US Israel Strike on Iran Kills Supreme Leader Sparks Retaliation

• Joint US-Israeli assault targets Iranian leadership and military sites.
• Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reportedly killed in the strikes.
• Iran fires missiles at Israel and US bases in Gulf states.

In a dramatic escalation of long-standing tensions United States and Israeli forces conducted extensive strikes on Iranian targets starting February 28 2026. The assaults focused on leadership compounds and military installations reportedly claimed the life of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Confirmation came from Iranian state media amid widespread reports of damage in Tehran and other cities.

Iran responded within hours by launching waves of ballistic missiles and drones.

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Residents in Tehran described plumes of smoke rising from government areas and military compounds while communication networks faced disruptions. In Gulf cities blasts struck near landmarks in Dubai where the international airport sustained damage and flights halted. Similar explosions occurred in Doha and Manama forcing immediate safety measures across the region.

Casualty figures vary by source but Iranian authorities claim more than 200 deaths including dozens of schoolgirls in one southern strike they allege came from the initial assault. Retaliation produced one civilian death in the UAE from debris and another in Israel with over 100 injuries reported there.

President Donald Trump stated the operation aimed to eliminate nuclear threats and urged Iranians to seize control of their government. He warned that continued Iranian actions would draw force never seen before. The situation remains fluid with further strikes reported Sunday and oil shipping through the Strait of Hormuz facing immediate risks.

Media reporting for this story: 31% Left | 24% Right | 30% Center | 15% Unrated