Iranian Supreme Leader Assassinated in Israeli Missile Strikes

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenel appears among his supporters for the first time since the Iran-Israel war, in Tehran, Iran June 26, 2025. (Office of the Supreme Leader of Iran via Getty Images/TNS)

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had been serving as the second supreme leader of Iran since 1989, was assassinated at the age of 86 on Feb. 28 as part of a series of Israeli missile strikes in various Iranian cities, including the capital city of Tehran. The attack was part of a joint airstrike operation planned and launched by Israel and the United States. 

Around 40 Iranian officials are believed to have been killed in the strikes, including 70-year-old naval officer and politician Ali Shamkhani, who had been serving as a political advisor to Khamenei since 2023. 

Iranian news agency Fars News Agency reported that several relatives of Khamenei had also been killed during the strikes, including a daughter, son-in-law, grandchild, and daughter-in-law. 

Saturday’s attack followed a 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June 2025, which concluded with a June 24 ceasefire mediated by the U.S. and Qatar, though the agreement was quickly violated by both Iran and Israel. 

Moreover, the February attack occurred amidst ongoing demonstrations against the Iranian government and an economic crisis. The nationwide unrest began on Dec. 28, 2025, and led to the massacres of thousands of protesters under Khamenei’s government. 

U.S. President Donald Trump announced Khamenei’s death in a Truth Social post on Feb. 28, referring to the Ayatollah as “one of the most evil people in History.” Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu likewise celebrated Khamenei’s assassination, stating the Ayatollah regime “spilled our blood, murdered many Americans, and slaughtered its own people.” 

Khamenei’s death was confirmed by Iran’s government and state media on Sunday, March 1, despite previous denial. The state declared 40 days of mourning and a seven-day national holiday in commemoration of Khamenei. 

Iran has threatened retaliation against both Israel and the United States.