Iranian state media officially confirmed on Sunday, March 1, 2026, the death of 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, resulting from a large-scale joint air operation by the United States and Israel on February 28.

The attack targeted Khamenei's residence near Tehran. U.S. President Donald Trump first announced the ayatollah's elimination, but Tehran denied the information for several hours. Khamenei's chief aide Ali Larijani promised severe retaliation in a post on platform X, calling the actions of Washington and Tel Aviv criminal.

Under pre-established succession plans for emergencies, Larijani has been appointed to manage the crisis. The region remains highly tense, with armed forces on high alert.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the February 28 strike on Iranian military sites as a preventive measure. Later, U.S. President Trump officially announced the start of a large-scale military operation with Israel to address an "immediate threat" from Iran. Uzbekistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed serious concern over the situation.

Source: podrobno.uz