Trump declares Iran's Khamenei 'dead' after strikes; Tehran denies

2026-02-28 - 23:32

US President Donald Trump declared Saturday that Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is "dead," following joint US-Israeli strikes on Tehran. "Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead," Trump posted on Truth Social, claiming the operation delivered "Justice for the people of Iran" and others harmed by Khamenei's policies. Tehran Denies Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei immediately dismissed the claim, stating that Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian are safe. Trump did not specify his source of information but asserted Khamenei "was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems" in coordination with Israel. Trump added this is "the single greatest chance" for Iranians to take back their country. Operations Continue Trump stated US military operations, including "heavy and pinpoint bombing," would continue "as long as necessary" to achieve broader regional security objectives. The declaration comes amid rapidly escalating conflict following Saturday's US-Israeli attacks and Iranian retaliatory strikes targeting Israel and US bases in the region. The situation remains fluid with conflicting claims and no independent verification.