Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is Dead; Has Ruled Iran Since 1989; Son and Successor Also Believed Dead

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead, according to multiple reports citing Israeli intelligence and media sources, following major U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iranian targets early Saturday, February 28, 2026.

The strikes, part of coordinated operations targeting leadership compounds, military sites, missile facilities, and elements of Iran's nuclear program in Tehran and other locations, reportedly hit Khamenei's compound directly. Satellite imagery showed heavy damage and smoke rising from the area.

A senior Israeli official told Reuters that Khamenei was killed in the attacks. Israeli intelligence is confident that he is dead, with assessments indicating his survival chances are slim to nonexistent, as reported by sources including Nioh Berg (@NiohBerg on X), who cited current Israeli evaluations and later posted "CONFIRMED: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead. The tyrant is no more." Prominent X news aggregator Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) reported that Israeli state media, including N12, stated Khamenei's body has been found, declaring "It's over. The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran is dead." Nawfal also noted reports of a photo of Khamenei's body shown to President Donald Trump, describing it as high-level confirmation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated there were "many signs" Khamenei is no longer alive, while noting the elimination of senior regime officials, Revolutionary Guard commanders, and nuclear figures. Reports suggest 30 bombs were dropped on Khamenei's compound, killing family members and his military secretary.

President Donald Trump announced the start of "major combat operations" to eliminate threats from Iran's nuclear and missile programs, stating the action gives the Iranian people "a chance to topple their rulers" and could lead to regime change in defense of American interests.

Iran has not confirmed Khamenei's death. Iranian officials and state media have described some losses but accused adversaries of psychological warfare, with claims that Khamenei is alive, safe, and leading the response—though his planned speech was canceled. Iranian sources reported over 200 deaths and hundreds injured from the strikes.

In retaliation, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on targets in Israel and U.S. bases in Gulf states, with reported hits causing casualties, including at least one death in Abu Dhabi. Jordan intercepted missiles over its airspace.

The escalation has sparked widespread fear and panic in Iran, with residents fleeing major cities. Global airlines have canceled or suspended flights across the Middle East due to security risks.

Iranians inside and outside the country have reacted with celebrations in some areas, including diaspora gatherings and reports of chants against the regime. The strikes represent a major escalation in longstanding tensions, amid failed nuclear negotiations. The situation remains fluid, with risks of further exchanges and regional instability. The Santa Monica Observer will continue monitoring developments.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead, according to a senior Israeli official speaking to Reuters, following major U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iranian targets early Saturday.

The strikes, part of coordinated operations dubbed "Operation Epic Fury" by the U.S. and involving Israeli forces, targeted leadership compounds, military sites, missile facilities, and elements of Iran's nuclear program in Tehran and elsewhere. Satellite imagery showed heavy damage and black smoke rising from the area around Khamenei's compound in the capital.

President Donald Trump announced the commencement of "major combat operations" aimed at eliminating threats from Iran's nuclear and missile programs. In statements, Trump described the action as giving the Iranian people "a chance to topple their rulers" and potentially leading to regime change, emphasizing that the goal was to defend American interests and set back Iran's capabilities significantly.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated there were "many signs" that Khamenei "is no longer" with us, without directly confirming the death, and noted that senior regime officials, Revolutionary Guard commanders, and nuclear figures had been eliminated. Reports from Israeli sources indicated Khamenei's body had been found in the rubble, though no independent verification from Iranian authorities has been provided.

Iran has not confirmed Khamenei's death. Iranian officials, including the foreign minister, have described some losses among commanders but downplayed their impact, while accusing adversaries of psychological warfare. Iranian state media reported over 200 deaths and hundreds injured from the strikes.

In retaliation, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on targets in Israel and U.S. bases in Gulf states, with hits reported causing casualties, including at least one death in Abu Dhabi. Jordan intercepted missiles over its territory.

The escalation has triggered widespread fear and panic inside Iran, with residents fleeing major cities amid ongoing uncertainty. Global airlines have canceled or suspended numerous flights across the Middle East due to the heightened security risks.

The strikes mark a dramatic escalation in long-standing tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States, following failed negotiations over Iran's nuclear program. The situation remains fluid, with potential for further military exchanges and regional instability. The Santa Monica Observer will continue to monitor developments as more details emerge.