Ayatollah Khamenei's iron grip on power in Iran comes to an end
Iranian state TV confirms the supreme leader has been killed on the first day of massive US and Israeli air strikes on the country.
Coverage by Political Leaning
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Notable Quotes
"Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed."
— Donald Trump , Politician
"Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead."
— Donald Trump , Politician
"An aircraft carrier is a dangerous machine, but even more dangerous than that is the weapon capable of sending it to the bottom of the sea."
— Ali Khamenei , Politician
""During his reign, Ali Khamenei replaced his turban with a military helmet.""
— Ahmad Salamatian , Politician
Key People
He is a former Iranian MP now exiled in France.
Ali Khamenei was the Supreme Leader of Iran until his death.
Supreme Leader of Iran.
The leader of the Islamic Revolution in Iran.
Former president of the United States known for his aggressive economic policies.
The President of Iran who was assassinated in 1981.
Founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran and its first Supreme Leader.
The former President of Iraq.
Tags
All Coverage
Iranian state TV confirms the supreme leader has been killed on the first day of massive US and Israeli air strikes on the country.
Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader from 1989 until his death at age 86 on February 28, 2026, was killed in a joint U.S.-Israeli airstrike that also targeted military and government infrastructure.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's long-time supreme leader, died on February 28, 2026, at age 86 in a joint U.S.-Israeli operation. He ruled as the highest religious and political authority since 1989, shaping Iran's domestic and foreign policies with increasing authoritarianism.
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