| Assassination of Ali Khamenei | | | | Part of the [2026 Iran war]( "2026 Iran war") | | []( Khamenei on 12 February 2026, 16 days before his assassination | | Location | [35°41′31″N 51°23′55″E / 35.6919°N 51.3986°E]( [Tehran]( "Tehran"), Iran | | Date | 28 February 2026;4 months ago | | Target | [Ali Khamenei]( "Ali Khamenei") and [associated Iranian leadership]( "List of Iranian officials killed during the 2026 Iran war") | | Attack type | * [Airstrike]( "Airstrike") * [decapitation strike]( "Decapitation strike") * [targeted killing]( "Targeted killing by Israel") | | Deaths | 5[[1]]( (including Khamenei)[[2]]( | | Planned by | * Israel * [Mossad]( "Mossad") * United States * [Central Intelligence Agency]( "Central Intelligence Agency") | | Executed by | [Israeli Air Force]( "Israeli Air Force") **Supported by:** * [United States Air Force]( "United States Air Force") * [United States Navy]( "United States Navy") | | Outcome | Successful * [Interim Leadership Council]( "Interim Leadership Council") established the next day * [2026 Iranian supreme leader election]( "2026 Iranian supreme leader election") * [Mojtaba Khamenei]( "Mojtaba Khamenei") succeeds his father as [Supreme Leader of Iran]( "Supreme Leader of Iran") |

On 28 February 2026, [Ali Khamenei]( "Ali Khamenei"), the [supreme leader of Iran]( "Supreme leader of Iran"), was assassinated in [Tehran]( "Tehran") as part of a series of Israeli airstrikes [aimed at high-ranking Iranian officials]( "List of Iranian officials killed during the 2026 Iran war"). Khamenei's death was confirmed by the [Iranian government]( "Iranian government") on 1 March.[[3]]( His death occurred as part of [a wider joint operation]( "2026 Iran war") by the United States and Israel, using strategic locations intelligence from the US's [Central Intelligence Agency]( "Central Intelligence Agency") to determine the whereabouts of several leaders.[[4]]( Satellite imagery suggested that [Khamenei's residence in the city]( "Office of the Supreme Leader of Iran") was severely damaged during the attack.

Following initial Israeli reports that Khamenei had been killed in the operation, US president [Donald Trump]( "Donald Trump") and Israeli prime minister [Benjamin Netanyahu]( "Benjamin Netanyahu") stated that Khamenei was dead. After [Iranian state media]( "Iranian state media") confirmed his death, the government announced 40 days of mourning and seven days of public holiday. The [Fars News Agency]( "Fars News Agency") announced that Khamenei's daughter, granddaughter, son-in-law and daughter-in-law had also been killed in the strikes.[[1]]( Despite an initial announcement that Khamenei's wife, [Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh]( "Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh"), had died from her injuries on 2 March,[[7]]( Fars reported on 12 March that she was still alive.[[8]](

As Khamenei's death was confirmed, many Iranian civilians went out to celebrate in the streets.[[9]]( Elsewhere in Iran, thousands gathered on streets in mourning[[13]]( and stated on social media that they were mourning his death.[[9]]( against the 2026 Iran war]( "Protests against the 2026 Iran war") occurred in multiple countries.[[14]]( diaspora]( "Iranian diaspora") members around the world [participated in joyful gatherings]( "2026 Iranian diaspora protests").[[15]](

A previous plan to assassinate Khamenei by Israel during the [Twelve-Day War]( "Twelve-Day War") on 15 June 2025 was vetoed by Trump, according to unnamed US officials.[[17]](

## Preparations

After the [Twelve-Day War]( "Twelve-Day War") in June 2025, Khamenei became increasingly reclusive, and the bunker in his compound was so deep that its elevator took more than five minutes to reach it, making the opportunities to strike very rare.[[18]]( For months before the attack, the [CIA]( "CIA") had been tracking the locations and patterns of Khamenei and had learned that a meeting of senior officials was to take place with the attendance of Khamenei,[[18]]( so the strikes were planned to coincide with the meeting.[[18]]( Israeli officials stated that Khamenei was seen above ground at his conspicuous official residence shortly before the assassination.[[20]](

## Airstrikes

The strike on Khamenei's compound was unique in that it was carried out during daylight, with [Israeli jets]( "Israeli Air Force") targeting the site with thirty [precision munitions]( "Precision munition"), along with [Sparrow ALBMs]( "Sparrow (target missile)").[[21]]( Strikes targeted strategic facilities and important Iranian officials, including Khamenei's compound, which was among those most affected by Israeli strikes in [Tehran]( "Tehran"); satellite imagery suggested that the building was severely damaged.[[22]]( At the same time, attacks were carried out in at least two other locations in the city to ensure the success of the operation.[[18]](

Khamenei's bunker at the site, known as Habib Ebrahimi, constructed by the [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps]( "Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps") starting in 2009 as deep as 30 to 35 metres (98 to 115 ft) below ground, with a network of access and escape tunnels connecting to points across central Tehran.[[24]](

## Initial reports

### Conflicting reports

Following the initial strikes, several outlets, such as [_Axios_]( "Axios (website)") and [Iran International]( "Iran International"),[[25]]( citing Israeli government sources, began reporting that Khamenei was dead.[[26]]( An unnamed Israeli official said that Khamenei's body was located following the strikes, a photograph of which was reportedly shown to Israeli prime minister [Benjamin Netanyahu]( "Benjamin Netanyahu").[[30]]( These reports around Khamenei's death were initially disputed by Iranian sources, with Iran's [Ministry of Foreign Affairs]( "Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Iran)") spokesman [Esmail Baghaei]( "Esmail Baghaei") stating that Khamenei was "safe and sound",[[32]]( and [Reuters]( "Reuters") reporting that Khamenei was transferred to a "secure location" outside of Tehran.[[34]]( Netanyahu stated that there were "growing signs" pointing to Khamenei's death. US president [Donald Trump]( "Donald Trump") echoed these claims, calling the then-unconfirmed assassination "justice for the people of Iran".[[35]]( Following the statements by Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, Iranian news agencies [Tasnim]( "Tasnim News Agency") and [Mehr]( "Mehr News Agency") once again stated that Khamenei was alive and still "steadfast and firm in commanding the field".[[30]](

Shortly before midnight in Iran on 28 February, an unnamed Israeli official said that Khamenei had been killed in the air strikes and his body had been recovered and identified by intelligence sources.[[36]]( Netanyahu stated that there were signs that Khamenei might have been killed,[[37]]( though the Iranian foreign ministry contested his claim.[[38]]( According to Israeli officials, Khamenei's body was found in rubble.[[39]](

On 2 March, it was announced on [IRIB TV2]( "IRIB TV2") that [Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh]( "Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh"), Khamenei's wife, had also died from injuries she had sustained in the strikes,[[7]]( however, the [Fars News Agency]( "Fars News Agency"), which is affiliated with the [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps]( "Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps") (IRGC), reported on 12 March that she was still alive.[[8]](

### Confirmation

Early on 1 March, the Iranian [Supreme National Security Council]( "Supreme National Security Council"),[[40]]( as well as Iranian state media, including the [Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting]( "Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting"), announced that Khamenei had been killed, despite previous steadfast denial. The state declared 40 days of mourning and a seven-day national holiday.[[5]]( The Fars News Agency reported that Khamenei's daughter Boshra Khamenei,[[1]]( her daughter Zahra Mohammadi Golpayegani,[[1]]( Khamenei's son-in-law Mesbah Bagheri Kani,[[1]]( and daughter-in-law [Zahra Haddad-Adel]( "Zahra Haddad-Adel"),[[1]]( were also killed in the strikes on his compound.[[5]](

## Aftermath

[](

Tribute to Khamenei in the Iranian embassy of Baku

As the position of Supreme Leader is appointed by the [Assembly of Experts]( "Assembly of Experts") and the position of Deputy Supreme Leader was abolished in 1989, Khamenei had no officially appointed successor.[[42]]( At Khamenei's funeral, it was announced that the [Interim Leadership Council]( "Interim Leadership Council") would include member of the Assembly of Experts [Alireza Arafi]( "Alireza Arafi"), President [Masoud Pezeshkian]( "Masoud Pezeshkian"), and Chief Justice [Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei]( "Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje'i").[[19]]( The [IRGC]( "IRGC") was insistent on appointing a permanent leader swiftly.[[44]]( On 3 March, Fars said they were at the "final stages" of choosing a new supreme leader.[[45]]( Khamenei]( "Mojtaba Khamenei"), the son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was [appointed by the Assembly of Experts on 8 March 2026]( "2026 Iranian supreme leader election").[[46]](

On 9 April, commemoratory processions began at 9:30 a.m. [IRST]( "Iran Standard Time"), the exact time of Khamenei's assassination on 28 February.[[47]]( Some foreign media outlets, such as South Korea's _[The Chosun Daily]( "The Chosun Ilbo"),_ noted that new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei did not appear at the main memorial service, citing reports of possible health complications.[[48]]( "Agence France-Presse")_ coverage remarked that at the 40-day commemoration, a funeral had yet to be held for Ali Khamenei.[[49]](

The [Organization of Iranian American Communities]( "Organization of Iranian American Communities") and other Iranian analysts have noted that the delay in Khamenai's burial indicates a crisis within Iran.[[50]]( Shiite Muslims are supposed to be buried for the sacred fortieth day in connection with the [Arba'in]( "Arba'in").[[51]](

### Funeral arrangements

The state funeral of Ali Khamenei was to take place in Tehran and Mashhad during the three days between 4–6 March 2026 but it was postponed.[[52]]( The funeral arrangements for Ali Khamenei are reported to be scheduled between 4 and 9 July 2026 across Iran and Iraq. According to [Press TV]( "Press TV"), the ceremonies in Tehran are expected to begin at the [Imam Khomeini Mosalla]( "Grand Mosalla of Tehran") on 4 and 5 July, followed by a public procession through the city streets on 6 July. A further procession is planned in the holy city of [Qom]( "Qom") on 7 July.Reports also suggest that part of the funeral proceedings will take place in Iraq on 8 July, including processions in [Najaf]( "Najaf") and [Karbala]( "Karbala") before the body is returned to Iran. The final stage is expected to be held in [Mashhad]( "Mashhad") on 9 July 2026, where he will be buried at the [Imam Reza shrine]( "Imam Reza shrine").[[54]](

## Reactions

### Domestic

#### Government

Iranian president [Masoud Pezeshkian]( "Masoud Pezeshkian") described the killing as a "great crime" and said that it would not go unanswered.[[59]](

#### Civilians

[](

Pro-government Iranians in [Tabriz]( "Tabriz") on 18 March 2026 display portraits of the deceased Khamenei to demonstrate solidarity amid intense national polarization.

Civilian reaction from Iranians to his death were mixed. As his death was confirmed, some Iranian civilians went out to celebrate in the streets.[[9]]( Following the initial announcements of Khamenei's death, celebrations were heard in the capital, and videos of celebrations in cities like [Isfahan]( "Isfahan"), [Karaj]( "Karaj"), [Kermanshah]( "Kermanshah"), [Qazvin]( "Qazvin"), [Sanandaj]( "Sanandaj"), [Shiraz]( "Shiraz"), and [Izeh]( "Izeh") circulated online. In [Dehloran]( "Dehloran"), people were filmed cheering as a statue of Khamenei was toppled.[[60]]( Security forces were also deployed to prevent an uprising, with footage showing them opening fire on celebrants in the streets.[[62]](

Supporters of Khamenei mourned his death near the [Imam Reza shrine]( "Imam Reza shrine") in [Mashhad]( "Mashhad"); videos show several people crying and wailing as others appear collapsed on the floor in grief.[[64]]( Photos also show Iranians mourning his death while holding portraits of him in [Enqelab Square]( "Enqelab Square"), Tehran.[[64]]( Videos were reported showing thousands of people in [Yasuj]( "Yasuj") and Isfahan[[64]]( mourning his death, with similar scenes being reported in Shiraz and the province of [Lorestan]( "Lorestan").[[64]]( The [red Shia flag of revenge]( "Ya Husayn") was raised on the [Jamkaran Mosque]( "Jamkaran Mosque").[[65]](

In contrast, many Iranians inside Iran began pouring out into the streets in celebration as news of Khamenei's death broke out, with [some celebrants being attacked and shot by deployed security forces]( "2025–2026 Iranian protests").[[9]](

#### Diaspora and opposition

[Celebration rallies]( "2026 Iranian diaspora protests") were also held worldwide by the [Iranian diaspora]( "Iranian diaspora") after news of Khamenei's death.[[15]](

Exiled crown prince [Reza Pahlavi]( "Reza Pahlavi"), eldest son of the last [shah of Iran]( "Shah of Iran")[Mohammad Reza Pahlavi]( "Mohammad Reza Pahlavi") and a prominent dissident against the Islamic Republic regime, unilaterally declared the "end of the Islamic Republic" shortly following Khamenei's death.[[71]]( Pahlavi later said Khamenei's death is not "the end" and called on Iranians to overthrow the Islamic Republic by preparing for "widespread and decisive presence in the streets."[[33]](

[Maryam Rajavi]( "Maryam Rajavi"), co-leader of the dissident group [MEK]( "People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran"), released a statement on her website hailing the death of Khamenei as the "end of religious tyranny" and the "collapse of the [Velayat-e Faqih]( "Velayat-e Faqih") regime", calling for a transitional government that excludes mullahs and monarchists, and saying that MEK does not seek foreign intervention in Iran.[[73]](

### International

[Video 3](

President Trump announces the death of Ali Khamenei at [Mar-a-Lago]( "Mar-a-Lago") on 1 March 2026.

Reports of Khamenei's assassination were followed by demonstrations in a number of countries across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Reactions varied by location: in some cities, people gathered for [mourning]( "Mourning") rallies and protests against the United States and Israel, while in others smaller groups assembled to express support for the strikes.[[74]]( Reports of celebrations of Khamenei's death were censored in China.[[77]](

Across the United States, hundreds of demonstrators gathered in cities including [Washington, D.C.]( "Washington, D.C."), [New York]( "New York City"), [Los Angeles]( "Los Angeles"), [Atlanta]( "Atlanta"), [Chicago]( "Chicago"), and [Boston]( "Boston"), to protest the US–Israeli strikes.[[78]](

In India, thousands nationwide joined protests in outcry. Prayer meetings and widespread demonstrations were organized by members of [Shia Muslim]( "Shia Muslim") communities in several states and union territories, including [Delhi]( "Delhi"), [Jammu and Kashmir]( "Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)"), [Ladakh]( "Ladakh"), [Uttar Pradesh]( "Uttar Pradesh") and others. Some participants carried portraits of Khamenei and Iranian flags, and were condemning the attacks.[[81]](

In Bangladesh, a demonstration organized by the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami condemned Khamenei's killing and called for [OIC]( "OIC") intervention.[[83]](

In Greece, over 1,300 protesters, rallied in [Athens]( "Athens") with banners reading "Hands off Iran."[[64]](

In Baghdad, demonstrators attempted to approach the US embassy, leading to clashes with security forces.[[84]](

Anti-war protests were held in [Rabat]( "Rabat"), Morocco,[[86]]( while in [Kano]( "Kano (city)"), Nigeria, Shia Muslims waved Iranian and Palestinian flags and decried US and Israeli actions.[[87]](

In Pakistan, many condemned the strikes that killed Khamenei and expressed solidarity with Iran. The [MMU]( "Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal") and various communities launched widespread protests and three-day mourning periods in solidarity with Iran.[[81]]( Demonstrators gathered in major cities voiced opposition to the assassination and called out perceived government complicity. Some [protests in Karachi]( "2026 attack on the United States consulate in Karachi") and [Gilgit-Baltistan]( "Gilgit-Baltistan") escalated into clashes with security forces, resulting in casualties and prompting temporary curfews and military deployment.[[88]](

Smaller anti-war demonstrations were also reported in South Korea, Spain, Turkey, and United Kingdom.[[75]](

On the other hand, many members of the Iranian diaspora held celebratory rallies worldwide amid the American–Israeli strikes on Iran and the death of Khamenei.[[91]](

[Reza Pahlavi]( "Reza Pahlavi") urged Iranians inside Iran to prepare to resume [protests]( "2025–2026 Iranian protests") as the Islamic Republic "collapses", called on the [military]( "Military of Iran") and security forces to side with the public rather than the ruling government, and described US action against Iran as a "humanitarian intervention" while urging Trump to avoid civilian harm.[[96]]( Pahlavi proposed the [Iran Prosperity Project]( "Iran Prosperity Project"), an initiative affiliated with the US-based National Union for Democracy in Iran (NUFDI), which outlines plans for the first 180 days of Iran's governance following the potential collapse of the Islamic Republic, including measures for economic stabilisation and institutional reconstruction.[[97]](

[Maryam Rajavi]( "Maryam Rajavi"), the leader of the France–Albania based [National Council of Resistance of Iran]( "National Council of Resistance of Iran"), which is the political wing of the [People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran]( "People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran") (MEK), announced the formation of a rival transitional government and rejected both the Islamic Republic and the Iran Prosperity Project on the [social media site X]( "X (website)").[[100]](

### Analysts

_[The Economist]( "The Economist")_ described the killing of Khamenei as an "enormous success" for the United States and Israel, noting that a comparable effort to kill [Saddam Hussein]( "Saddam Hussein") during the [2003 invasion of Iraq]( "2003 invasion of Iraq") had taken nine months.[[102]]( It also suggested Khamenei's assassination, framed within [Shia concepts of martyrdom]( "Martyrdom in Iran"), may actually benefit the regime rather than weaken it.[[103]]( Ullman]( "Harlan Ullman"), chairman of the strategic advisory Killowen Group and adviser to the [Atlantic Council]( "Atlantic Council") has called assassination of Khamenei a "big mistake", writing that US has made him a "martyr".[[104]](

[Julian Borger]( "Julian Borger") of the _[Guardian]( "The Guardian")_ warned of a "[Libya-style collapse]( "Libyan crisis")" where a fractured, multi-ethnic Iran leads to a massive security vacuum, leading to [separatist]( "Separatist") movements and creating a [refugee crisis for the West]( "Refugee crisis").[[105]](

[Dan Sabbagh]( "Dan Sabbagh") pointed out in the _Guardian_ two weeks after the assassination, that Iran has been preparing for a long war and that Ali Khamenei himself has been pressing subordinates to name four levels of succession in the expectation that he and others might be killed. Sabbagh wrote that Israel and the Trump administration did not seem to have fully anticipated what was likely to follow their initial strike.[[106]](

_[The New York Times]( "The New York Times")_ wrote that by killing Khamenei, Israel had "crossed a new Rubicon, killing the head of state of a sovereign country—something it had shied away from doing early in the war last June, according to two [...] Israeli defense officials."[[20]]( Atlantic]( "The Atlantic")_ framed the killing of Khamenei as the culmination of a long internal decay, arguing that his regime's collapse stemmed less from foreign firepower than from rot within. According to [Graeme Wood]( "Graeme Wood (journalist)"), "the best-planned defenses don't count for much if the people you trust to run them are ready to sell you out," casting Khamenei as ultimately undone by betrayal bred by his own system.[[107]](

[Iran International]( "Iran International") cast the killing of Khamenei as the long-awaited end of "the dictator a nation longed to see gone", framing his death as the closing of an era defined by [repression]( "Political repression in the Islamic Republic of Iran"), ideological rigidity, and mass bloodshed, especially the [January 2026 massacre]( "January 2026 massacre"). In this telling, his assassination lands at a moment of profound internal crisis, with a hollowed-out system facing succession struggles, public fury, and possible collapse, making his death less a geopolitical shock than the culmination of accumulated domestic illegitimacy.[[108]]( In an article for _The Atlantic_, [Karim Sadjadpour]( "Karim Sadjadpour") described Khamenei as a rigid guardian of a revolution increasingly disconnected from much of Iranian society, arguing that his anti-Americanism was rooted more in regime preservation than ideology. He concluded by noting the symbolic irony that, after decades defined by hostility toward the United States and Israel, Khamenei was killed in a strike by those same adversaries.[[109]](

Some analysts argue that Khamenei's death may serve as a powerful symbol for Iran's leadership, uniting supporters and strengthening ideological commitment in the face of external attack.[[110]]( Ali Vaez of the [International Crisis Group]( "International Crisis Group") (ICG) observes that the Khamenei's assassination removes the most pragmatic decision-maker in the system, potentially closing the door on nuclear diplomacy and empowering less predictable hardliners.[[113]](

Omani mediators have observed that prior to the strike, a peace deal was within reach including Iranian concessions on uranium stockpiles. The assassination is seen by some as a deliberate sabotage of these diplomatic channels. It has also noted that this could bolster hardline elements and reduce prospects for rapid regime change rather than achieving strategic goals for the US and Israel, and will contribute to [further regional instability]( "Middle Eastern crisis (2023–present)").[[111]](

Some legal and policy analysts have criticized his assassination as a [violation of international law]( "International law") and that it risks normalizing the deliberate killing of foreign leaders.[[115]](

## See also

* [2024 Hezbollah headquarters strike]( "2024 Hezbollah headquarters strike") * [2026 United States intervention in Venezuela]( "2026 United States intervention in Venezuela") * [Assassination of Ali Larijani]( "Assassination of Ali Larijani") * [Assassination of Ismail Haniyeh]( "Assassination of Ismail Haniyeh") * [Assassination of Qasem Soleimani]( "Assassination of Qasem Soleimani") * [Foreign policy of the second Trump administration]( "Foreign policy of the second Trump administration") * [Iran–United States relations during the second Trump administration]( "Iran–United States relations during the second Trump administration") * [List of assassinations by the United States]( "List of assassinations by the United States") * [List of heads of state and government deposed by foreign powers in the 20th and 21st century]( "List of heads of state and government deposed by foreign powers in the 20th and 21st century") * [List of heads of state and government who died in office]( "List of heads of state and government who died in office") * [List of heads of state and government who were assassinated or executed]( "List of heads of state and government who were assassinated or executed")

## References

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[1]( hope freedom is near after supreme leader's death"]( _[ABC News]( "ABC News (United States)")_. 1 March 2026. [Archived]( from the original on 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026. people have mixed feelings on the situation—they are both pleased that 47 years of brutality under the Islamic Republic could come to an end, but also fearful of a prolonged war and the possibility of civilian casualties. 12. [1]( Feliz; Moussavi, Henna (1 March 2026). ["Iranians Celebrate Strikes That Killed the Country's Leaders"]( _[The Wall Street Journal]( "The Wall Street Journal")_. [Archived]( from the original on 3 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026. Many Iranians celebrated 13. [↑]( conflict – Tens of thousands in Iran mourn Khamenei's killing"]( [Al Jazeera]( "Al Jazeera"). 1 March 2026. [Archived]( from the original on 1 March 2026. Retrieved 2 March 2026. 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["See where U.S., Israeli strikes have hit Iran and where Iran has retaliated"]( _[The Washington Post]( "The Washington Post")_. [Archived]( from the original on 1 March 2026. Retrieved 28 February 2026. 23. [↑]( Emanuel (28 February 2026). ["Satellite image shows destruction of Khamenei's compound"]( _[The Times of Israel]( "The Times of Israel")_. [Archived]( from the original on 28 February 2026. Retrieved 28 February 2026. 24. [↑]( Miriam. ["Ali Khamenei's secret bunker included blast-resistant room, escape tunnels under Tehran - report']( _[The Jerusalem Post]( "The Jerusalem Post")_, 26 June 2026. Accessed 26 June 2026. "The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reportedly began construction of the site in 2009 with Khamenei's approval, financing the project through the IRGC's Khatam al-Anbiya Construction Headquarters. According to the plans, the main entrance was large enough to allow cars inside, and allow them to reach a depth of 30 meters underground. The compound also allegedly included a 27-meter tunnel linked to several different escape routes and a second tunnel reported to lead to a parking garage near the Enghelab Square in central Tehran." 25. [1]( Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is dead"]( _[Iran International]( "Iran International")_. 28 February 2026. [Archived]( from the original on 28 February 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026. 26. [↑]( Khamenei's body has been found and he is confirmed dead, Israeli official says"]( _[Reuters]( "Reuters")_. 28 February 2026. Retrieved 28 February 2026. 27. [↑]( Netanyahu says 'signs' point to Khamenei being dead"]( _[Deutsche Welle]( "Deutsche Welle")_. 28 February 2026. Retrieved 28 February 2026. 28. [↑]( Barak; Lotz, Avery; Basu, Zachary (28 February 2026). ["Israel Says Iran Supreme Leader Khamenei Is Dead"]( _[Axios]( "Axios (website)")_. [Archived]( from the original on 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026. 29. [↑]( Kim; Collins, Michael; Snider, Mike; Ramaswamy, Swapna Venugopal (28 February 2026). ["Iran Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei killed, Trump says"]( _[USA Today]( "USA Today")_. Retrieved 1 March 2026. 30. [1]( says Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei dead after US-Israeli attacks"]( _[Al Jazeera]( "Al Jazeera")_. 28 February 2026. [Archived]( from the original on 28 February 2026. Retrieved 28 February 2026. 31. [↑]( Khamenei assassinated in Iran, Israeli officials told"]( _[The Jerusalem Post]( "The Jerusalem Post")_. 28 February 2026. Retrieved 28 February 2026. 32. [↑]( Dan; Josephs, Leslie; Kimball, Spencer; Haddad, C. J.; Papp, Justin; Novet, Jordan (28 February 2026). ["Live updates: Trump says Khamenei is dead; Iran says he's 'safe and sound'"]( _[CNBC]( "CNBC")_. [Archived]( from the original on 1 March 2026. Retrieved 28 February 2026. 33. [1]( latest: Netanyahu says 'growing signs' Iran's supreme leader Khamenei is 'gone' after US-Israel attacks"]( _[BBC News]( "BBC News")_. 28 February 2026. [Archived]( from the original on 28 February 2026. Retrieved 28 February 2026. 34. [↑]( tells UN it will continue self-defence and considers US, Israeli bases as targets- top developments"]( _[The Times of India]( "The Times of India")_. 1 March 2026. [Archived]( from the original on 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026– via The Economic Times. 35. [↑]( confirmed the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei"]( _[Time]( "Time (magazine)")_. 28 February 2026. [Archived]( from the original on 28 February 2026. Retrieved 28 February 2026. 36. [↑]( Phil; Hafezi, Parisa; Rose, Emily; Mills, Andrew (28 February 2026). ["Iranian leader Khamenei killed in strikes, Israel says"]( _Reuters_. [Archived]( from the original on 2 March 2026. Retrieved 28 February 2026. 37. [↑]( says there are signs Khamenei was killed in Israeli attacks"]( _Iran International_. 28 February 2026. [Archived]( from the original on 2 March 2026. Retrieved 28 February 2026. 38. [↑]( foreign ministry says several military commanders killed in airstrikes"]( _Iran International_. 28 February 2026. Retrieved 28 February 2026. 39. [↑]( supreme leader found dead in rubble, says Israel"]( _The Telegraph_. 28 February 2026. Retrieved 28 February 2026. 40. [↑]( شهادت حضرت آیت‌الله العظمی سیدعلی حسینی خامنه‌ای رهبر انقلاب اسلامی"]( of the martyrdom of His Highness Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Hosseini Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution]. _Office for the Preservation and Publication of the Works of Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei – Islamic Revolution Cultural Research Institute_ (in Persian). [Supreme National Security Council]( "Supreme National Security Council"). 1 March 2026. [Archived]( from the original on 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026– via KHAMENEI.ir. [Imam]( "Imam") Khamenei, the leader of the great nation of Iran and the forerunner of the Islamic [Ummah]( "Ummah"), Imam Khamenei, joined the Supreme Kingdom by drinking the sweet nectar of [martyrdom]( "Martyr") during the holy month of [Ramadan]( "Ramadan"). 41. [↑]( Farnaz (1 March 2026). ["Live Updates: Iran Says Supreme Leader Died During U.S.-Israeli Strikes"]( _[The New York Times]( "The New York Times")_. [ISSN]( "ISSN (identifier)")[0362-4331]( [Archived]( from the original on 6 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026. Iran announced 40 days of official mourning and a seven-day national holiday to commemorate the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. 42. [↑]( supreme leader killed in major attack by US and Israel"]( _[AP News]( "AP News")_. 1 March 2026. [Archived]( from the original on 28 February 2026. Retrieved 28 February 2026. 43. [↑]( Tucker (1 March 2026). ["Iran names three men for interim Leadership Council to pick next supreme leader"]( _[CBS News]( "CBS News")_. [Archived]( from the original on 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026. 44. [↑]( Guards push to name next leader outside legal procedures"]( _[Iran International]( "Iran International")_. 28 February 2026. [Archived]( from the original on 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026. 45. [↑]( updates: Israel hits Beirut and Tehran as Trump warns Iran of escalated strikes"]( _CNN_. 3 March 2026. Retrieved 3 March 2026. 46. [↑]( Rachel (9 March 2026). ["What to know about Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's new supreme leader"]( _NPR_. Retrieved 10 March 2026. 47. [↑]( casts doubt on US talks after Israel strikes Lebanon"]( _dw.com_. Retrieved 9 April 2026. 48. [↑]( Choi (9 April 2026). ["Iran Marks Khamenei's 40th-Day Memorial; Son Absent Amid Health Concerns"]( _The Chosun Daily_. Retrieved 9 April 2026. 49. [↑]( of Iranians rally in memory of late supreme leader Khamenei"]( _L'Orient Today_. 9 April 2026. Retrieved 9 April 2026. 50. [↑]( Emma (12 April 2026). ["Iran in crisis as US talks collapse, Mojtaba's 'mafia' regime blocks Khamenei burial: analyst"]( _Fox News_. Retrieved 13 April 2026. 51. [1]( International"]( _www.iranintl.com_. Retrieved 14 April 2026. 52. [↑]( to bid farewell to late Supreme Leader Khamenei at Tehran ceremony"]( _Reuters_. 4 March 2026. 53. [↑]( delays Khamenei funeral as US and Israeli bombardment continues"]( _BBC_. 4 March 2026. 54. [↑]( for Iran's late Supreme Leader Khamenei to begin July 4, burial set for July 9"]( 55. [↑]( Al Jazeera. ["Iran announces funeral, burial dates for late Supreme Leader Khamenei"]( _Al Jazeera_. Retrieved 27 June 2026. 56. [↑]( (13 June 2026). ["Ayatollah Khamenei to be laid to rest at Imam Reza shrine on July 9 after multi-city funeral ceremonies"]( _PressTV_. Retrieved 27 June 2026. 57. [↑]( (4 June 2026). ["Proposal Calls for Iranian Leader's Funeral Procession in Iraq"]( _WANA_. Retrieved 27 June 2026. 58. [↑]( Brian; Pietromarchi, Virginia; Everett, Mariamne (3 March 2026). ["Fire contained at US consulate in Dubai after Iranian drone incident"]( _Al Jazeera_. Retrieved 3 March 2026. 59. [1]( Confirms Khamenei's Killing In US-Israel Strikes"]( _[Al Jazeera]( "Al Jazeera")_. 28 February 2026. [Archived]( from the original on 28 February 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026. 60. [↑]( and celebrations heard in parts of Tehran after reports of Khamenei's death"]( _[The Business Standard]( "The Business Standard")_. 1 March 2026. [Archived]( from the original on 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026. 61. [↑]( polarised Iran, Khamenei's death triggers celebrations and grief"]( _[Reuters]( "Reuters")_. 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026. 62. [↑]( نیروهای یگان ویژه در جنت‌آباد تهران"]( presence of special forces in Jannat Abad, Tehran]. _[Iran International]( "Iran International")_ (in Persian). 28 February 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026. 63. [1]( و جولان سرکوبگران در سبزوار؛ شادی مردم پس از انتشار خبر مرگ علی خامنه‌ای"]( and the rampage of suppressors in Sabzevar; the joy of people after the news of Ali Khamenei's death was released]. _Persian Independent_ (in Persian). 1 March 2026. [Archived]( from the original on 2 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026. 64. [1]( in Mashhad mourn Khamenei"]( _[Al Jazeera]( "Al Jazeera")_. 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026. 65. [↑]( Khamenei's death, Iran flies red flag over mosques: What it means & why it could signal 'dangerous' turn in Middle East conflict"]( _[The Economic Times]( "The Economic Times")_. March 2026. [Archived]( from the original on 1 March 2026. Retrieved 2 March 2026. 66. [↑]( Liz; Miller, Sabrina (1 March 2026). ["Iranians rejoice at death of 'the devil': Celebrations erupt from Tehran to Finchley after reports of Khamenei's assassination"]( _[The Telegraph]( "The Daily Telegraph")_. Retrieved 19 March 2026. 67. [↑]( Karaj residents pour into streets to celebrate Khamenei's death"]( _[Iran International]( "Iran International")_. 28 February 2026. Retrieved 8 March 2026. 68. [↑]( Adeshola (1 March 2026). ["Iranian Australians celebrate death of supreme leader and dream with 'quiet anticipation' of regime change"]( _The Guardian_. Retrieved 19 March 2026. 69. [↑]( Celebrate Across Major US Cities - Newsweek"]( _[Newsweek]( "Newsweek")_. 70. [↑]( dead, Iranians celebrate: Can protesters finally topple the regime?"]( _The Times of India_. 1 March 2026 – via The Economic Times - The Times of India. 71. [↑]( Pahlavi Declares End of Islamic Republic After Khamenei's Death"]( _The Chosun Daily_. 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026. 72. [↑]( Khamenei death claim: Reza Pahlavi declares 'Islamic Republic has come to an end' | Full reaction"]( _[Hindustan Times]( "Hindustan Times")_. 1 March 2026. [Archived]( from the original on 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026. 73. [↑]( Rajavi Declares Ali Khamenei's Death the End of Religious Despotism in Iran"]( _IranFreedom.org_. 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026. 74. [↑]( Mark (2 March 2026). ["Shia Muslims, militias grapple with uncertainty after Khamenei's assassination"]( _The Globe And The Mail_. Retrieved 4 March 2026. 75. [1]( and jubilation: Scenes from protests around the world after Iran attacks"]( _Reuters_. 3 March 2026. Retrieved 4 March 2026. 76. [↑]( Is Built to Withstand the Ayatollah's Assassination"]( _Foreign Policy_. 28 February 2026. Retrieved 4 March 2026. 77. [↑]( David (3 March 2026). ["U.S. Attacks on Iran Test Fragile Truce With China"]( _[The New York Times]( "The New York Times")_. [ISSN]( "ISSN (identifier)")[0362-4331]( Retrieved 3 March 2026. 78. [↑]( protesters condemn U.S. military attacks on Iran"]( _WHYY_. 28 February 2026. [Archived]( from the original on 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026. 79. [↑]( opposing the US-led strikes in Iran planned in multiple cities"]( _The Hill_. 28 February 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026. 80. [↑]( attack on Iran: Illinois leaders react, demonstrations held downtown Chicago"]( _ABC7 Chicago_. 28 February 2026. [Archived]( from the original on 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026. 81. [1]( in India over Khamenei's assassination"]( _Dawn_. 2 March 2026. Retrieved 4 March 2026. 82. [↑]( across India against Khamenei's killing"]( _Al Jazeera_. 2 March 2026. Retrieved 4 March 2026. 83. [↑]( condemns Khamenei's killing, holds protest rally in Dhaka"]( _[The Business Standard]( "The Business Standard")_. 1 March 2026. Retrieved 4 March 2026. 84. [↑]( attacks US bases after confirming Khamenei's death"]( _DW_. 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026. 85. [↑]( strikes on Iran: Tear gas fired at pro-Iranian protesters near US Embassy in Baghdad"]( _The Economic Times_. 1 March 2026. [Archived]( from the original on 3 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026. 86. 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[↑]( و رقص در هامبورگ پس از حمله به جمهوری اسلامی"]( and dancing in Hamburg after the attack on the Islamic Republic]. _Iran International_ (in Persian). 28 February 2026. 94. [↑]( that happening finally?' Iranian diaspora in the U.S. celebrates attacks on Islamic Regime"]( _[NBC Los Angeles]( "NBC Los Angeles")_. 28 February 2026. [Archived]( from the original on 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026. 95. [↑]( is no good, but I'm happy': Iranian diaspora jubilant as regime attacked, see difficult days ahead"]( _[The Times of Israel]( "The Times of Israel")_. AFP. 28 February 2026. [ISSN]( "ISSN (identifier)")[0040-7909]( Retrieved 1 March 2026. 96. [↑]( Pahlavi calls on Iranians to get ready to return to streets"]( _[Iran International]( "Iran International")_. 28 February 2026. Retrieved 28 February 2026. 97. [↑]( Vision for Free Iran"]( _[Iran Prosperity Project]( "Iran Prosperity Project")_. [Archived]( from the original on 1 March 2026. Retrieved 28 February 2026. 98. 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## External links

* []( Media related to [Assassination of Ali Khamenei]( "commons:Category:Assassination of Ali Khamenei") at Wikimedia Commons