In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed, according to multiple reports from Iranian state media and international sources. The 86-year-old leader, who had ruled Iran since 1989, died during a major joint military operation carried out by the United States and Israel on February 28, 2026.
Iranian state television, IRNA (the official Islamic Republic News Agency), and other state-affiliated outlets confirmed the death early on March 1, 2026 (local time in Tehran). Reports specifically state that Khamenei was killed at his office (often referred to as his compound or residence-office in Tehran), where he was reportedly working when the strikes occurred.
The strikes, described by U.S. President Donald Trump as a targeted operation aimed at key regime figures and infrastructure, began in the predawn hours of Saturday. Trump announced Khamenei’s death via social media, stating that the Supreme Leader was among those eliminated in the attacks. Israeli officials have also confirmed the outcome, with some sources indicating that Khamenei’s body was recovered following the strikes on his Tehran compound.
Iran has declared 40 days of public mourning in response to what state media described as the “martyrdom” of the Supreme Leader.