Iranian State Media Confirms Supreme Leader Khamenei's Death in US-Israeli Strikes
While some commentators have noted the absence of funeral footage, this is contradicted by multi-party confirmation from US, Israeli, and Iranian state media sources.
MIDDLE EAST — Iranian state media confirmed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death following US-Israeli airstrikes on February 28. Khamenei, 86, was killed in strikes on his Tehran compound. The confirmation came after initial denials by Iranian officials.
US President Donald Trump announced Khamenei’s death on Truth Social, stating it “is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu noted growing signs of Khamenei’s demise. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi initially denied the claim.
Seismic data from NORSAR and CTBTO verified the strikes. Iranian media reported over 200 deaths, including civilians. No independent verification of these figures exists.
International responses called for de-escalation. UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the military escalation and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. Gulf states reported interceptions during ongoing strikes.
