TEHRAN, IRAN March 1, 2026 – Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed early Saturday at his office in Tehran while performing his assigned duties, according to reports from Iranian state news agencies Fars and Tasnim.
The announcement, first highlighted in a breaking post by Al Jazeera English on X, has been confirmed by multiple Iranian state outlets, including state television. Authorities have declared a 40-day period of public mourning and seven days of public holidays across the country.
Khamenei, aged 86, had served as Iran’s Supreme Leader since 1989, succeeding Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. He was the country’s highest authority, overseeing its theocratic system, foreign policy, nuclear programme, and support for regional allies.
The death comes amid a major joint US-Israeli military operation against Iran that began on February 28. US President Donald Trump confirmed the killing via Truth Social, describing Khamenei as “one of the most evil people in history” and stating that strikes would continue “uninterrupted” until peace is achieved in the Middle East.
Iranian state media described the incident as “martyrdom” and reported that several family members, including Khamenei’s daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law, were also killed in the strikes. Israeli officials confirmed the operation targeted Khamenei’s compound during a meeting with top aides.
International outlets including BBC, CNN, Reuters, The Washington Post, and The New York Times have corroborated the reports, noting a significant power vacuum now facing Iran’s leadership. The Assembly of Experts is expected to select a successor, with speculation focusing on senior clerics.
The development has triggered widespread reactions worldwide. Iranian state TV broadcast the mourning announcement, while global leaders monitor the fast-evolving situation amid fears of further escalation in the region.
Life News Agency will continue to provide updates as more details emerge on succession plans, Iranian retaliation, and international responses.
Sources: Al Jazeera English, Fars News Agency, Tasnim News Agency, BBC, CNN, Reuters, and official statements.
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