US and Israel Kill Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

On February 28, 2026, the United States joined Israel in a large-scale military strike on Iran that targeted Tehran and other Iranian cities.

“The United States has joined Israel in an all-out war on the Islamic Republic of Iran”

Arab Center Washington DC

According to reporting, the attack destroyed military and official targets and killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior clerics.

Arab Center Washington DC

PBS likewise frames the situation as a sharpening Middle East war after the killing of Khamenei, and notes widespread explosions and retaliatory action across the region.

The Times article listed in coverage was not accessible behind a paywall in the source set provided here.

Sources report the strike involved major U.S. naval and air assets, described as two U.S. aircraft carrier strike groups and scores of advanced aircraft operating with the Israeli air force.

They say Iran retaliated with missiles and armed drones, striking Israeli targets and U.S. facilities across Gulf states.

BBC

PBS describes explosions across Tehran and says Iran and its allies launched retaliatory strikes on Israel, neighbouring Gulf states and energy infrastructure.

Arab Center reports damage to civilian infrastructure in the Gulf, including ports and airports.

The Arab Center quotes President Donald Trump saying the goal of the attack was 'regime change in Tehran.'

“Iran missile and drone barrages create dilemma for Gulf states Iran's attacks on Gulf states' cities and infrastructure place the neighbours on a potential course for greater military confrontation, said analysts”

CNA

PBS reports Trump also said the U.S. can sustain military operations beyond a previously projected four-to-five-week timeframe.

PBS also highlights conflicting statements from the U.S. and Israel and a lack of a clear exit plan, concerns that raise the prospect of a prolonged conflict.

Analysts emphasize regional and global consequences.

Arab Center reports the fighting 'effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, which carries about 20% of global oil shipments.'

PBS

The center says the strike and its fallout 'could reshape the strategic balance across the Middle East' and has solicited expert analysis.

PBS similarly stresses the attacks' intensity and the prospect of wide consequences, noting the lack of a clear exit strategy.

The Times coverage in the provided set could not be accessed for further detail without the article text or a public link.