Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei Eliminated During Combined U.S.-Israeli Strikes

Latest Developments 

• Khamenei Aide Threatens Revenge: President Donald Trump confirmed on February 28 that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been eliminated as the U.S. and Israel launched sustained air strikes on Iranian regime targets. “Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead,” Trump stated. “This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier teased the news in a nighttime televised address. “In a powerful surprise attack this morning, we destroyed the compound of the tyrant Khamenei,” Netanyahu said. “Signs are increasing that Khamenei is no longer with us.” 
• Killed During Leadership Meeting: U.S. officials told Fox News that the United States and Israel commenced the strikes on an earlier timeline due to intelligence indicating that the 86-year-old Khamenei and other top Iranian leaders were meeting in his compound. Officials stated that dozens of senior Iranian officials were killed along with Khamenei. IDF spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin stated that among the dead were Iranian Defense Council Secretary Ali Shamkhani, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Chief Mohammad Pakpour, intelligence official Salah Asadi, Khamenei’s military bureau chief Mohammad Shirazi, Iranian Minister of Defense Aziz Nasirzadeh, Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND) chairman Hussein Jabel Amalean, and former SPND chairman Reza Mozafari-Nia. 
• Missile Impacts Central Israel: Iran retaliated with a missile barrage targeting central Israel. While most of the missiles were intercepted by Israeli air defenses, one ballistic missile hit a residential building in central Tel Aviv, causing extensive damage. According to Israeli officials, at least one woman was killed. Rescue workers continued to scan the site for additional casualties.

FDD Expert Response

“Millions of Iranians endured unspeakable suffering under Khamenei’s 37-year reign of terror. Today, one of history’s longest-serving and most brutal dictators is gone. The world should celebrate with the Iranian people — but make no mistake: until they retake their government, his regime’s lackeys remain in power. And Mojtaba Khamenei must never be allowed to inherit his father’s tyranny.” — Mark Dubowitz, CEO 

“Over the past four decades, Khamenei has molded the regime in his own image. With him gone, the regime is in its weakest position yet, shaken, but not collapsed. The mission will be accomplished only when it is consigned to the ash heap of history.” — Saeed Ghasseminejad, Senior Iran and Financial Economics Advisor

“Khamenei’s death is a seismic moment that can catalyze protests, as the early scenes of celebration suggest. But Washington’s messaging must be clear. Iranians need to know whether this is the moment to rise up and seize government institutions, as President Trump urged, or to remain sheltered until military operations conclude. Properly channeling this energy is critical for the movement to prevail.” — Janatan Sayeh, Research Analyst

FDD Background and Analysis

“Joint Attack on Iran Launched by U.S. and Israel,” FDD Flash Brief

“U.S. Deploys F-22s to Israel as Iran Tries To Intimidate Washington’s Arab Partners,” by Bradley Bowman and Justin Leopold-Cohen

“What It Will Take to Change the Regime in Iran,” by Behnam Ben Taleblu

“Iran FAQ: What You Should Know,” by Behnam Ben Taleblu and Janatan Sayeh