Iran & USA: Supreme Leader Confirmed Dead — 40 Days of Mourning Declared
In a dramatic and historic escalation, Iranian state media has confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed during joint U.S.–Israeli military strikes on Tehran and other locations on 28 February 2026.

The government has declared 40 days of national mourning along with seven public holidays, and vowed that those responsible “will pay a heavy price.”
Khamenei, 86, led Iran for nearly four decades and was at the center of the country’s political, military and religious life. His death marks a potentially transformative moment for Iran and the region, raising fears of wider conflict and a fierce struggle over succession and national direction.

In retaliation, Iran carried out missile and drone attacks on Israel and U.S. positions in the Gulf, deepening tensions and drawing urgent calls for de-escalation from world leaders.