Latest Developments in Iran Following US and Israel's Killing of Ayatollah Khamenei
Iranian leaders have sworn to avenge the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following a joint US-Israel attack on Saturday, 1 March 2026. Tehran has launched a “large-scale” wave of retaliatory strikes against Tel Aviv and several Arab nations hosting Washington’s military bases.
Iran’s Latest Attack Kills Six in Israel
Iran’s latest assault on Israel has claimed at least six lives. Tehran launched retaliatory strikes on central Israel following the announcement of Khamenei’s death. Emergency services reported casualties in Beit Shemesh, including a young girl, according to AFP. The attacks came after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced a fresh wave of strikes against its enemies.
Iran Denies Targeting Arab Neighbours
Iran’s security chief denied on Sunday that Tehran was targeting neighbouring Arab countries, asserting instead that retaliation was directed at US military bases. However, in the United Arab Emirates—home to a US military base and an Israeli ally—Iran’s retaliation has resulted in three deaths and 58 injured. Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry has summoned Iran’s ambassador following strikes that also targeted the kingdom and other allied nations.
This escalation prompted Gulf states to convene an emergency meeting on Sunday evening to discuss a coordinated response to Iran’s strikes. The meeting was conducted virtually due to airport closures.
Oil Tanker Sinks
An oil tanker has sunk after being struck by Iranian missiles whilst transiting the Strait of Hormuz. This waterway, through which one-quarter of global oil passes and one-fifth of all liquefied natural gas flows, now faces potential closure by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to Iranian television. Details regarding the vessel remain unclear.
OPEC Announces Oil Production Increase
Eight OPEC+ nations have announced a larger-than-expected increase in the cartel’s oil production quota of 206,000 barrels per day. The group, which includes Saudi Arabia and Russia, did not explicitly cite the Iran conflict but cited “stable global economic prospects and healthy current market fundamentals” as justification for the increase.
Britain Issues Warning to Citizens
Meanwhile, the British Foreign Office has urged its citizens in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE to seek shelter and avoid leaving their locations. “We now advise against all travel except essential travel to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE,” it stated in an update on X. British Defence Secretary John Healey characterised Iran’s response as “indiscriminate retaliation,” noting that “two ballistic missiles were fired towards Cyprus,” though analysts assess they were likely not targeting the Mediterranean island.
Israel Launches Fresh Attack on Tehran
The Israeli military has announced another “large-scale” strike targeting “the heart of Tehran.” Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz praised Khamenei’s killing as “a turning point in the war,” stating that Khamenei “led a campaign of destruction against the State of Israel, built an entire axis of terrorism around us, and within Iran itself pursued an uncompromising line against the State of Israel.”
Iran Appoints Interim Supreme Leader
Iran has appointed Ayatollah Alireza Arafi as interim Supreme Leader, a crucial step in the country’s leadership transition following Khamenei’s death in the joint US-Israel air strike on Saturday. Arafi is a senior cleric and longstanding confidant of Khamenei who has held influential positions within Iran’s religious and political hierarchy.
Khamenei’s Death Declared War Against Muslims
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has characterised Khamenei’s killing as a declaration of war against Muslims and vowed retaliation. Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani has promised to strike the US and Israel with unprecedented force. Iranian military officials stated on Sunday that they targeted US bases in Iraq’s Kurdistan region and the Persian Gulf in response to the joint American-Israeli assault.
US Intercepts Drones in Iraq
American air defence systems intercepted at least two drones on Sunday above Erbil in northern Iraq, with sirens sounding from the American consulate there. US officials have also warned citizens in Bahrain to avoid hotels in the capital, Manama, whilst staff at the US embassy in Jordan have been instructed to avoid the embassy compound due to attack risks.
Protests Erupt Supporting Iran’s Retaliation
Large crowds have gathered across southern Iran demanding retaliation for Khamenei’s death. Similar gatherings have occurred elsewhere in Iran, including Tehran and the central city of Yazd. Hundreds of demonstrators in Iraq, which has declared three days of mourning for Khamenei, attempted to breach Baghdad’s Green Zone, where the US embassy is located. In Pakistan, nine people were killed when hundreds of demonstrators attempted to storm the US consulate in the major city of Karachi, according to local rescue services.