Iran Retaliates Against Us-Israeli Airstrike, Closes Strait Of Hormuz

On March 1, 2026, the Iranian military confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, attributing it to a joint US-Israeli airstrike, leading to a national mourning period of 40 days. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) expressed deep sorrow over Khamenei's 'martyrdom' and warned of severe retaliation against the US and Israel, stating, "We will not hesitate to defend our nation and respond to this cowardly attack." Reports indicate that 201 people were killed and 747 injured in the attacks, which affected 24 out of Iran's 31 provinces (Hum News, February 28, 2026). The Iranian Ministry of Defense announced the continuation of Operation Wada Sadiq 4 until the complete defeat of the enemy, emphasizing that the armed forces would respond decisively to US aggression (Independent Urdu, March 1, 2026).