Israel-Iran conflict: Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, died at 86 in the thick of the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. Notably, the Iranian state media issued a confirmation of the Supremo’s death in the early hours of Sunday (March 1, 2026).

Earlier, President of USA, Donald Trump had announced Khamenei’s death on social media on Saturday. He termed his death the ‘greatest chance’ of Iranian people to claim their country back. Furthermore, he warned of continued pinpoint and heavy bombing in the upcoming week, underlining that the strike’s objective is to dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

These persons to assume Supremo’s duties

As per Iran’s state-run Islamic Republic News Agency, a temporary leadership council has been constituted, comprising the Iranian President, the head of the judiciary and a jurist from the Guardian council. The trio shall essay the supremo’s duties.

Meanwhile, the official cause behind Khamenei’s death has not been disclosed yet. Additionally, Khamenei, who held ultimate authority over Iran’s political, military and clerical institutions, had no successor.

Supremo’s kin killed too: Reports

According to a report by Iranian media, Khamenei’s daughter, son-in-law, as well as granddaughter were also killed in the joint strikes launched by USA and Israel.

Eyewitnesses told the media that after the news of Khamenei’s death emerged, several residents in Iran were seen celebrating and blowing whistles. Meanwhile, many others were sighted mourning the loss.

Iran issues threats of ‘devastating’ retaliation

Following Khamenei’s death, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have issued threats of a ‘devastating’ retaliation, saying they would target the military bases of US and Israel laid in the Middle East. Reportedly, Tehran launched retaliatory strikes on Saturday.