Iran Leadership: Khamenei’s Son, Israeli Strikes & Succession Plans

On February 28, 2026, Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, was killed in a targeted airstrike, according to multiple reports. The attack, carried out by the Israeli Air Force, struck a location in Tehran where regime clerics were reportedly gathering to select Khamenei’s successor.

The Israeli military has claimed responsibility for strikes targeting Iran’s presidential office and a building housing the Security Council, according to Dawn. The Jerusalem Post reported that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had “flattened” the meeting of the Assembly of Experts, the body responsible for choosing the Supreme Leader. Axios reported that Israel bombed the council specifically as it was choosing the next supreme leader.

The assassination occurred amidst a broader conflict, described as the “2026 Iran conflict” in available documentation. The strike is being described as a “decapitation strike” and a “targeted killing.” According to the Wikipedia entry, the coordinates of the strike were 35°41′31″N 51°23′55″E.

Planning for the operation is attributed to the Israeli government, specifically Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the Mossad, Israel’s national intelligence agency. The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency and the U.S. Armed Forces provided support, according to available information. Six people, including Khamenei, were killed in the strike.

Following Khamenei’s death, the process for selecting a new Supreme Leader is underway. Reports indicate that Khamenei’s son is emerging as a leading candidate to succeed him. No official statement regarding the succession process has been released by Iranian authorities.