Tehran, Iran – March 1, 2026 – Iranian authorities on Sunday officially confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with several senior political and military officials, as a result of the joint US-Israeli military strikes launched early Saturday. The announcement marks one of the most significant leadership upheavals in the Islamic Republic since its founding in 1979.
Mohsen Dehnavi, spokesperson for Iran’s Expediency Discernment Council, made the confirmation in a post on X, stating that Khamenei and other high-ranking figures were killed in the attacks that targeted multiple sites across the country, including Tehran and other provinces. Iranian state media, including IRNA and Fars News Agency, subsequently broadcast official mourning announcements and called for national unity during a period of transition.
In accordance with constitutional procedures, Dehnavi explained that Article 111 of the Iranian Constitution mandates the formation of an interim Leadership Council to exercise supreme authority until the Assembly of Experts convenes and selects a permanent successor. The council comprises:
- The President of the Republic (Masoud Pezeshkian),
- The Head of the Judiciary,
- One clerical member of the Guardian Council.
Dehnavi announced that the council has selected Ayatollah Alireza Arafi—a prominent cleric, member of the Guardian Council, and former president of Al-Mustafa International University—as its clerical representative. Arafi, a conservative figure known for his roles in religious education and oversight of the Guardian Council, was chosen “to ensure continuity of leadership and the uninterrupted exercise of supreme authority,” Dehnavi stated.
The Expediency Discernment Council spokesperson emphasized that the Assembly of Experts—the 88-member clerical body constitutionally responsible for selecting, supervising, and if necessary dismissing the Supreme Leader—will convene “as soon as possible” to choose a permanent successor. No timeline was provided, but sources indicate the assembly could meet within days under heightened security conditions.
The deaths of Khamenei and other top officials—including reports of potential losses among IRGC commanders and senior political figures—represent a severe blow to the Islamic Republic’s command structure. Iranian authorities have not released a full list of confirmed fatalities among the leadership, though earlier unconfirmed reports had suggested targets included President Masoud Pezeshkian, armed forces Chief of Staff Abdolrahim Mousavi, and Ali Shamkhani, Khamenei’s advisor on nuclear matters. Official statements have denied harm to Pezeshkian and several other named figures.
The strikes—codenamed “Lion’s Roar” by Israel and “Operation Epic Fury” by the United States—were announced early Saturday as pre-emptive actions to eliminate threats from Iran’s missile capabilities, nuclear program, and regional proxy networks. US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released separate video statements confirming the joint operation. Trump urged Iranian forces to surrender and called on civilians to overthrow the regime, while acknowledging possible US casualties. Netanyahu described the action as essential to remove an existential threat.
Iran launched immediate retaliatory missile and drone barrages targeting Israeli territory and US military bases in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. A missile struck a US-linked facility in Bahrain’s Juffair area, and an Iranian missile was intercepted over Qatar using the Patriot system. Civilian casualties have been reported on the Iranian side, including five students killed when a girls’ primary school in Minab, Hormozgan province, was reportedly hit.
The attacks occurred despite ongoing indirect nuclear negotiations mediated by Oman, with the latest round concluding in Geneva on Thursday. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi had described progress as “within our reach” after meeting US Vice President JD Vance on Friday.
The confirmation of Khamenei’s death has triggered widespread mourning in Iran, with state television broadcasting religious ceremonies and calls for national resilience. Hardline factions have vowed revenge, while reformist voices have urged unity and caution to avoid further escalation.
Internationally, the development has intensified calls for de-escalation. The European Union, France, Germany, the UK, Switzerland, and several other nations urged maximum restraint, civilian protection, and respect for international law. Russia’s Dmitry Medvedev accused the US of using talks as a “cover” for military action. The UN Security Council remains in emergency session.
Gulf states closed airspace, placed forces on high alert, and expressed concern over energy disruptions. Oil prices continued to surge. Travel advisories have been issued by numerous countries, including those in the Western Balkans, where leaders expressed mixed reactions ranging from support for US actions to calls for restraint.
The appointment of Ayatollah Alireza Arafi to the interim council ensures clerical continuity during this unprecedented transition. The Assembly of Experts’ forthcoming decision on a permanent Supreme Leader will be closely watched, as it could shape Iran’s domestic and foreign policy direction amid the ongoing military confrontation.
As the situation remains highly fluid, with missile exchanges continuing and regional airspace restricted, the death of Khamenei represents a defining moment for the Islamic Republic and a potential turning point in the broader Middle East conflict.
