Death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei Following U.S.–Israeli Airstrike in Tehran

The death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was confirmed by the Iranian government on 01/03/2026, one day after a joint United States and Israeli military strike targeted his compound in Tehran, Iran. The strike occurred on 28/02/2026 at approximately 08:10 Iran Standard Time (IRST) during a large-scale military campaign conducted by Israel and the United States against Iranian military and government targets. According to official statements released by Iranian authorities, the attack on Khamenei’s residence was part of a coordinated decapitation strike aimed at senior Iranian leadership. The broader operation was known as “Operation Epic Fury” by the United States and “Operation Roaring Lion” by Israel. The strike targeted Khamenei’s central compound in Tehran, which housed residential quarters and administrative facilities used by the Supreme Leader and close family members. Initial reports from Iranian officials indicated that at least eight people were killed in the strike on the compound. Among those confirmed dead were Ali Khamenei, aged 86, along with several members of his immediate family. Iranian authorities reported that his daughter, son-in-law, and multiple grandchildren were among the fatalities. Khamenei’s wife, Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, was severely injured during the attack and later died on 02/03/2026 from those injuries. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had served as Supreme Leader of Iran since 1989, following the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic. As Supreme Leader, Khamenei held the highest political and religious authority in Iran, overseeing the armed forces, key security institutions, and major policy decisions of the Iranian state. His death occurred amid a large-scale military escalation between Iran, Israel, and the United States, which included hundreds of strikes across Iranian territory targeting military facilities, nuclear-related infrastructure, and government compounds. Following the confirmation of his death on 01/03/2026, Iranian authorities announced national mourning and began constitutional procedures for leadership succession within the Islamic Republic’s political system. The announcement also intensified tensions across the region as Iran and allied groups vowed retaliation against Israeli and U.S. interests.