Tehran: Iran is facing a historic turning point after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed during large scale airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel on February 28.
Iranian state media confirmed his death and announced 40 days of national mourning, marking the end of more than three decades of his rule.
Powerful explosions were heard across Tehran as the strikes targeted key military installations, nuclear linked facilities and command centers. Reports indicate that a leadership compound near the capital was among the sites hit in the opening phase of the operation.
Israel described the assault as a preemptive action aimed at preventing Iran from advancing its nuclear capabilities. US officials said the strikes were focused on strategic infrastructure and command networks believed to support Iran’s military operations.
Khamenei, who led Iran since 1989, was one of the most influential figures in the Middle East. His death creates an immediate leadership vacuum and raises questions about succession within the Islamic Republic’s political and religious system.
Iran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and US positions in the region, heightening fears of a wider conflict. Military alerts were reported across several Gulf countries as tensions spread beyond Iran’s borders.
The crisis has also raised concerns about global oil supplies and shipping safety, especially around the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for energy exports. Several airlines suspended flights in the region and some countries advised their citizens to avoid travel to affected areas.
Residents in Tehran reported panic and heavy traffic as people rushed to safer areas following the blasts. Authorities have not released full casualty figures, but local reports indicate both military and civilian losses in some strike zones.
World leaders called for restraint as the United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session to discuss the escalating situation. Analysts warn that the killing of Iran’s supreme leader could trigger internal political struggles while also reshaping power dynamics across the Middle East.
The coming days are expected to be critical as Iran prepares for leadership transition, assesses security threats and responds to growing international pressure to prevent further escalation.