Iran's supreme leader killed in strikes, Israeli sources say
Asia
By
AFP
| Feb 28, 2026
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that there are signs Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in an attack on his compound as part of US-Israeli strikes.
"This morning, in a powerful surprise strike, the compound of the tyrant Ali Khamenei was destroyed in the heart of Tehran," Netanyahu said in a televised statement.
"For more than three and a half decades, this cruel tyrant has spread terror across the world while oppressing his own people, while working tirelessly and without pause on a plan to destroy Israel," he added.
READ MORE
Tea factory bosses warn new law for sector to hurt farmers
Farmers turn banana stems waste into wealth
AMAC signs deal with Uganda's Grain Council to open regional markets
Konza, Microsoft bank on AI skills to accelerate women in creative economy
Iran war: Why Kenyans should brace for fuel crisis despite State's assurance
Mid-East conflict, port inefficiencies hit tea exporters
Small traders and farmers set for Sh12.5b green funding
State agencies given 6 months to comply with HR guidelines
Kenya banks on new innovation platform to enhance entrepreneurial skills
"That plan is no more -- and there are many signs that this tyrant is no longer alive," Netanyahu said.
Two Israeli television networks reported that Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli attacks on Iran, while there was no confirmation from Tehran.
"Ali Khamenei is dead," reported public broadcaster Kan on its X account.
Israel's Channel 12, citing a source, said: "Khamenei is dead."
During the televised address, Netanyahu also said that the "decisive" US-Israeli operation would last "as long as necessary".
"This morning we eliminated senior figures in the ayatollahs' regime -- commanders in the Revolutionary Guards and senior officials in the nuclear programme -- and we will continue," Netanyahu said.
"In the coming days, we will strike thousands of targets of the terror regime," he added.
President Donald Trump has called for regime change following the massive US and Israeli attack, which prompted an unprecedented wave of retaliatory strikes by Iran.