Video footage released by the Israeli military purports to show the moment of the strike on the Tehran compound where Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was residing. The attack followed what US officials described as months of intelligence monitoring and coordination between American and Israeli services.
Intelligence and timing of the operation
According to reports by The New York Times, the CIA provided Israel with high-confidence intelligence indicating that Khamenei would attend a high-level meeting in Tehran on Saturday. Israeli intelligence services reportedly verified that the meeting would take place at the residence complex.
‼️WATCH: For the first time since the start of Operation ‘Roaring Lion’, the IAF is striking targets belonging to the Iranian terror regime in the heart of Tehran.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 1, 2026
Over the past day, the IAF conducted large-scale strikes to establish aerial superiority and pave the path to… pic.twitter.com/DN2MkGCfWc
US and Israeli officials said the timing of the strike was advanced after it emerged that the gathering would be held in the morning rather than later in the day. Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 reported that approximately 30 bombs were dropped on the compound, where Khamenei was believed to be underground at the time.
Satellite imagery released after the strike showed extensive structural damage to the site.
Senior officials and family members killed
Iranian authorities confirmed that, in addition to Khamenei, several senior figures were killed in the attack. These included Revolutionary Guard commander General Mohammad Pakpour, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Admiral Ali Shamkhani, secretary of the Supreme Defence Council, and Mohammad Bagheri, a senior official in the intelligence ministry.
Iranian media also reported the deaths of Khamenei’s daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that several leaders linked to Iran’s nuclear programme were also killed.
Iranian outlets reported 201 fatalities and 747 injuries from the initial wave of strikes, including more than 100 children at a school in southern Iran.
Official confirmation and public reaction
US President Donald Trump announced Khamenei’s death on Truth Social, describing him as “one of the most evil men in history” and stating that the operation relied on highly advanced intelligence systems. He said the objective was regime change and described the moment as a significant opportunity for the Iranian people.
The death was later confirmed by Iranian state television, where a presenter read a statement from the Supreme National Security Council. The government declared 40 days of public mourning and seven days of national holiday.
Mourners gather at Tehran's Enghelab Square to mark the martyrdom of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. pic.twitter.com/ZtbR5Lw1Ah
— IRNA News Agency ☫ (@IrnaEnglish) March 1, 2026
Public reaction was divided, with large gatherings reported in Tehran and Mashhad to honour the late leader, while other groups were seen celebrating in some areas.
Succession process and regional impact
Under Iran’s constitution, the Assembly of Experts must convene to select a new supreme leader. Senior official Ali Larijani said a transitional leadership structure would be formed, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei and another senior figure.
The strikes marked a significant escalation in the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran. The Israeli military announced further operations targeting ballistic missile systems and air defences, while US Central Command reported ongoing action.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that retaliation would continue against US bases and interests in the region. Missile and drone strikes were reported against sites including the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, as well as targets in Israel and Gulf states.
Iranian drones have just struck a large shopping mall in Sharjah Dubai. pic.twitter.com/fBccvDXmZ5
— WarMonitor🇺🇦🇬🇧 (@WarMonitor3) March 1, 2026
CNN's Paula Hancocks reports from Dubai, after Iranian retaliatory strikes hit the commercial area of Jebel Ali. pic.twitter.com/eLujcusDF0
— CNN (@CNN) March 1, 2026
At the United Nations Security Council, the US ambassador defended the action as lawful, while Iran’s ambassador described it as a war crime. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for an immediate halt to attacks and a return to negotiations, warning of wider regional consequences for civilians and stability.