Tehran / Jerusalem, February 28, 2026 — Joint US and Israeli forces launched major coordinated airstrikes across Iran today in what both nations describe as a preemptive operation to degrade Tehran’s nuclear and missile programs and neutralize top regime figures. Israeli officials explicitly confirmed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (86) was a direct target, along with President Masoud Pezeshkian and senior military commanders.
Satellite imagery and video footage released in the hours after the attacks — widely referred to as the “first visuals” of the operation — show the Supreme Leader’s fortified office and residence compound in central Tehran heavily damaged or destroyed. Multiple buildings within the complex appear collapsed, with thick black smoke rising from the site.
Is Khamenei dead?
No authoritative confirmation exists from any side that he has been killed.
Israeli assessment (Jerusalem Post, Channel 12, Reuters sources): Khamenei has been cut off from all contact. Preliminary intelligence indicates he was likely hurt in the strike on his compound; some reports cite “growing indications” he may not have survived.
Iranian position (state media IRNA, Reuters, NBC News): Khamenei was not present in Tehran and had been moved in advance to a secure, undisclosed underground location. Iran’s Foreign Minister stated he is “still alive as far as I know.” Officials say a message or recording from the Supreme Leader will be released shortly. President Pezeshkian is also reported safe and in good health.
The strikes form part of a broader campaign codenamed “Operation Roaring Lion” (Israel) / “Operation Epic Fury” (US). Explosions were reported in Tehran, Isfahan, Qom and other cities, targeting military sites, IRGC command centers, missile production facilities and leadership locations. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the goal as removing the “existential threat” posed by the Iranian regime. US President Donald Trump announced “major combat operations” and called on Iranians to “take over your government,” telling the IRGC to lay down arms or face “certain death.”
Iran has retaliated with missile and drone barrages toward Israel and US bases in Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait and Jordan. Civilian casualties have been reported inside Iran, including unverified claims of a strike on a school.
The situation remains highly fluid amid the “fog of war.” Social media is filled with unverified claims and rumors about Khamenei’s death, but as of 7:50 PM IST on February 28, 2026, neither side has provided definitive proof he is deceased. International leaders have urged restraint as the Middle East faces the risk of wider regional conflict.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available from official sources.
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