Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli strikes on February 28, 2026, confirmed by Israeli officials, Iran’s state media, and US President Donald Trump, sparking Iranian retaliatory missile and drone attacks on Israel, Gulf states, and US bases. [1][2][3][4]
Iran’s state television declared 40 days of national mourning, while reports indicate the strikes also killed the Revolutionary Guard commander, defense minister, and a top Khamenei adviser; Israel claimed responsibility for targeting these figures. [1][2][4] Iran responded with waves of missiles hitting civilian areas in Dubai (killing one, damaging Palm development and Burj Al Arab), US bases in Abu Dhabi and Bahrain’s Manama (Fifth Fleet HQ), and strikes near Riyadh, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan; most were intercepted but caused fires, injuries, and flight disruptions across the Middle East. [1][3][4] Tehran saw cheers from residents and explosions in Jomhouri Square, with mourners gathering in Mashhad; Iran vowed “devastating blows” via its Cabinet, Revolutionary Guard, and parliamentary speaker. [1][3][4] Trump called it a chance for Iranians to “take back their Country” and confirmed seeing photos of Khamenei’s body, while Netanyahu noted “many signs” of the dictator’s death; Democrats criticized lack of congressional approval. [1][3][4]
In other news, Russia accepted a US proposal for Ukraine’s post-war security guarantees during Geneva talks, per Kyiv’s top aide, as Trump pushes for an end to the war. [1] An explosion at a firecracker factory in India’s Andhra Pradesh killed 21 and injured eight on February 28, prompting condolences from PM Narendra Modi. [1]
Airspace chaos included 19,000 delayed flights amid the regional escalation. [3] A temporary Iranian council will govern until a new supreme leader is selected. [4]
