Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in sweeping US and Israeli airstrikes, CNN reports, marking a dramatic escalation in a widening Middle East conflict that has already left more than 200 people dead and triggered retaliation across the region.
Khamenei was killed in an underground fortified location during coordinated strikes Saturday, Feb. 28, CNN reported, citing Israeli sources. He reportedly died alongside dozens of senior aides.
The strikes are part of what President Donald Trump described as a “massive and ongoing” military operation aimed at dismantling Iran’s missile capabilities and toppling Tehran’s government.
More than 200 people have been killed in Iran, according to Iranian state media.
Iran Retaliates Across Region
Iran responded with strikes targeting US military bases, Israel, and other locations across the Middle East. Explosions rocked densely populated areas, disrupted commercial air travel, and affected oil shipments.
The US military reported no combat-related American deaths and said only minimal damage occurred at US bases.
FBI counterterrorism teams are on heightened alert nationwide. The US State Department advised Americans worldwide to “exercise increased caution.”
The United Arab Emirates called the conflict a “historic moment” for the Middle East and warned that global leaders had failed to maintain regional stability.
Trump Signals Regime Change
In a video address, Trump said the strikes are intended to eliminate what he described as a dangerous threat to US security.
“The United States military is undertaking a massive and ongoing operation to prevent this very wicked, radical dictatorship from threatening America and our core national security interests,” Trump said.
He accused Iran of attempting to rebuild its nuclear program following a June US bombing campaign.
“They rejected every opportunity to reach their nuclear ambitions, and we can’t take it anymore,” Trump said. The president acknowledged that American casualties are possible.
“The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost and we may have casualties — that often happens in war,” he said. He added the US had taken steps to reduce risks to service members.
At the end of his address, Trump urged Iranian citizens to rise up. “The hour of your freedom is at hand,” he said. “When we are finished, take over your government.”
He also offered immunity to members of Iran’s armed forces who refuse to fight. “Lay down your arms. You will be treated fairly with total immunity, or you will face certain death,” Trump said.
Escalating Nuclear Tensions
The strikes follow weeks of mounting tension over Iran’s nuclear program and long-range missile development.
Israel has long viewed Iran’s nuclear activity as an existential threat. US forces are stationed across the Middle East, and American officials have repeatedly warned that military action remained an option if diplomacy failed.
Earlier in the week, Trump accused Iran of pursuing “sinister nuclear ambitions” during his State of the Union address.
The US ambassador to Israel had advised Americans in the region to leave if possible.
