Lethal elite 'black-clad' kill squad guards Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei

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 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.

The U.S. and Israel continued their military campaign against Iran as of March 7-8, 2026, resulting in attacks on Tehran, Iran, and airstrikes in Sir al-Gharbiyeh village in south Lebanon. The conflict has led to casualties, including the death of a U.S. Army Reserve soldier in Kuwait. The remains of the soldier were returned to the U.S. at Dover Air Force Base. Iran has appointed a new commander for its war strategy and named a son of its late supreme leader as his successor, a move criticized by U.S. President Donald Trump. The Revolutionary Guard has pledged allegiance to the new commander. The ongoing conflict has also caused oil prices to surge above $100 a barrel.

On March 9, 2026, global oil prices surged past $100 a barrel, exceeding a 20% increase, due to the ongoing war between the United States, Israel, and Iran. Brent crude reached over $114 a barrel before settling around $107.50. The conflict, which began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, has disrupted global energy supplies, with Iran halting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transit route. In response, Iraq, the UAE, and Kuwait, major OPEC producers, have cut production. US President Trump dismissed concerns, predicting a rapid price drop after the conflict ends, while the Energy Secretary called any price increases temporary.

Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Assembly of Experts has reportedly elected his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as the new Supreme Leader. Mojtaba, 56, has been involved in Iranian politics, working in his father's office and developing close ties with the IRGC. He began formal clerical studies in Tehran in 1989. The U.S. sanctioned Mojtaba in 2019 for representing the Supreme Leader in an official capacity without holding an elected government position. Former President Trump expressed his disapproval of Mojtaba's potential succession, stating he was unacceptable. Mojtaba's rise to Supreme Leader comes after his father's death and amidst heightened tensions in the region.

Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli strike, his son Mojtaba Khamenei has been selected as Iran's new Supreme Leader. The decision, announced by the clerical body responsible for selecting the leader, marks the first hereditary succession since the 1979 revolution. Iranian state media reports that key institutions, including the armed forces and Revolutionary Guards, have pledged allegiance to Mojtaba. The appointment has been met with swift condemnation from the US, with President Trump deeming Mojtaba an "unacceptable" choice and asserting that Washington should have a say in Iran's political future. The Israeli military has also stated it will pursue any successor to Ali Khamenei. The selection is expected to ignite debate within Iran regarding the emergence of a dynastic system.

Following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israel attack on February 28, 2026, his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been selected as Iran's new supreme leader. The announcement was made by state media on March 8, 2026, reporting that the Assembly of Experts chose him in a decisive vote. Mojtaba Khamenei, a 56-year-old hardline cleric, has deep ties to the IRGC and was increasingly seen as his father's successor. Despite never holding public office, he has been influential within Iranian leadership for decades. His appointment signals the continued power of hardline factions and may indicate a reluctance to negotiate with other countries. The Assembly of Experts has called for unity and support for the new leader.

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.

The US-Israel war on Iran has entered its second week, prompting international concern. US President Trump claims Iran is being "decimated" but has not ruled out deploying troops, while China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi condemned the war. Iran claims it can sustain the conflict for at least six more months, despite Israeli strikes on Tehran fuel storage complexes. An Israeli strike on Beirut, Lebanon, resulted in casualties. The conflict continues to escalate, with regional implications and international calls for de-escalation.

On Sunday, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar reported missile and drone attacks, as Iran vowed to continue strikes against neighboring Gulf countries. Qatar stated it was targeted the previous day by multiple ballistic and cruise missiles fired from Iran, most of which were intercepted. Saudi Arabia's defense ministry reported intercepting and destroying fifteen drones entering its airspace. Kuwait's military reported responding to hostile drones that penetrated its airspace, with fuel tanks at Kuwait's international airport being targeted. Kuwait's national oil company also announced a precautionary cut to production. These incidents mark the second week of escalating regional conflict.

Global oil prices have surpassed $100 a barrel for the first time since 2022, reaching $108.10 for Brent crude and $108.72 for WTI crude as of Monday. The surge follows escalating military aggression in the Middle East, specifically the US-Israeli war on Iran, which has disrupted oil supplies and removed 20 million barrels per day from the market. Kuwait's national oil company has already announced precautionary cuts to its crude oil production. Experts attribute the price increase to the ongoing conflict and the US administration's stance, with concerns that continued disruption could lead to further price increases and production shutdowns across Gulf energy exporters. Oil prices have risen by two-thirds since the start of the year.

An Israeli strike hit an Iranian oil storage facility in Tehran on Saturday, marking the first time a civilian industrial site has been targeted in the week-old conflict. Iranian state media confirmed the attack, attributing it to the US and Israel, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised "many surprises" in the next phase of the war. The strikes occurred as Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian apologized for attacks on neighboring countries. The incident highlights a potential rift within Iran's leadership between those seeking de-escalation and hardliners committed to battling the US and Israel, potentially complicating diplomatic efforts. Conflicting statements have emerged from members of the leadership council overseeing Iran since the Supreme Leader's death.

In a pre-recorded address broadcast on state television on March 7, 2026, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian apologized for Iran's attacks on neighboring countries. The apology comes amidst ongoing attacks on Gulf nations. Shortly after the statement's release, an explosion was reported over Doha. The reason for President Pezeshkian's apology was not stated. The context of the attacks on neighboring countries remains unclear.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected Donald Trump's demand for Iran's "unconditional surrender" as unrealistic during a televised address. Pezeshkian also issued a rare apology to neighboring Gulf states for Iranian strikes that impacted civilian targets, stating attacks would cease unless Iran was attacked from those countries. This comes amidst escalating conflict, including reported drone and missile attacks on the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. Simultaneously, Israel launched a fresh wave of strikes on Iran, targeting military sites near Tehran, including Mehrabad International Airport. Iran retaliated with explosions reported above Jerusalem.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian recently apologized for past Iranian strikes targeting neighboring Gulf states. This action occurred amidst ongoing tensions in the region. However, Pezeshkian later retracted his apology following criticism from other Iranian leaders. Despite the initial apology and subsequent reversal, Iran has continued its attacks, highlighting potential rifts within the Iranian leadership regarding foreign policy and regional relations. The situation underscores the complex dynamics and ongoing conflicts involving Iran and its Gulf neighbors.

On March 5, 2026, Iranian media reported that missiles fired by the United States and Israel struck two schools in Parand, a town southwest of Tehran. The attack, which damaged classrooms and nearby residential units, occurred six days after a prior strike on a girls' school in Minab that killed 165 people. Iranian authorities attributed the Minab attack to the US and Israel, who launched a war on Iran, with the US claiming unawareness of hitting a school and Israeli sources alleging the site's proximity to a military base. An Al Jazeera investigation disputed these claims, showing the school was separate from the adjacent military site. The attacks have ignited exchanges of fire across the Middle East.

Israeli air strikes targeting Iranian security forces continued for a fifth day, as part of a US-Israeli assault that began on Saturday. The attacks struck multiple locations including Tehran, Qom, and Isfahan, damaging residential areas and buildings associated with the Basij and Iran's internal security command. The death toll has surpassed 1,000, with hundreds of children hospitalized and thousands wounded. The IAEA reported visible damage to buildings near the Isfahan nuclear site, but stated that nuclear materials were unaffected and there was no radiological risk. Due to the ongoing attacks, the funeral for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been postponed, citing logistical issues. Iran has launched counterattacks and warned of the destruction of military and economic infrastructure across the Middle East.

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.

President Trump stated on Thursday that the U.S. should be involved in selecting Iran's next Supreme Leader following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In an interview with Axios, Trump deemed Khamenei's son "unacceptable" for the role, drawing a comparison to U.S. involvement in Venezuela. He expressed concern that without a favorable leader in Iran, the U.S. would likely return to war within five years. Trump reiterated his desire for U.S. involvement in choosing Iran's future leader in a separate interview with Reuters, emphasizing the need for someone who will bring peace and be beneficial for the Iranian people and country. He believes this involvement is necessary to avoid repeated conflicts.

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.

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.

In March 2026, an air attack struck the Assembly of Experts building in Qom, Iran. NewsFeedVideos documented the destruction following the attack. The Assembly of Experts is a significant body responsible for selecting the successor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated. Qom, the location of the Assembly building, is situated south of Tehran. The attack's impact on the Assembly's operations or the succession process remains unclear.

Amidst reported airstrikes on Iranian leadership and facilities, discussions are intensifying regarding potential successors to the current regime. Experts are debating whether Iran's fractured opposition groups can unite to effectively lead if the government falls. Concerns are being raised about repeating past mistakes, such as a single figure consolidating power as in 1979. Some suggest Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has a key role in uniting opposition forces, while others express skepticism about his leadership. The need for reconciliation and broad alliances among various factions is emphasized to avoid instability and ensure a representative transition of power.

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.

The Middle East conflict intensified as Israel and the US launched strikes against Iran, targeting command facilities, state offices, and missile sites. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Israel and US interests across the Gulf region. The escalating violence has resulted in hundreds of deaths and billions of dollars in damage, primarily in Iran, raising concerns about a global economic crisis due to soaring energy prices. US President Trump stated he rejected Iran's attempt to negotiate and claimed significant damage to Iranian infrastructure. Iran denied seeking negotiations and called on the UN Security Council to intervene, while threatening further retaliation against the US and Israel. The conflict expanded with attacks on key Iranian sites, including a building used by the committee that chooses the Supreme Leader's successor.

Amidst escalating conflict, Iran faces significant internal turmoil. US airstrikes have caused substantial casualties and targeted key government buildings in Tehran and Qom, including the Assembly of Experts, the body responsible for selecting a new supreme leader after the assassination of Ali Khamenei. The attacks have disrupted government functions and fueled a power struggle over the future direction of the country. Israel appears to have air superiority over Tehran, further destabilizing the situation. The chaos raises questions about the survival of the Iranian government and the evolving objectives of the US military intervention.

According to a March 2, 2026, Al Jazeera report, Iran has revised its military strategy since its 12-day war with Israel in June 2025. The shift follows a US-Israeli assault that resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) vowed revenge and launched attacks against Israel and US military assets across the Gulf. Iran's army also claimed to have bombed US bases. Analysts suggest the revised strategy is more aggressive and focused on the survival of the Islamic Republic. Iran's military structure includes the Artesh (regular army) and the IRGC, both reporting directly to the supreme leader.

The US and Israel launched attacks on Iran, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, escalating tensions in the Middle East. Iran has vowed retaliation, drawing regional powers into the conflict. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, and senior cleric Alireza Arafi will lead Iran in the transitional period. Donald Trump expressed willingness to negotiate with the remaining Iranian leadership. Elsewhere, the UK's RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus was hit by a suspected drone strike, causing minor damage. In the UK, new asylum rules designate refugee status as temporary, lasting 30 months, and the Green Party's membership surpassed 200,000 after a byelection victory. Concerns are also rising about the potential impact of data centers on the UK's greenhouse gas emissions.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard is a powerful paramilitary force within Iran, established after the 1979 Islamic Revolution to protect the theocracy. It answers only to the Supreme Leader and operates independently of the regular armed forces. The Guard controls Iran's ballistic missile arsenal, conducts foreign operations through its Quds Force, and backs groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis. It also has significant economic power, running construction companies and other businesses. The Guard's Quds Force is accused of training militants and hiring criminals to target Iran's enemies abroad, which Iran denies.

Following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a U.S. and Israeli bombardment, Iran is facing a succession crisis as it chooses its second supreme leader since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Potential replacements include hard-liners favoring confrontation with the West and reformists seeking diplomacy. The supreme leader holds ultimate authority over key decisions, including matters of war, peace, and the nuclear program. Currently, a provisional governing council consisting of President Masoud Pezeshkian, judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, and cleric Ayatollah Ali Reza Arafi is managing the country during this critical period. The Foreign Minister is Abbas Aragh.

Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, refuted US media reports on March 2, 2026, claiming he sought to resume nuclear talks with the United States through Omani mediators. This denial follows a Wall Street Journal report stating Larijani's push occurred after the US and Israel killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Larijani stated Iran would not negotiate with the US and criticized former President Trump's policies, accusing him of prioritizing Israel and endangering American soldiers. The US and Israel have continued attacks across Iran, while Iran has responded by targeting US assets in the Middle East. Iran's Foreign Minister has condemned the killing of Khamenei as terrorism in a letter to the UN, describing the attacks as a dangerous escalation.

Following the deaths of Supreme Leader Khamenei and top commanders in Tehran on Saturday, US and Israeli air strikes continue to hit Tehran and other Iranian cities on March 1, 2026. The strikes, which Israel claims targeted military centers, have been met with limited comment from Iranian authorities amid internet blackouts. Despite the attacks, Iran's remaining leaders are emphasizing continuity and vowing revenge. A leadership council, formed after Khamenei's death, has begun the process of selecting a new supreme leader, expected to be completed within days. In the interim, a three-member council consisting of the judiciary chief, the president, and a member of the Guardian Council will govern. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is also expected to play a significant role.

According to Iranian sources, at least 108 people, many of whom were girls, died in an explosion at a school in Minab, Hormozgan province, in southern Iran. The incident occurred during reported air strikes by the US and Israel against targets in Iran, including a nearby base of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The Iranian Red Crescent reports over 200 deaths and hundreds injured nationwide from the strikes. While the US and Israel have not confirmed involvement in the school attack, the incident has sparked anger and accusations within Iran, with some blaming the government for failing to protect civilians. International news organizations face restrictions in independently verifying information due to limited access to Iran.

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 death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli air strike, China condemned the action amidst turmoil in Tehran and regional escalation. Despite the political uncertainty, analysts predict China's economic relationship with Iran, as its top oil buyer and trade partner, will remain strong. China is expected to maintain a pragmatic approach to Iran's new leadership, even if Tehran shifts towards the West, potentially impacting Chinese diplomatic and defense goals in the Middle East. A temporary leadership council consisting of Alireza Arafi, Masoud Pezeshkian, and Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei will govern until the Assembly of Experts selects Khamenei's successor. The US President has called for regime change in Iran.

In March 2026, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a joint US-Israeli air attack, a significant blow to Iran's leadership since the 1979 revolution. The US, under President Trump, anticipates a swift collapse of the Iranian government, framing the operation as a "liberation" moment. However, analysts and insiders suggest the assassination could lead to a more militarized and aggressive Iranian state. They warn that the power vacuum might result in a "garrison state" willing to take extreme measures to survive. While Iran's President Pezeshkian vowed revenge, experts caution against assuming air strikes alone can trigger regime change without ground forces or internal uprising.

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.

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.

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.

Donald Trump claimed that Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in a joint US-Israeli military operation launched on Saturday. Trump stated the operation, involving missile strikes and airstrikes, aims for regime change in Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested Khamenei was dead and that his body had been recovered, while Israeli officials reported strikes against Iran's nuclear program. Trump claimed that many Iranian leaders were also killed, and that the Iranian military is seeking immunity. Iran's foreign minister initially claimed Khamenei and the president were alive, but Khamenei has not been heard from since the strikes began. The strikes have initiated a new regional conflict in the Middle East.

The US and Israel have launched a joint attack on Iran, with explosions reported in Tehran and other cities including Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah. The attacks began around 09:30 Tehran time, leading to the closure of Iranian airspace. US President Donald Trump confirmed US military involvement, stating the objective is to eliminate threats from the Iranian regime and prevent them from obtaining nuclear weapons. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed this message, urging Iranians to overthrow their government and promising joint action to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power. Israel's defense minister has declared a state of emergency across Israel.

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.