Iran confirms death of Supreme Leader Khamenei
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Russian President Vladimir Putin sent his condolences to Iran following Saturday's Operation Epic Fury that eliminated Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
A satellite image shows black smoke rising and heavy damage at Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's compound, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, in Tehran, Iran February 28, 2026. Pleiades Neo (c) Airbus DS 2026/Handout via REUTERS
Khamenei assumed power following the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989, inheriting a revolutionary state still consolidating itself.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who reigned as Iran’s supreme leader for the past 36 years, was killed in a sweeping U.S. and Israeli attack on the country Saturday.
By Parisa Hafezi DUBAI, March 1 (Reuters) - Some Iranians grieved while others celebrated the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, exposing a deep fault line in a country stunned by the sudden demise of the man who ruled for 36 years.
A woman holds a poster with the picture of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as people gather after Khamenei was killed in Israeli and U.S. strikes on Saturday, in Tehran, Iran, March 1, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS
For many Iranians, the day began with the news they had feared.
Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu have urged Iranians to topple their leaders while insiders in Iran launched counter-strikes against Israel and its Gulf neighbors.
The U.S. and Israel launch Operation Epic Fury strikes, killing Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and 40 top officials. Fox News' Jennifer Griffin reports the latest on the fallout.
Iran's regime was hobbled by the first day of war with the U.S. and Israel, but as people gathered for the ayatollah's funeral, strikes continued across the region.