Tehran confirmed on Sunday, March 2, 2026, the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, following US and Israeli strikes on February 28. State television announced 40 days of national mourning and seven days of public holidays.
Ali Khamenei, 86, had led Iran since 1989, succeeding Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. His death marks the end of a 37-year reign. He held supreme authority over the country's military, judiciary, and political direction.
A provisional council, composed of the Iranian president, the head of the judiciary, and a jurist from the Guardian Council, will assume interim duties. The official IRNA news agency reports that this transition follows a joint US-Israeli operation targeting Tehran and other strategic sites. The Revolutionary Guards have announced massive retaliation against American and Israeli targets in the region.
The announcement of the death sparked mixed reactions in Iran. While thousands gathered to mourn Khamenei's death, others celebrated in the streets, particularly in Tehran, Karaj, and Isfahan. Celebratory scenes were also reported abroad among Iranian diaspora communities.
Khamenei's succession opens a period of uncertainty in Iran. The Assembly of Experts, composed of 88 Shiite clerics, will have to appoint a new Supreme Leader. Several names are circulating, including that of his son, Mojtaba Khamenei. In the meantime, the provisional council is in charge of running the country.
The death of Ali Khamenei comes amid high regional tensions, marked by US-Israeli strikes and threats of Iranian retaliation. The situation is being closely monitored by the international community, which fears an escalation of the conflict.
