Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei killed in US-Israel strikes

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on February 28, 2026, during coordinated US-Israel strikes targeting Iranian installations. The 86-year-old leader, who ruled Iran since 1989, was assassinated at his Tehran office. Satellite images show heavy damage to his compound, with state media reporting over 200 Iranians killed, including 80 children when a school was hit. Tehran retaliated with missile attacks on Israel and US bases in Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE. The US Central Command confirmed major combat operations against Iran's WMD program. President Trump framed the operation as necessary to neutralize Iran's ballistic missile and nuclear threats. Investors are reassessing geopolitical risks as Muscat stocks tumble. What should you know: Khamenei, born in Mashhad, became Khomeini's student in Qom, opposed the Shah, survived an assassination attempt in 1981, and served as president before becoming Supreme Leader in 1989. He was the longest-serving Iranian head of state after the Shah.

SOURCE: https://nairametrics.com/2026/03/01/iranian-leader-ayatollah-khamenei-dies-at-86/