US and Israel Strikes on Iran: Khamenei Killed, World Reacts (Feb–Mar 2026)
US and Israel launched major strikes on Iran on Feb 28, 2026; Supreme Leader Khamenei was killed. Iran retaliated; world leaders reacted cautiously; Congress debated war powers.
US and Israel Strikes on Iran: Khamenei Killed, World Reacts (Feb–Mar 2026)
On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched what President Trump called "major combat operations" in Iran, designated Operation Epic Fury. The joint aerial bombardment targeted Iranian military and governmental sites, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's compound in Tehran. According to reports, the strikes were timed to coincide with a meeting where Khamenei was with top aides, including Ali Shamkhani, former National Security Council secretary.
Khamenei's Death
Iranian state media confirmed that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, was killed in the attack. President Trump announced Khamenei's death on social media, calling it "the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country" and describing Khamenei as "one of the most evil people in history." Khamenei had led Iran since 1989. Iran declared 40 days of national mourning.
US Justification
Trump cited Iran's rejection of nuclear disarmament, historical grievances including the 1979 hostage crisis and 1983 Beirut barracks bombing, proxy attacks on US forces, and the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. The stated US objective was to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.
Iran's Response
Iran retaliated by launching missiles and drones toward Israel and US military bases in the region.
International Reaction (March 1)
World leaders reacted cautiously. Australia and Canada expressed open support for the US strikes. Russia and China criticized them. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Macron, and German Chancellor Merz called for resumed talks and a negotiated settlement, noting their countries did not participate in the strikes but remained in close contact with the US and Israel. The UN Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting.
US Domestic Response
Democratic lawmakers condemned the strikes as "dangerous" and "unnecessary"; Senator Tim Kaine called it a "colossal mistake." They demanded immediate congressional votes on war powers legislation to restrict the president's ability to conduct military action without congressional approval. Some Republican lawmakers also opposed the strikes.
Khamenei's death with no designated successor raised concerns about Iran's political future and the risk of broader conflict.
Based on reporting from Reuters, AP, NPR, Foreign Policy, Defense News, BBC, and Al Jazeera (February–March 2026).