U.S. President Donald Trump stated in an interview with NBC News that the information regarding the death of Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei is perceived by the American administration as "reliable." He noted that while Washington "considers him dead," final conclusions will only be drawn after obtaining direct visual evidence. Trump also added that a significant number of members of Iran's top leadership, who make key decisions in the country, have been eliminated as a result of recent strikes. Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mentioned "many signs" of Khamenei's disappearance following a joint operation by Israel and the U.S.
The escalation of the conflict began on February 28, when Israeli forces, supported by the U.S., carried out a series of massive preemptive strikes on more than 30 strategic targets. The strikes targeted the residence of the supreme leader, the presidential complex, facilities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and nuclear sites in Isfahan. Trump officially confirmed the involvement of U.S. armed forces in the operation, stating that its goal was the complete elimination of threats from the Iranian regime. As a result of the strike on a school in the city of Minab, 40 people were killed, adding to the tragedy of the situation.
In response to these attacks, Iran launched missiles at Israeli territory and U.S. military bases in Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait three hours later. As of now, Iranian officials have not confirmed Khamenei's death; however, the internet in the country has been almost completely shut down. A state of emergency has been declared in Israel: classes in schools have been canceled, and mass gatherings are prohibited. The escalation of the situation has already affected international logistics – Dubai Airport has suspended flights, while the Houthis announced the resumption of attacks on vessels in the Red Sea.
