Photo: EPA
Unconfirmed reports suggest Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei may have been killed in a coordinated Israeli-US attack, according to unnamed Israeli sources cited by The Times of Israel. No official confirmation has been issued.
Earlier, the same outlet reported Israeli assessments that Khamenei had at least been injured. The evaluation was reportedly not based on satellite imagery, despite images showing destruction at his presidential compound. A public address attributed to Khamenei is expected, though a TV report suggested it may have been prerecorded. Israeli assessments also claim the strikes caused “very significant damage” to Iran’s leadership and military command.
Separately, Reuters reported — citing sources — that Iran’s IRGC commander Mohammad Pakpour and Defense Minister Amir Nasirzadeh were killed in the attack.
Israeli officials previously said the joint operation targeted senior Iranian leadership figures, including Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, along with other top officials and military personnel. Explosions were reported in Tehran on the morning of February 28, with smoke seen rising over the city. One unverified report suggested the presidential complex was among the targets. Israel’s opposition parties voiced support for the strikes.
Later, US President Donald Trump confirmed that American forces participated alongside Israel. He said the operation aims to destroy Iran’s missiles, missile industry, and naval forces, urging Iranian security forces to lay down their weapons and calling on citizens to take control of their government.
