US says Iran’s new supreme leader likely ‘wounded’, dismisses Strait of Hormuz concerns

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated on Friday that Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is reportedly injured. Hegseth claimed Khamenei's written public address on Thursday indicated fear, injury, and a lack of legitimacy. Hegseth also announced a significant increase in US airstrikes over Iran and Tehran on Friday. Despite Khamenei's defiant statement that the Strait of Hormuz must remain blocked, Hegseth downplayed concerns about its closure. The US pledged to continue escalating attacks against Iran.

Oil prices have risen above $100 a barrel due to disruptions in global energy supplies amid the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, which began on February 28, 2026. The surge follows Iran's pledge to maintain the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for about one-fifth of global oil supplies. Traffic through the strait has significantly decreased, with only a few vessels passing through daily compared to the pre-war average. The US President has prioritized preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons over concerns about rising oil prices. Asian stock markets have declined following the oil price increase and overnight losses on Wall Street.

In March 2026, Iran's UN ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, stated that Tehran would maintain the Strait of Hormuz open for navigation. This announcement clarified a previous statement by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who suggested the waterway might be closed to exert pressure on Iran's adversaries. Iravani emphasized Iran's continued commitment to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically important waterway for global oil transportation. The ambassador's statement aimed to reassure international actors regarding Iran's intentions concerning this vital shipping lane.

In his first statement since succeeding his father, Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed. Khamenei stated that blocking the Strait, a vital waterway for global oil supplies, "must definitely be used." He also demanded the United States close all its bases in the region. The statement, broadcast on state television on Thursday, follows the death of his father at the start of the US-Israel war against Iran. The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic location through which approximately one-fifth of the world's oil supply passes.

In March 2026, Mojtaba Khamenei, the newly appointed Supreme Leader of Iran, issued his first public statement following the assassination of his father and other family members in US and Israeli strikes. The statement, broadcast on state TV, called for national unity and vowed continued resistance against Iran's enemies. Khamenei declared the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed and demanded the immediate closure of all US bases in the region, threatening attacks if this demand was not met. He also stated that allied armed groups in Yemen and Iraq would assist in the ongoing conflict. Khamenei thanked the Iranian military and pledged that Iran would continue fighting. His father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed on February 28, and Mojtaba was appointed his successor on Sunday.

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, Iran's newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, released his first public statement. The statement addressed the ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel. Khamenei declared that Iran would maintain the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. He further threatened to initiate new fronts in the conflict if the US and Israel continued their military actions. The statement signals a potentially escalating role for Iran in the existing war. The reasons behind the threat were cited as a response to the continued war efforts of the US and Israel.

Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was injured in a US-led airstrike on February 28 that killed six of his family members, including his father, Tehran's ambassador to Cyprus has confirmed. The attack occurred at the presidential complex in Tehran during the holy month of Ramadan. Alireza Salarian, the Iranian ambassador to Cyprus, stated that Khamenei was injured in his legs and hand and arm, but is currently in the hospital due to his injuries. The attack also killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's wife, Mansour, and several other family members. Mojtaba Khamenei's injury has prevented him from appearing in public or making statements since he succeeded his father as supreme leader on Sunday. Iranian officials have described the extent of Khamenei's injuries as "lightly injured".

The article analyzes the ongoing Israeli-American war on Iran, stating that the conflict has become a contest of endurance. The central question is which side can withstand the most pain. The article, dated March 2026, suggests Iran's most effective weapon is its ability to damage the world economy, particularly through rising oil prices. This economic impact represents the United States' biggest vulnerability in continuing the campaign. The analysis highlights the potential for global economic disruption as a key factor in determining the war's outcome.

Reports of injury to Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, have surfaced following the escalation of conflict in the Middle East. The son of the Iranian president, Yousef Pezeshkian, stated on Wednesday that Khamenei is "safe and sound," contradicting earlier reports. Khamenei assumed the role of Supreme Leader on Sunday after his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in US-Israeli strikes on February 28. The New York Times, citing unnamed Iranian officials, reported that Khamenei sustained injuries, possibly to his legs, and is currently in a secure location. The 56-year-old Khamenei, who has maintained a low public profile, has not yet addressed the nation since becoming Supreme Leader.

Reports from Iranian and Israeli officials indicate that Iran's newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, sustained leg injuries early in the Iran-Iraq War. The circumstances surrounding the injuries and their severity remain unclear. Mojtaba Khamenei was announced as the new Supreme Leader three days ago. Since his appointment, he has not been seen publicly. The reasons for his absence are unknown, but the reports of his war-related injuries may offer an explanation.

Published on March 11, 2026, the article "How much a day of war on Iran costs the US" examines the potential financial implications of a hypothetical military conflict between the United States and Iran. The article, presented "By the Numbers," likely breaks down the estimated daily expenses associated with such a war. It appears within a larger news context covering US-Israel relations and Iran, including topics like Iran's weapons capabilities and key figures such as Mojtaba Khamenei. The article aims to provide readers with a factual understanding of the economic burden a war with Iran could place on the United States.

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.

Amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, Donald Trump claimed the conflict with Iran could end "very soon," though Iran stated it would determine the duration of missile attacks. The US president also suggested the US would hit Iran "20 times harder" if it blocked tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Israel launched new attacks in central Iran and Beirut, targeting Hezbollah. Four Iran-backed fighters were reportedly killed in US airstrikes in northern Iraq. The US will waive oil sanctions on some countries to ease shortages, and Turkey reported that NATO air defenses shot down an Iranian ballistic missile.

On March 9, 2026, Iran launched new attacks at Gulf Arab countries, escalating pressure in the Middle East. These events occurred alongside internal political developments in Iran, including the announcement of Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late supreme leader, as the Islamic Republic's next ruler. Pro-government supporters gathered across Iran to pledge allegiance to the new leader. Simultaneously, an Israeli airstrike hit Dahiyeh, a suburb of Beirut, Lebanon. In Or Yehuda, a man was seriously injured in an explosion. Funerals were held in Tehran for Mehdi Hosseini, who was killed in a U.S.-Israeli strike.

A letter signed by Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and over 100 other Iranians living in the UK urges British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to avoid further involvement in the Iran conflict, arguing it strengthens the Tehran regime. The signatories, including former Iranian political prisoners, believe attacks on Iran reinforce the government's narrative of fighting Western imperialism. They propose peaceful measures to support internal opposition, such as providing Starlink internet access to counter communication blackouts. This letter contrasts with some diaspora voices, like Reza Pahlavi, who support attacks on Iran for regime change. The group emphasizes the importance of protecting political prisoners and providing communication tools rather than weapons to support democracy within Iran.

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 March 10, 2026, some Iranians rallied in downtown Tehran to express their support for Mojtaba Khamenei. The demonstrations occurred amid speculation about his potential succession to the role of Supreme Leader. The rallies suggest a segment of the Iranian population is in favor of Mojtaba Khamenei assuming the position. The news article highlights these public displays of support, indicating a development in the ongoing discussion surrounding Iran's future leadership. The reason for the rallies is to show support for Mojtaba Khamenei as the new supreme leader.

Amidst an ongoing war with the United States and Israel, Iran's Assembly of Experts has appointed Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on February 28, 2026. The 56-year-old, with strong ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), is seen as a figure of continuity for the theocratic establishment. The IRGC, along with the Iranian army, police, Defence Council, and Intelligence Minister, have pledged their allegiance to the new leader. The IRGC stated its forces are ready to obey Khamenei's commands to uphold the values of the Islamic revolution. This transition occurs as Iran faces external conflict, signaling a potential continuation of existing policies.

Following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, top clerics selected Mojtaba Khamenei as his successor. This decision occurred despite prior warnings from former U.S. President Trump deeming Khamenei "unacceptable." The selection signals a continuation of the existing political direction in Iran. Simultaneously, global oil markets reacted strongly to the ongoing war, with prices reaching their highest levels since the pandemic began. The price surge reflects increasing concerns about the potential for a protracted conflict and its impact on oil supplies. The events highlight a period of political transition in Iran amidst international tensions.

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.

The US and Israel launched airstrikes on targets across Iran on Monday, marking an escalation in the ongoing Middle East conflict, now in its second week. These strikes coincided with Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, US bases in the Middle East, and Gulf energy infrastructure. The attacks and counter-attacks occurred as large crowds gathered in Tehran to support Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's newly appointed supreme leader. The reason for the strikes is the ongoing conflict between the involved nations. The strikes and public support for the new leader signal a deepening crisis in the region.

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.

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.

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.

In March 2026, Iranian state television announced that Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was selected as the new supreme leader of Iran. The Assembly of Experts made the decision through what was described as a "decisive vote." This followed the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed by the United States on February 28th. Mojtaba Khamenei's selection marks a significant transition in Iran's leadership. The announcement was broadcast on Iranian state television.

Mojtaba Khamenei, born in 1969, is the son of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Following his father's death, Mojtaba was selected by Iran's Assembly of Experts to succeed him as supreme leader. Despite holding no official government position, Mojtaba is believed to wield significant influence within Iran's political landscape. He is known for his close ties to conservatives and the Revolutionary Guards. His behind-the-scenes role has been a subject of speculation for years, both within Iran and in diplomatic circles. He is the only child of the former supreme leader to hold a public 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.

Iran's Assembly of Experts has selected a new Supreme Leader to succeed Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint US-Israeli strike in late February. While the chosen successor's name has not been publicly announced, the selection was confirmed by multiple members of the Assembly. Israel has warned it will target any successor and those involved in the appointment. Mojtaba Khamenei, the deceased leader's son, was considered a frontrunner, although his appointment faces opposition due to concerns about dynastic succession and the regime's human rights record. The selection process occurs amid escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, including strikes on energy infrastructure across the Gulf and inside Iran, with Russia reportedly providing Iran with intelligence.

On the sixth day of a US-Israeli offensive against Iran, tensions are escalating across the Middle East. Iran has threatened shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, where maritime activity is at a standstill. The conflict has spread, with a US submarine sinking an Iranian warship off the coast of Sri Lanka. Iranian state media reports over 1,000 deaths and 6,000 wounded within Iran, where the US and Israel are accused of striking civilian infrastructure. Mojtaba Khamenei is a leading candidate to become Iran's next Supreme Leader. Kurdish-Iranian armed groups have launched a ground offensive in northwest Iran, and Iraqi Kurds may join the conflict. Spain has refused US access to its bases for the war, prompting a threat of trade sanctions from the US President.

In March 2026, the United States and Israel intensified military actions against Iran, while Iran launched attacks on Israeli and US bases. A US submarine sank an Iranian warship off the coast of Sri Lanka, resulting in numerous casualties. The conflict escalated following an Israeli strike that killed Iran's Supreme Leader. The US Defense Secretary indicated the war had "only just begun," while President Trump claimed the US may have influenced the timing of Israeli strikes. Israel also initiated new strikes in Lebanon. The conflict has resulted in damage to Iranian infrastructure and casualties, as evidenced by images of destroyed facilities and unexploded projectiles.

In March 2026, following a joint US-Israeli offensive that assassinated Iran's top leadership, the country faces a power vacuum and an uncertain future. The remaining Iranian leadership is struggling to maintain control amidst concerns that the war could lead to chaos, especially after mass antigovernment demonstrations in January. With President Trump's stated desire for regime change, the complex structure of Iran's leadership, including parallel armies and multiple intelligence services, is being tested. The article explores whether Iran's leadership will survive or if the situation is spiraling out of control, featuring analysis from experts including a former Iranian deputy vice president and a former US ambassador. The discussion aims to understand how the war is unfolding within Iran.

In March 2026, Donald Trump stated his desire to be "involved" in choosing Iran's next supreme leader, following the death of Ali Khamenei. Trump voiced opposition to Khamenei's son, Mojtaba, assuming the role. He expressed a preference for a leader similar to Venezuela's Delcy Rodriguez, who has allowed US influence in Venezuela after Nicolas Maduro's removal. Trump believes such a leader would be more amenable to US interests. However, analysts note the significant differences between Iran and Venezuela, including Iran's ongoing conflict with the US and Israel, and the religious qualifications required for the supreme leader position. Iranian officials have denied any negotiations with the US.

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.

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.

Mojtaba Khamenei is the son of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and is being discussed as a possible successor. The article focuses on the potential implications of his selection. The discussion arises after a strike on a compound on Saturday killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This potential succession is significant because it could provoke anger among Iranians who desire political change. The article suggests that the selection of Mojtaba Khamenei could be a pivotal moment for Iran's future, given the existing desire for change.

Iran has postponed a planned farewell ceremony for its late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli strikes on Saturday. The three-day program was scheduled to begin Wednesday at 10 p.m. local time at Imam Khomeini Prayer Hall, where large crowds were expected to gather. The postponement followed widespread requests to participate and the need for adequate infrastructure and facilities. No additional reason for the postponement was given, and it is unclear when the ceremony will be rescheduled. Ayatollah Khamenei's death triggers a closely watched succession process overseen by Iran's Assembly of Experts, which will heavily influence its outcome. The ceremony's postponement comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and Israel.

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.

A joint US-Israeli attack has severely crippled Iran's military leadership, resulting in the deaths of key figures including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The attack, which followed compromised Iranian security and intelligence gathering by the CIA, involved strikes on Khamenei's compound in Tehran. In response, Iran is launching retaliatory strikes using drones and ballistic missiles against Israel, US bases, and Middle Eastern countries. While the volume of Iranian attacks is substantial, their effectiveness is limited, and US and Israeli forces are prioritizing the dismantling of Iran's offensive capabilities. The attacks have extended to Oman, marking the sixth Arab country targeted. The extent of Iran's military response is expected to be less coordinated due to the loss of command and control.

Following the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli attack on March 1, 2026, global reactions have been swift and widespread. Iran has launched retaliatory strikes against Israel and US assets in several Middle Eastern countries, prompting regional airspace closures. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for attacks on US bases in the region. Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers are holding emergency talks, and EU diplomats and the UN Security Council have convened to address the escalating crisis. While Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the killing, Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz praised the action.

Thousands of mourners gathered in Tehran on Sunday following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a US-Israeli attack. The attack, which began on Saturday, aimed to overthrow the Iranian government. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) vowed a severe retaliation against the US and Israel, threatening a major operation targeting both countries and their regional bases. Further explosions were reported in Doha, Dubai, and Manama, and sirens sounded in Israel as the Israeli military responded to Iranian missile fire. President Trump warned of unprecedented force against Iran if it retaliates. Khamenei had been Iran's supreme leader since 1989.

Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran faces a precarious situation with internal divisions and mounting external pressures. While some celebrated, hoping for an end to clerical rule, others mourned and demanded retribution. Despite maintaining military power, the regime faces a growing list of dead leaders, including high-ranking military officials, straining its leadership and resources. Simultaneously, Iran's regional relationships are deteriorating, with its Gulf partners criticizing its actions and accusing it of playing into the hands of the US. The Strategic Council on Foreign Relations pleaded with Gulf states to unite against the US, but the UAE countered that Iran's aggression is self-isolating. The article suggests that without a change in direction, the Iranian regime risks a breakdown in civil order.

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.

According to US President Donald Trump, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, has died following US and Israeli airstrikes. Iran has not confirmed the death of the 86-year-old, who has held the powerful position for three decades since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. As Supreme Leader, Khamenei was head of state, commander-in-chief, and held significant influence over public policy and elections. Born in 1939, Khamenei rose to prominence as a critic of the Shah, facing imprisonment and exile before becoming a key figure in the post-revolution leadership. His weekly sermons broadcast nationwide solidified his position. His death, if confirmed, could lead to an uncertain future for Iran and the region.

In a recent military operation, President Trump authorized targeted strikes against Iranian leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, marking a significant shift in his approach to Iran. This action contrasts with his stance eight months prior when he rejected an Israeli plan to kill Khamenei due to concerns about regional destabilization. The recent operation, conducted in collaboration with Israel, resulted in the deaths of Khamenei, the defense minister, and the commander of the Revolutionary Guard, as confirmed by Iranian state TV. Trump announced Khamenei's death and framed the operation as an opportunity for the Iranian people to reclaim their country. This represents a notable escalation in Trump's willingness to use military force against Iran compared to his earlier reluctance.

On February 28, 2026, Donald Trump claimed on Truth Social that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Trump stated the 86-year-old Khamenei could not evade US intelligence and tracking systems. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also claimed there were "growing signs" of Khamenei's death, and Reuters cited an Israeli official reporting the body's location. However, Iranian news agencies Tasnim and Mehr reported that Khamenei remained in command, and an official from Khamenei's office accused enemies of "mental warfare." As of the report, there has been no official confirmation from Tehran regarding Khamenei's death.

Reports from Iranian state media indicate that at least 80 children were killed in a missile strike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ school in Minab, southern Iran, on Saturday. The attack occurred during a joint US-Israel operation, according to the report. Videos circulating online, verified by some sources, show the aftermath of the strike, with smoke rising from the damaged school. The school is reportedly located near a Revolutionary Guards barracks. Across Iran, the attacks have caused widespread fear and a mix of hope and concern about potential political change and civilian casualties. In Tehran, schools were shut down and residents sought shelter or attempted to reach their children.

In February 2026, the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran, targeting areas in Tehran, including those near the presidential palace and Ayatollah Khamenei's compound and offices. The attacks have derailed nuclear program negotiations. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the 86-year-old Supreme Leader since 1989, holds ultimate authority in Iran. His location during the attacks is unconfirmed, with reports suggesting he was moved to a secure location. The attacks and Trump's calls for regime change raise questions about efforts to target Iran's leadership, given Khamenei's central role and the loyalty of key security forces like the IRGC and Basij. The US and Israel have a long history of adversarial relations with Iran.

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.

Following reported Israeli strikes targeting Iranian leadership infrastructure in Tehran, the fate of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is currently unknown. The strikes heavily damaged Khamenei's fortified compound, including his residence and the House of Leadership, with some areas reduced to rubble. While Israeli officials are assessing the results and haven't confirmed Khamenei's death, they haven't ruled it out. Iranian officials insist Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian are safe, despite what they call an assassination attempt. Reports indicate a high-level meeting may have been underway at the time of the strike. Khamenei, who operates with tight security and a network of loyalists, has survived previous assassination attempts and unrest.