Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Reports emerging from Israeli officials and U.S. media outlets indicate that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed during joint U.S.–Israeli airstrikes on Tehran on Saturday, amid the escalating conflict that began with Operation Epic Fury.
According to multiple Israeli officials and media reports, Khamenei’s compound was among the targets struck in the coordinated assault. The operation, referred to by the U.S. military as “Operation Epic Fury,” reportedly included explosions near the Supreme Leader’s offices and residence in Tehran.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a televised address that there were “growing signs” that Khamenei had been killed, referring to him as a “tyrant” who was no longer alive. A senior Israeli official told Reuters that Khamenei’s body had been found in the rubble.
U.S. President Donald Trump told NBC News that the U.S. government believed Khamenei’s death was “a correct story,” aligning with Israeli assessments. Separately, a senior U.S. defense official informed Fox News that between five and ten top Iranian leaders were killed in the strikes, including Khamenei.
However, Iran has not officially confirmed Khamenei’s death. In an interview with NBC News, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Khamenei was alive “as far as I know.” Iranian state media has not directly addressed the reports.
In addition to Khamenei, reports indicate that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and several commanders from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were killed in the strikes. Those reportedly included Amir Nasirzadeh and Mohammed Pakpour.
The strikes occurred after months of escalating tensions and followed unsuccessful diplomatic negotiations in Geneva. They also came after previous U.S. strikes on Iranian facilities in 2025. The February 28 operation marked a significant escalation in hostilities between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Iranian officials have vowed retaliation, stating that U.S. military bases and Israeli assets would be targeted if further attacks occur.
Khamenei, 86, succeeded Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989 and had ruled Iran for more than 35 years. During his tenure, he oversaw the country’s nuclear program and supported proxy groups across the Middle East.
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