Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader for 36 years, was killed Saturday in an Israeli strike with U.S. Support, President Donald Trump announced via social media. The confirmation followed reports from multiple Israeli sources and a senior U.S. Intelligence official, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions.
“Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead,” Trump posted, adding that the U.S. Government was receiving reports of waning support for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and other Iranian security forces. He stated that “heavy and pinpoint bombing” would continue “uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, THE WORLD!”
Iranian state media subsequently confirmed Khamenei’s death, with the state-run IRNA news agency offering no details regarding the cause. Tasnim, a semi-official news agency linked to the IRGC, reported that he died in the attack. An Israeli broadcaster reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had been shown a photograph of Khamenei’s body.
Born in July 1939 in Mashhad, Khamenei rose to prominence as an opponent of the U.S.-backed Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, facing arrest and exile during the 1960s and 70s. He became a close confidant of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, and succeeded Khomeini as supreme leader in 1989. During his tenure, Khamenei maintained a steadfast opposition to the U.S. And Israel and resisted efforts toward internal reform.
The attack, involving approximately 200 warplanes according to the Israeli military, also resulted in the deaths of seven Iranian officials and commanders, including Ali Shamkhani, an advisor to Khamenei.
Reports from Tehran indicate celebrations in the streets following the announcement of Khamenei’s death. The future leadership of Iran remains unclear, leaving a power vacuum after decades of Khamenei’s rule.
As of Sunday, March 1, 2026, Iranian state media has not announced a successor to Khamenei. The White House has not issued a formal statement beyond President Trump’s social media posts.