On March 1, 2026, Iranian state media confirmed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a carried out on February 28, 2026. The strikes targeted his compound in central Tehran and other strategic locations across Iran.
The operation—called “Roaring Lion” by Israel and “Operation Epic Fury” by the U.S.—involved precision aerial bombardment. Along with Khamenei, several senior Iranian officials, including the IRGC chief and the Defence Minister, and members of his family were reportedly killed. After initial denials, Iran officially declared his death as “martyrdom” and announced 40 days of national mourning.
Global reactions were sharply divided. The U.S. and Israel publicly defended the strike as a justified blow against Iran’s leadership, while protests and mourning were reported among Shia communities in parts of India, including Lucknow, Kashmir, and Kargil.
Regionally, the situation escalated rapidly. Iran launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks on Israeli and U.S. targets across the Middle East. Global oil markets surged amid fears of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. Politically, Iran formed an interim leadership council to govern until a new Supreme Leader is chosen by the Assembly of Experts.
