Iranian state media confirmed on Sunday that supreme leader ayatollah ali khamenei died in a joint US-Israel attack on February 28. US president Donald Trump described it as the greatest chance for Iranians to 'take back' their country. The incident has escalated tensions in the region, with Iran launching retaliatory strikes.
On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched a major attack on Iran, resulting in the death of supreme leader ayatollah ali khamenei. Iranian state media confirmed the death on March 1 but did not specify the cause. US president Donald Trump posted on social media, 'Khamenei, one of the most evil people in history, is dead.' He stated that it provides Iranians their 'greatest chance' to 'take back' their country.
In retaliation, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched missile and drone strikes on US military bases in West Asia under 'Operation Truthful Promise 4'. The IRGC claimed to have targeted Israel's defence ministry and military bases, including Haifa Port and Ramat David air base. A woman was killed in the Tel Aviv area by an Iranian missile strike, according to Israel's emergency service Magen David Adom.
On March 1, the Israeli military conducted strikes on Iranian ballistic missile and air defence sites. At an emergency UN Security Council meeting, the US and Israel defended their attacks, while Iran called civilian deaths a 'war crime'. UN secretary-general António Guterres condemned the strikes and urged immediate negotiations.
For Iran's transitional leadership, president Masoud Pezeshkian, judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, and another official were appointed. IRGC head Maj. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour and security adviser Ali Shamkhani were also killed in the strikes.
Regional impacts included damage to Dubai airport and Burj Al Arab hotel in the UAE, where four people were injured. Ships were barred from the Strait of Hormuz, potentially affecting oil prices. Brent crude closed at $72.87 per barrel.
In India, flights to West Asia were cancelled, stranding passengers in Ahmedabad, Surat, and Dubai. Badminton player PV Sindhu was stuck at Dubai airport, where an explosion occurred nearby. Peaceful protests against Khamenei's killing took place in Kashmir.
