Who Is Alí Jamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, and What Is Known About His Alleged Death After U.S. and Israeli Attacks? Merca2.0

Israeli and U.S. sources stated on February 28, 2026, that there are strong indications that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Alí Jamenei, was killed during coordinated airstrikes carried out by Israel and the United States over Tehran. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the “tyrant’s compound” had been destroyed and that there are “many indications” that Jamenei is no longer alive following the jointbombardment, which allegedly also eliminated several senior Iranian commanders. 

A senior Israeli official reportedly claimed that Jamenei’s body was found among the rubble of the targeted site. However, there has been no independent confirmation or official statementfrom Iran or the United States verifying his deathFormer U.S. President Donald Trump said in interviews with American media outlets that he believes Jamenei was indeed killed in the strikes, supporting the Israeli government’s claims.

“We believe it’s correct,” Trump said when asked whether he was convinced the Iranian leader had died in the joint attack. He added that he believes “most of the people who make all the decisions in Iran are also dead.” 

Meanwhile, Iranian officials have denied the Israeli claims, describing them as part of a “psychological warfare” campaign and insisting that Jamenei remains “firm and in command” of thecountry’s operations. 

Uncertainty remains high due to the lack of verifiable evidence from neutral sources, and the situation continues to unfold as governments around the world closely monitor the escalatingconflict. 

United States and Israel Strike Iran: Who Was the Supreme Leader? 

Jamenei, 86, was one of the most influential political and religious figures in the Middle East for more than three decades. He rose to the highest office after the death of Ruhollah Jomeiní, founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in 1989, becoming Supreme Leader with absolute authority over the government, the armed forces, and the Iranian judiciary. 

As head of state, Jamenei promoted a foreign policy marked by strong confrontation with the United States, Israel, and their Western allies. He supported armed groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and maintained Iran’s strategic presence in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. 

Domestically, his regime faced massive protests over civil rights and political freedoms, which were met with strict crackdowns by security forces under his command. 

Throughout his long leadership, Iran remained under heavy economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation, largely due to its nuclear and missile programs as well as its support for armed movements across the region. 

 Jamenei also played a central role in the economic crises that fueled social unrest and widespread protests from late 2025 into early 2026. 

The United States and Israel attack Iran: What does Operation “The Lion’s Roar” imply? 

According to Netanyahu, the operation seeks not only to destroy strategic infrastructure but also to create conditions to weaken the Iranian regime. In his address to the nation, he assertedthat for decades the government of the ayatollahs has promoted hostility toward Israel and the United States.

The Israeli prime minister urged the population to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command in anticipation of possible reprisals and warned that the coming days will require“patience and resilience.”

Analysts note that the name of the operation reinforces the narrative of a decisive offensive rather than a merely symbolic one.

Coordination with the United States raises the level of the conflict, as it represents a direct and open military action against Iranian territory.

 What was Trump’s stance and what message did he send to Iran? 

Donald Trump stated that his administration exhausted diplomatic channels before ordering the intervention.

“We prefer peace, but we will act when security is at risk,” he said, reiterating that his government will not allow Iran to acquire military nuclear capabilities.

The president emphasized that the offensive is not directed against the Iranian population, but against the power structure of the Islamic Republic. His remarks included a direct politicalmessage aimed at audiences inside Iran, which some interpret as support for a possible internal transition.

 How did Iran and the international community respond? 

Iranian authorities warned that they will respond at a time and place of their choosing. Meanwhile, Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi released a message stating that the assistance promised by theUnited States “has arrived” and called on security forces to join the people.

On the international stage, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the escalation and called for immediate restraint.

The Security Council was convened in an emergency session amid fears of regional expansion.

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