Within hours, rumours swirled that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was dead. Protected by layers of intelligence secrecy, military shielding and loyal Revolutionary Guard units, the Supreme Leader rarely appeared in public without extensive security precautions. The operation - part of a broader campaign aimed at crippling Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure - also killed several senior commanders and officials, including top military leadership figures. ‌It marked the first successful targeted killing of a sitting Iranian Supreme Leader in the history of the Islamic Republic. Over 37 years, he consolidated unparalleled authority over Iran’s military, judiciary, foreign policy and religious institutions.

Source: Daily Mirror March 02, 2026 14:09 UTC