Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei Believed Killed in Israeli Airstrikes on Tehran.

Events of February 28, 2026: The Death of Ali Khamenei

According to Novyny.live: On February 28, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and media outlets reported that Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was likely killed in Israeli airstrikes. The strikes on Tehran occurred that same day. The Times of Israel first broke the news of Khamenei's potential death at 21:42, with Reuters confirming the report just minutes later at 21:50. This attack represents a dramatic escalation in the long-standing shadow war between the two nations.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDAF) stated that the operation also eliminated a number of high-ranking Iranian officials. Those reported killed in the airstrikes include:

• Ali Shamkhani
• Mohammad Pakpour
• Saleh Asadi
• Mohammad Shirazi
• Aziz Nasirzadeh
• Hossein Jabal Amelian
• Reza Mozaffari-Nia

Regarding the incident, Benjamin Netanyahu noted:

"There are many indications that the strike killed Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei."

According to a source familiar with the situation, Israel's ambassador to Washington, Yehiel Leiter, informed U.S. officials that Khamenei was killed by an Israeli strike targeting his residence. These events were described as a direct response to a prior Iranian missile attack on Israeli territory.

Heightened Tensions in the Middle East

The situation in the Middle East remained critically tense on February 28th, raising urgent questions about the next steps for both countries as the conflict escalates. The international community is watching closely, concerned about the potential for a wider regional war.

This event could have a profound impact on regional politics and security. If confirmed, Khamenei's death could trigger a power shift within Iran and potentially lead to new waves of violence or civil unrest. Simultaneously, Iran's retaliation for such a significant strike could severely worsen the already fraught relations with Israel, making careful monitoring of subsequent developments essential.