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3d ago

Iran Confirms Khamenei Killed in U.S.-Israeli Strikes as Succession Process Begins

Retaliatory strikes trigger flight disruptions across the region.

This image provided by Airbus shows the strike on Iranian Supreme Leader's compound on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026 in Iran. (Pléiades Neo (c) Airbus DS 2026 via AP)
President Donald Trump monitors US military operations in Iran, February 28, 2026. Portions of the photo have been blurred by the White House.
TEHRAN, IRAN - JUNE 18: (EDITOR’S NOTE: This Handout image was provided by a third-party organization and may not adhere to Getty Images’ editorial policy.) In this handout image provided by the Office of the Supreme Leader of Iran, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei addresses the nation in a state television broadcast on June 18, 2025 in Tehran, Iran. In the address, he said the Iranian people would never surrender and that “any form of US military intervention will undoubtedly be met with irreparable harm.”(Photo by Office of the Supreme Leader of Iran via Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Iranian state television and IRNA confirmed the 86-year-old leader’s death and announced 40 days of mourning, with an interim council assuming duties until the Assembly of Experts selects a successor.
  • The transition council includes President Masoud Pezeshkian and judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei under provisions of Iranian law, according to official reports.
  • Iran launched missiles and drones at U.S. bases, Gulf facilities and Israeli areas, with casualties reported in the UAE and near Tel Aviv, and widespread airspace closures and flight delays across the Middle East.
  • State media said IRGC chief Maj. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour and senior security figure Ali Shamkhani were killed, while Israeli forces reported strikes on missile arrays and air defenses and other outlets listed additional senior casualties.
  • President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu framed the campaign as a chance for Iranians to topple the clerical system, with Trump signaling continued bombing and warning Tehran against further escalation.