Tehran/New Delhi – Tehran woke up to very sad news on March 1, 2026. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is no more. He died in a big joint attack by America and Israel on his compound in the heart of Tehran. Iranian state TV confirmed the news with a shaking voice. Many people cried when they heard it.
The attack happened on Saturday morning, February 28. US and Israeli planes hit many targets across Iran. One big bomb fell right on Khamenei’s office and home. Israeli officials said their planes destroyed the compound in just minutes. Khamenei was 86 years old. He had ruled Iran since 1989.
Background: Who Was Ayatollah Ali Khamenei?
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was the highest leader in Iran. In Iran, the Supreme Leader is more powerful than the President. He made all big decisions about army, foreign policy and religion. After the first leader Ayatollah Khomeini died in 1989, Khamenei took his place.
He was a strong man who always spoke against America and Israel. He called them enemies of Muslims. Iran helped groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. Many people in Iran liked him for standing strong. But some others did not like his strict rules and said life became hard under him. Economy was weak. There were protests sometimes.
Now he is gone. This is a huge shock for the country that he led for 36 long years.
The Deadly Airstrike on Tehran Compound
Reports say the operation was called something like “Epic Fury” by US and Israel. They planned it for weeks. Israel and Saudi Arabia asked US President Donald Trump to do it. The first strikes started early Saturday.
Israeli jets hit Khamenei’s central Tehran home. Four Israeli security people told news channels that the leader died in that exact strike. US helped with smart bombs and planes. Trump later wrote on his Truth Social that the attacks will keep going all week if needed to bring “peace in Middle East”.
Iranian TV showed smoke and fire in Tehran. People ran to safe places. Many buildings shook from the loud explosions.
Heavy Casualties Including Over 100 Children at School
The strikes did not stop at military places. One bomb hit a girls’ primary school in Minab city in south Iran. The school was near an IRGC military base. Iranian officials say more than 100 little girls died there. Some reports put the number at 148. Many more got hurt.
This news made the whole world sad. Parents cried on TV. “Our innocent children are gone,” one mother said. Human rights groups called it a big tragedy. Iran said the school had no weapons, it was just next to a base by mistake.
Total dead in all strikes across Iran may be more than 200. Many top army men also died with Khamenei.
Iran Declares 40 Days of Mourning and Holds Big Rallies
Iran government announced 40 days of official mourning. Flags are at half mast. TV plays sad songs and old speeches of Khamenei. In Tehran, thousands came to streets. They wore black clothes. Many cried loudly and chanted “Death to America, Death to Israel”. They promised revenge.
But not everyone was sad. In some cities and among people living abroad, some clapped and celebrated. They said the leader was too strict. Reuters news said Iran is divided – some grieve, some feel hope for change.
Trump Warns Iran of “Force Never Seen Before”
US President Donald Trump spoke strongly. He said Khamenei was “one of the most evil people in history”. He warned Iran: if you attack us, we will hit back with power you have never seen. Strikes will continue till we get peace, he wrote.
Trump also said to Iranian people: “Take back your country now. This is your chance.”
Netanyahu Urges Iranians to Rise Against the Regime
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a video message. He said, “We destroyed the compound of the tyrant Khamenei. There are many signs that this dictator is no longer with us.” He called on Iranians: “Flood the streets. Take your fate in your own hands. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to throw away this bad regime.”
Netanyahu said Israel and US will keep hitting more targets.
Iran Hits Back with Missiles and Drones
Iran did not stay quiet. They launched many missiles and drones at Israel and US bases in Gulf countries. Targets included places in Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, Kuwait and even Oman port. Some missiles reached Tel Aviv. Israel shot down most but a few caused damage. Two Israelis died, many hurt.
Iran said this is their “legitimate right and duty” for revenge. President Masoud Pezeshkian called the killing “open war on Muslims”.
Fresh Israeli strikes hit Tehran again on Sunday. Smoke is still rising.
Mixed Reactions Around the World
Russia’s President Putin called the killing a “cynical murder” that breaks all rules. He sent condolences.
Many Arab countries are worried. They fear oil prices will go up and war will spread.
In Pakistan, people attacked US consulate in Karachi. Nine died in clashes.
India’s Reaction and How It Affects Us
India is watching very carefully. The government said it is “deeply concerned” and wants peace. It asked all Indians in the region to be safe. Many Indians work in UAE, Qatar, Saudi and other Gulf places. Flights are changing routes. Some airlines cancelled trips.
Opposition parties like Congress called the killing “utterly reprehensible”. Priyanka Gandhi said killing leaders of any country is wrong. Iranian Embassy in Delhi put flag at half mast and asked India to speak against the attack.
For common Indians, this means costly petrol and diesel if oil supply stops. India buys some oil from Iran earlier, but now more worry about Gulf routes. Stock market may fall. But India has good relations with all sides and always calls for talks.
This event can change prices of everything from fuel to vegetables in our markets.
Leadership Shifts to Interim Council
Iran will not stay without a leader. They formed a three-man interim council as per their Constitution Article 111. The members are:
- Ayatollah Alireza Arafi (from Guardian Council)
- President Masoud Pezeshkian
- Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei
This council will run daily work till the Assembly of Experts chooses a new Supreme Leader. IRGC army will help keep order. New IRGC commander is already named.
Fears of Wider War Grow
Everyone is scared this can become a big regional war. If Iran hits more, or if Israel or US do more strikes, other countries may join. Oil prices already jumping. Ships in Gulf are worried.
But some hope that without Khamenei, new talks can start for peace.
FAQ
Q1: How did Khamenei actually die?
A: Israeli airstrike hit his office compound in central Tehran on February 28 morning. Iranian TV and US-Israel officials confirmed he died there with some family members and top officers.
Q2: Why 40 days mourning?
A: In Shia Muslim tradition, 40 days is important after death of big leader. Iran does this for respect. All government offices, schools will have special programs.
Q3: Will this start World War 3?
A: No one knows for sure. Both sides are angry but many countries are calling for calm. Russia, China and others want talks. But if missiles keep flying, it can spread to more countries.
Q4: How many children died in school strike?
A: Official numbers say at least 108 to 148 girls died in Minab school. The school was close to a military base. This is the saddest part of the whole attack.
Q5: What should Indians do now?
A: Follow MEA advisories. If you have family in Gulf or Iran area, ask them to stay safe and avoid travel. Watch news for oil price changes. Government is in touch with all sides.
Q6: Who will be new Supreme Leader of Iran?
A: The interim council is running now. Later, 88 religious experts will choose the next one. It may take some time. IRGC army will keep strong control.