In a dramatic escalation of tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump has declared that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed in joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes, stating on his Truth Social platform, "Khamenei, one of the most evil people in history, is dead." This claim, made on February 28, 2026, has not been officially confirmed by Iranian authorities, who continue to assert that Khamenei is "steadfast and firm in commanding the field". Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated in an interview with NBC News that, "as far as I know, almost all officials are safe and sound and alive," directly contradicting Trump's assertions. The strikes reportedly targeted 24 provinces in Iran, resulting in at least 201 casualties, according to Iranian media reports.
INTERNATIONAL
Trump Claims Khamenei Killed In U.S.-Israeli Airstrikes On Iran
57% NEGATIVE
Tensions escalate as Trump claims Iran's Khamenei is dead from U.S.-Israeli strikes, while Iran denies it. Casualties rise, and military actions intensify, threatening regional stability.
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11 outlets · 26 articles
MEEmiddleeasteye.net
NYTnytimes.com
NPnpr.org
TGtheguardian.com
TFPthefrontierpost.com