President Donald Trump claimed that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a major attack launched by Israel and the United States. The president described the event as the ‘greatest chance’ for the Iranian people to ‘take back’ their country, according to a statement posted on social media. The announcement followed a joint U.S. and Israeli aerial bombardment that targeted Iranian military and governmental sites.

Impact on Regional Stability

The strike opened a new chapter in U.S. intervention in Iran, marking the second time in eight months that the Trump administration has attacked the country during talks over its nuclear program. Khamenei, who had held power for decades, was considered the final authority on all major policies. His reported death is expected to create a significant leadership vacuum, as there is no known successor in place.

Earlier, Iran retaliated against U.S. and Israeli attacks by launching missiles and drones toward Israel and U.S. military bases in the region. The Arab League condemned the airstrikes, calling them a moment when the Arab-Israeli conflict had expanded into a full-scale regional war. Maged Abdelaziz, the U.N. observer for the 22-nation league, accused Israel of using the Iran war to evade ending its occupation of Palestinian territories and to prevent the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

International Reactions and Diplomatic Moves

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced that its Board of Governors will convene a special session in Vienna on Monday following a request from the Russian Federation. The session is related to the military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, which began on February 28, 2026. Russia’s Permanent Mission to the International Organizations in Vienna submitted a diplomatic note requesting the special session.

In a rare and colorful exchange during an emergency session at the U.N. Security Council, the representatives of the United States and Iran exchanged warnings and direct rebuffs. U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz responded to Iranian claims that America had violated international law, prompting Tehran’s U.N. diplomat to issue a warning: ‘I advise the representative of the United States to be polite. It will be better for yourself and the country you represent.’

Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon stated that Iranian chants of ‘Death to Israel, Death to America’ and the burning of both countries’ flags were acts of ‘state-sanctioned hatred’ and preparation for action. He emphasized that Israel acted to stop an ‘existential threat before it became irreversible.’

Syria’s Foreign Ministry condemned the Iranian attacks that targeted the sovereignty and security of Gulf monarchies. However, the statement did not mention the Israeli or U.S. strikes that initiated the conflict, reflecting the new government’s efforts to rebuild ties with regional economic powers and the United States.

Human Toll and Escalating Tensions

Ahmad Larijani, the secretary of Iran’s National Security Council, said that Israel and America will ‘regret their actions.’ He claimed that the Iranian people and military will deliver an ‘unforgettable lesson’ to the ‘international oppressors.’

Israel’s rescue services reported that a woman in the Tel Aviv area had died after being injured in an Iranian missile attack. It was the first death announced in Israel since the missile exchange began. Magen David Adom, Israel’s rescue services, stated that at least 90 people had been lightly injured, with one man seriously injured.

Dubai International Airport reported that four people were injured in an attack involving Iranian ballistic missiles. The Emirates condemned the attack as a ‘blatant attack.’ Strikes were also reported at other commercial airports in the region, leading to closures and flight cancellations.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio canceled a planned trip to Israel following the U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran. The trip, which was scheduled for March 2, was called off due to the current circumstances, with no indication it would be rescheduled.

Trump reiterated in his social media post that the death of Khamenei would not bring an end to the airstrikes. He stated that the ‘heavy and pinpoint bombing’ would continue throughout the week or as long as necessary to achieve ‘peace throughout the Middle East and, indeed, the world.’

The president emphasized his hope that the Iranian government would join with the opposition to bring about change. The situation remains highly volatile, with the potential for further escalation and regional conflict.