Iran confirms death of Supreme Leader Khamenei
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A woman holds a poster with the picture of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as people gather after Khamenei was killed in Israeli and U.S. strikes on Saturday, in Tehran, Iran, March 1, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS
Khamenei assumed power following the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989, inheriting a revolutionary state still consolidating itself.
Some Iranians grieved while others celebrated the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, exposing a deep fault line in a country stunned by the sudden demise of the man who ruled for 36 years.
For many Iranians, the day began with the news they had feared.
Mr. Khamenei became Iran’s supreme leader in 1989, wielding ultimate religious and political authority over the state and security apparatus.
Iran launched a series of strikes on Tel Aviv hours after U.S. and Israeli air strikes killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran. NBC News’ Matt Bradley reports from Tel Aviv.
As news spread about the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, many Iranians took to the streets dressed in head-to-toe black to mourn his passing. The state broadcaster IRNA aired footage of large