Region flares after U.S.-Israeli strikes kill Iran’s supreme leader
Mar 1st 2026
U.S.-Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s supreme leader set off cross-border missile and drone attacks, widespread casualties across the region, and a rapid effort inside Iran to establish interim leadership.
- U.S. and Israeli strikes killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and triggered immediate Iranian vows of revenge.
- Iran launched missiles and drones at Israel and several Gulf states while U.S. and Israeli forces struck targets inside Iran including Tehran.
- Iranian authorities say hundreds have been killed in Iran since the attacks began and U.S. Central Command reports three U.S. service members killed and five seriously wounded.
- A missile hit a synagogue in Beit Shemesh, central Israel, killing multiple people and leaving others missing as first responders search the rubble.
- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says a three-person leadership council has begun work and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says a new supreme leader will be chosen in one to two days.
- Global reactions range from condemnations by Russia and China and emergency diplomacy by regional leaders to shipping reroutes by Maersk and shelter-in-place orders for U.S. embassy staff across the Middle East