israel-US strike. Tel Aviv residents reported explosions, and Israeli emergency services confirmed casualties. Iran's parliamentary speaker stated the attacks were a response to Israel crossing a "red line." The US military reported minimal damage and no casualties from hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks, while Israel stated it intercepted many of the dozens of missiles launched toward its territory.

In March 2026, the U.S. and Israel launched a joint military attack on Iran, targeting locations in Tehran, including the compound of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Following the attack, Iranian state media confirmed Khamenei's death. U.S. President Donald Trump urged the Iranian people to overthrow their government. In response, Iran launched missile strikes against Israel, specifically in Beit Shemesh. Protests erupted in Pakistan condemning Khamenei's death, with police using tear gas to disperse demonstrators. The attacks mark an escalation of tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran.

On Saturday, the US and Israel launched attacks across Iran, reportedly resulting in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the destruction of his compound in Tehran. US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the strikes. In response, Iran launched missiles and drones towards Israel and four Gulf Arab countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE – which host US military bases. Iranian state media confirmed Khamenei's death following the US-Israel attack. The reasons behind the initial US-Israel strikes were not explicitly stated in the provided article.

The CIA tracked the movements of Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, for months and shared this intelligence with Israeli officials. This intelligence sharing influenced the timing of recent strikes. These strikes, conducted by the US and Israel, resulted in the death of Khamenei and other senior Iranian leaders, prompting Iran to vow revenge. Iran retaliated with missile strikes against targets in Israel and Gulf Arab states. The conflict has resulted in casualties on both sides, including the first known American deaths, and has escalated tensions in the region, with Israel pledging continued strikes.

In February 2026, President Trump ordered a military operation against Iran, including targeted strikes on Iranian leadership, a significant shift from his stance just months prior. The decision, made in conjunction with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, involved strikes on key Iranian nuclear sites and the targeting of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This marked a change in Trump's risk tolerance regarding the use of American military force against Iran. Previously, in June during Israel's war with Iran, Trump had agreed to bomb nuclear sites but rejected a plan to kill Khamenei. The military operation took place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, and was followed by Trump announcing Khamenei's death on social media.

A coordinated US-Israeli strike targeted Iran on Saturday, reportedly killing several top Iranian leaders, including the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The operation involved a precision strike on a key target in Tehran, believed to be Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s compound, alongside a broader offensive using US-deployed kamikaze drones. US Central Command confirmed the use of these one-way attack drones, modeled after Iranian Shahed drones, for the first time in combat during "Operation Epic Fury." The attack, described as a "wildly bold daytime attack," targeted Iranian military, government, and intelligence sites, catching senior leadership off guard. Former President Trump announced that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had been killed in the strike.

Following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli attack in March 2026, Iran faces the critical task of selecting a new Supreme Leader. The Assembly of Experts, an 88-member clerical body, will convene to choose Khamenei's successor, a process they have undertaken only once before. The selection occurs amidst heightened tensions, with Iran retaliating against Gulf countries and the US threatening further strikes. The attacks, which also killed several senior Iranian leaders, occurred despite recent diplomatic efforts regarding Iran's nuclear program. The new Supreme Leader will assume power at a time when the US has pledged to dismantle Iran's ruling structure.

Following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes, questions arise about the stability of the Islamic Republic. While some analysts predicted a potential collapse, initial signs suggest a hardening of the current regime, with security institutions consolidating power. In the immediate aftermath, paramilitary units deployed nationwide to prevent unrest, and Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Israeli and US-linked targets. Despite these actions, the attacks struggled to penetrate Israeli defenses or inflict substantial damage on American forces. Analysts warn that a contested interim period, potentially leading to increased military control, poses a greater risk than an orderly transition. The future of Iran's leadership and political structure remains uncertain.

On Saturday morning, the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran, targeting Iranian leaders and military sites. In response, Iran's IRGC fired missiles at US military bases in the Gulf, with explosions reported in Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, and Qatar, resulting in one death in the UAE. Explosions also occurred in Tehran, near the presidential palace. Iran launched missiles at Israel, triggering air defense systems over Jerusalem. The US President vowed to crush Iran's military and eliminate its nuclear program, citing the need to defend Americans. The Israeli Prime Minister stated the operation aimed to remove an existential threat. These events followed inconclusive nuclear talks between the US and Iran.

In February 2026, US President Donald Trump claimed that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in joint US-Israeli strikes. Israeli officials supported this claim, citing "growing signs" of Khamenei's death. However, Iranian state media refuted the report, asserting that Khamenei remained in command. The alleged strikes and subsequent events led to reported retaliation from Iran, resulting in at least 201 deaths. The exact location of the strikes was not specified in the report. The motivation behind the alleged US-Israeli strikes was not stated.

The US and Israel have initiated a joint military operation against Iran, commencing with widespread airstrikes targeting key political, security, and military sites. The operation, dubbed "Operation Lion's Roar" by Israel, aims to degrade the Iranian regime's capabilities. Strikes hit at least 14 cities, including Tehran, targeting the residence of Supreme Leader Khamenei, weapons facilities, and ballistic missile caches. Satellite imagery confirms damage to Khamenei's compound. At least 85 people were reportedly killed and over 63 wounded in a strike on a girls' school in Minab, verified by Reuters. The stated goal of the operation is regime change, with the campaign continuing indefinitely.

In February 2026, reports emerged that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in joint US-Israeli air strikes on his compound in Iran. Khamenei assumed leadership in 1989 after the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who led the Islamic Revolution. While Khomeini provided the revolution's ideology, Khamenei developed Iran's military and paramilitary forces, extending its influence beyond its borders. His distrust of the West, particularly the United States, stemmed from the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, during which Western countries supported Saddam Hussein. This shaped his belief that Iran needed constant defense against external and internal threats, leading to the rise of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a powerful institution.

Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has called on Iranians to overthrow the current regime following reported joint U.S.-Israeli strikes. Pahlavi described the strikes as "humanitarian intervention" targeting the Islamic Republic, not the Iranian people, and urged the U.S. to protect civilian lives. He appealed to Iran's military and security forces to defect from the regime and join the people, promising a stable transition. While predicting the regime's collapse, Pahlavi advised citizens to remain home for now, awaiting his signal to return to the streets for a final push. He framed the moment as a decisive opportunity for Iranians to reclaim their country.