Israeli officials say Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei killed in strike
Feb 28th 2026
Israeli officials say a strike on a Tehran compound killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but Iranian authorities have not confirmed the allegation and independent verification is lacking.
- A senior Israeli official said Khamenei was killed in the opening strike of Operation Roaring Lion and that his body was found.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Tehran compound where Khamenei had been staying was destroyed and suggested the leader may be dead.
- Iranian authorities have not confirmed the claim and there is no independent verification of Khamenei’s death.
- Khamenei, 86, has led Iran since 1989 and had reportedly been sheltering in a bunker amid health concerns.
- If confirmed, his death would be a major leadership change for Iran and could have wide regional implications.