Tensions surged dramatically over the weekend after a joint U.S.–Israeli airstrike crisis killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in Tehran on February 28, 2026.
He was 86 and had ruled since 1989, shaping the Islamic Republic’s political and military doctrine for nearly four decades. Iranian officials said his daughter, son-in-law and several senior aides also died in the strike.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the operation on social media, calling Khamenei “one of the most evil people in history,” and signaled that military operations could continue for weeks.
How The Operation Unfolded
The offensive began before any formal announcement.
U.S. Tomahawk missiles and Israeli fighter jets struck hundreds of targets across at least 14 Iranian cities in what Israeli officials described as Operation Lion’s Roar, aimed at “degrading the regime’s capabilities” and, according to Trump, paving the way for regime change.
Targets included intelligence headquarters, ballistic missile facilities, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) sites and residences of senior officials. Satellite imagery later showed extensive damage to Khamenei’s compound in Tehran. Iranian state media confirmed the deaths of several top military leaders, including the armed forces chief of staff and the head of the IRGC. Israel claimed at least 40 Iranian commanders were killed in the initial wave.
Civilian casualties quickly mounted. Iran’s Red Crescent reported more than 200 deaths and hundreds injured across 24 provinces. Nearly 150 people were reportedly killed in a strike on a girls’ school in Minab. Hossein Kermanpour, spokesperson for Iran’s health ministry, wrote: “God knows how many more children’s bodies they will pull from under the rubble.”
Retaliation And Regional Spillover
Following Khamenei’s death, Iran launched retaliatory strikes against Israeli territory and U.S. military assets across the region. Iranian media cited the Red Crescent as saying attacks across 24 of Iran’s 31 provinces left at least 201 dead and 740 injured.
In Tehran, crowds gathered carrying national flags to mourn the Supreme Leader. Authorities formed a special council to assume leadership duties until a successor is chosen.
President Masoud Pezeshkian, a member of the council, released his first statement since the attacks, saying Iran’s armed forces were acting decisively and would leave “the enemy hopeless, as always.”
The IRGC claimed it fired four ballistic missiles at the USS Abraham Lincoln, though U.S. Central Command denied the carrier was hit, stating the missiles did not come close.
Israeli media reported that an Iranian ballistic missile struck a residential area near Jerusalem, killing nine people, while another person died in Tel Aviv a day earlier.
Iran also targeted U.S. bases and facilities in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf states. The UAE said 165 ballistic missiles and two cruise missiles were launched toward its territory, alongside more than 540 drones. Three foreigners were killed and 58 others slightly injured. U.S. Central Command confirmed three American service members were killed during Washington’s Operation Epic Fury.
Japan indicated it may evacuate around 200 nationals from Iran if necessary.
Hezbollah And Israel Exchange Strikes In Wake Of Khamenei’s Killing
Hezbollah announced it had struck an Israeli missile defense site in response to Khamenei’s killing. The Israel Defense Forces said it retaliated with strikes on Hezbollah-linked targets in Lebanon.
The group fired missiles toward Haifa, prompting Israel to launch extensive air raids, including on Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut’s southern suburbs and areas near the capital’s airport. Israel also ordered evacuations in more than 50 villages in southern Lebanon.
Although weakened after its war with Israel 18 months ago, Hezbollah’s deep ideological and financial ties to Iran have drawn it into the expanding conflict.
Global And Regional Reactions
The killing triggered widespread international reaction, with many leaders warning of further instability.
Iran
President Pezeshkian described the strike as an “open declaration of war against Muslims” and “the greatest trial facing the Islamic world today.”
Israel
Defence Minister Israel Katz praised the operation, stating: “He who acted to destroy Israel – has been destroyed.” He added: “Justice has been served, and the axis of evil has suffered a mortal blow,” vowing Israel would “continue to act with full force.”
United States
Trump reiterated: “Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead,” and warned: “They better not do that, however, because if they do, we will hit them with a force that has never been seen before!”
Russia
President Vladimir Putin condemned the strike as a “cynical murder” violating “all standards of human morality and international law,” extending condolences and praising Khamenei as “an outstanding statesman.”
China
Beijing “strongly condemns” the killing, calling it “a serious violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security” and urging an “immediate halting of military operations.”
European Union
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the event as “a defining moment in Iran’s history,” adding: “What comes next is uncertain. But there is now an open path to a different Iran, one that its people may have greater freedom to shape.”
United Kingdom
Defence Secretary John Healey said protecting British personnel was his priority, remarking that “no one will mourn” Khamenei’s death.
Hamas
Hamas condemned the strike as a “heinous” attack, saying Khamenei “provided all forms of political, diplomatic and military support” to Palestinians and that the U.S. and Israel “bear full responsibility for this blatant aggression.”
Turkiye
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he was “saddened” and extended his “sympathies” to the Iranian people.
North Korea
Pyongyang described the strikes as an “illegal act of aggression” and accused Washington and Israel of “shameless and gangster-like conduct.”
Pakistan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed condolences on the “martyrdom of His Eminence Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.”
India
The Indian National Congress “unequivocally condemns the targeted assassination,” while the government has yet to issue a formal statement.
Chad
President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno offered “most sincere and heartfelt condolences,” saying he shared “the pain of the Iranian nation.”
Malaysia
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he “unreservedly” condemns the killing, warning the region stands on “the edge of grave and sustained instability.”
Airspace Closures And Emergency Talks
Several Middle Eastern countries closed their airspace amid the exchanges. Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers convened an emergency virtual meeting, while EU diplomats held urgent consultations following a late-night UN Security Council session.
The crisis has rapidly expanded beyond Iran and Israel, drawing in regional actors and global powers. With leadership uncertainty in Tehran and retaliatory strikes ongoing, the risk of broader regional conflict remains high.
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