How the US and Israel Killed Iran's Supreme Leader

On the morning of February 28, 2026, at approximately 8:10 AM Tehran time, Israeli Air Force jets dropped 30 bombs on the compound of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in central Tehran. The strike — carried out in daylight as part of the broader US-Israeli Operation Epic Fury — was a decapitation strike planned jointly by the CIA and Mossad.

Months of Planning

After the Twelve-Day War in June 2025, Khamenei had become increasingly reclusive. His bunker was so deep that its elevator took more than five minutes to reach it, making strike opportunities rare. For months, the CIA tracked his movements and patterns.

Intelligence indicated a meeting of senior officials was scheduled. The strikes were timed to coincide with this meeting. Israeli officials stated Khamenei was seen above ground at his official residence shortly before the strike.

The Strike

The daylight attack was unusual — most air operations occur at night. Israeli jets dropped 30 bombs on the compound while simultaneous attacks hit at least two other locations in Tehran to ensure success and prevent escape.

Satellite imagery showed severe damage to Khamenei's residence, the Office of the Supreme Leader.

Denial, Then Confirmation

The aftermath was chaotic. Israeli sources reported Khamenei dead within hours. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei initially stated Khamenei was "safe and sound." Iranian news agencies Tasnim and Mehr insisted he was alive and "steadfast and firm in commanding the field."

Trump called it "justice for the people of Iran." Netanyahu cited "growing signs."

Early on March 1, Iran's Supreme National Security Council and state media confirmed Khamenei's death — reversing previous denials. 40 days of mourning and a 7-day public holiday were declared.

The Family Toll

Fars News Agency reported that in addition to Khamenei, the strikes killed:

• His daughter
• His son-in-law
• His grandchild
• His daughter-in-law

His wife, Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, died from injuries on March 2.

A Previous Attempt Was Vetoed

According to unnamed US officials, Israel attempted to assassinate Khamenei during the Twelve-Day War in June 2025. That attempt was vetoed by Trump. What changed between June 2025 and February 2026 to remove that veto remains a critical question.

The Succession Question

Khamenei had no officially appointed successor (the Vice Supreme Leader position was abolished in 1989). An interim Leadership Council was announced at his funeral:

• Alireza Arafi — Assembly of Experts member
• Masoud Pezeshkian — President of Iran
• Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei — Chief Justice

The IRGC is pushing for rapid appointment of a permanent leader. Mojtaba Khamenei, the late Supreme Leader's son, is reportedly under consideration.

Iranian Reactions

The country is divided:

• Many Iranians celebrated in the streets, hoping for freedom from theocratic rule
• Thousands gathered in mourning, expressing genuine grief
• Pro-Iranian protests erupted in multiple countries
• Iran reimposed internet blackouts to control information flow

Legal and Ethical Questions

The assassination of a sitting head of state raises profound international law questions:

• The US has a formal ban on assassination of foreign leaders (Executive Order 12333, 1981) — though this has been legally circumvented through "military action" framing
• The strike killed multiple family members, including a grandchild
• The compound is located in a civilian area of Tehran