In a major escalation of the US-Israel Iran conflict, an Israeli official has revealed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian were both directly targeted during the joint US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran that began February 28, 2026. The outcomes of these specific strikes remain unclear, heightening uncertainty amid ongoing explosions, retaliatory missile launches, and regional chaos.
The strikes, described by President Donald Trump as “major combat operations,” targeted dozens of military sites, missile facilities, nuclear-related infrastructure, and high-profile political locations across Tehran and other Iranian cities. Initial reports indicate the first apparent hits occurred near Khamenei’s compound in downtown Tehran, with smoke rising from the area and roads to the site shut down by authorities.
The joint operation follows failed nuclear negotiations in Geneva, where Iran refused concessions on its ballistic missile program and nuclear ambitions. Trump has framed the campaign as necessary to “raze” Iran’s missile industry, annihilate its navy, neutralize proxies, and prevent nuclear weapon acquisition—while urging Iranians to “take over your government” post-strikes.