Iran Announces Death of Ali Khamenei

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council confirmed the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday, 1 March 2026. The supreme leader of Iran was reported killed in an attack attributed to the United States and Israel that also claimed the lives of family members. The announcement was made directly through Iran’s state television station.

Since formally succeeding Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989, Khamenei consistently voiced opposition to the existence of the State of Israel and strengthened the narrative of resistance against the occupation and oppression experienced by the Palestinian people. This was not merely rhetorical discourse, but was also realised through political policy, strategic support for resistance movements, and sharp criticism of Western nations supporting Tel Aviv.