Shiite Muslim supporter of the Imamia Student Organization (ISO) holds a portrait of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a protest against Israel and the U.S. strikes on Iran, in Karachi, Pakistan February 28, 2026. REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was confirmed dead on Saturday after the U.S. and Israel coordinated attacks against the country, according to reports.
Khameini, 86, had led Iran for more than 35 years following the death of revolutionary founder Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989. His death marks a major blow for the country and sets off an immediate succession crisis in the country.
On early Saturday morning, Israel bombed multiple locations where Iran's military and political leadership were located while the U.S. attacked the country's ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs.
Israeli intelligence officials confirmed to Axios and Reuters that Khamenei died in the strikes on Saturday.