TEHRAN — Ayatollah Khamenei Dead, Iranian state media confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei early Sunday, March 1, 2026. This announcement follows a night of unprecedented military strikes by the United States and Israel. The Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) released a formal statement acknowledging the loss of the 86-year-old leader.
The council did not specify the exact cause of death in its initial release. However, state television began broadcasting archive footage of the leader with a black mourning banner at 5:00 AM local time. Officials have declared a 40-day national mourning period and seven public holidays to honor the deceased cleric.
BREAKING: The Official announcement of the martyrdom of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
pic.twitter.com/iucrfuXqhl— Iran Times (@IranTimes9) March 1, 2026
President Trump Claims Credit for ‘Decapitation’ Strike
Hours before Tehran’s official confirmation, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the news via social media. He stated that a joint operation, codenamed “Operation Epic Fury” by the Pentagon, successfully eliminated the Supreme Leader. Trump described the mission as a “massive operation” to dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
“Khamenei, one of the most evil people in history, is dead,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He further claimed that the leader was unable to evade “highly sophisticated tracking systems.” The President characterized the strike as the “single greatest chance” for the Iranian people to reclaim their country.
The operation reportedly involved 200 fighter jets and the deployment of dozens of precision-guided bombs. Satellite imagery from the region shows extensive damage to the Supreme Leader’s compound in downtown Tehran.
Casualties and Regional Retaliation Spreads
The strikes were not limited to the capital. Reports indicate that at least 24 of Iran’s 31 provinces were affected. The Iranian Red Crescent Society reported at least 201 fatalities and over 700 injuries across the nation. Among the deceased are several members of Khamenei’s family, including his daughter and son-in-law.
In immediate retaliation, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched missile and drone salvos. These strikes targeted U.S. military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar. Additionally, missile sirens blared across Tel Aviv, where emergency services reported at least 21 injuries.
“This great crime will never go unanswered,” the Iranian Cabinet warned in a separate statement. “A severe and regret-inducing punishment is coming.”
Leadership Vacuum and Global Uncertainty
The death of Ayatollah Khamenei creates an immediate power vacuum in the Islamic Republic. Having served as the ultimate authority since 1989, Khamenei left no clear designated successor. Under the Iranian constitution, the Assembly of Experts must now convene to select a new leader.
For now, the Supreme National Security Council and the IRGC are expected to maintain operational control. International observers remain wary of a protracted regional conflict. While some residents in Tehran reportedly celebrated the news, the threat of an all-out war looms.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for an emergency Security Council meeting. He urged all parties to “pull the region back from the brink” of a total collapse.
Also read : US and Israel Attack Iran: Operation Epic Fury Targets Tehran and Beyond