Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has died in targeted strikes conducted by the US and Israel under Operation Epic Fury. US Central Command confirms the operation targets the Iranian regime following prior warnings.
Operation Epic Fury Unleashed
US Central Command launched Operation Epic Fury on February 28, delivering swift and decisive action. In a statement on X, CENTCOM declared, “The Iranian regime was warned. CENTCOM is now delivering swift and decisive action as directed.”
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the mission as the most lethal, complex, and precise aerial operation in history. On X, Hegseth stated that President Trump ordered the Department of War to commence the strikes overnight. He emphasized Iran’s decades-long targeting of Americans and pursuit of advanced weapons, adding, “The Iranian regime had their chance, yet refused to make a deal—and now they are suffering the consequences.”
Hegseth further outlined the objectives: destroying Iran’s missiles, production facilities, navy, and preventing nuclear weapon development. “The United States did not start this conflict, but we will finish it,” he affirmed. “If you kill or threaten Americans anywhere in the world—as Iran has—then we will hunt you down, and we will kill you.”
Iran Observes 40 Days of Mourning
Iranian authorities announce 40 days of national mourning for Khamenei, with flags at half-mast and public gatherings planned. This period aligns with Shia Islamic traditions marking the 40th day after death, known as Arba’een.
The Supreme Leader’s office portrays his death as martyrdom during duties at his residence in the early hours of Sunday. Security tightens in major cities like Tehran to maintain order amid speculation over succession. The process pits clerical leaders against the Revolutionary Guard under wartime pressures.
Earlier reports indicate family members, including Khamenei’s daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law, also perished in the strikes.
Contrasting Public Reactions
While state media frames Khamenei’s end as a sacrifice for national sovereignty, celebrations erupt in several Iranian cities. Crowds cheer, whistle, and chant “Death to the Islamic Republic” and “Long live the Shah.” Videos show residents in Besat Town, a Karaj suburb, rejoicing openly.
Iranian women dance in streets without head coverings, as captured in footage shared online. Activist Masih Alinejad shared videos of the festivities, exclaiming, “A video of Iranian people celebrating inside Iran. Am I dreaming? Hello, new world.” She added in another clip, “Every morning I wake up reading that my people are being killed by Ali Khamenei. But this is the first morning in my life that I get the good news and I want to run and shout out of joy.”
Expatriate Iranians and Israelis celebrate together on London streets.
Calls for Unity and Justice
Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi urges military and security forces to abandon the regime. On X, he posted, “Ali Khamenei, the bloodthirsty despot of our time, the murderer of tens of thousands of Iran’s bravest sons and daughters, has been erased from the face of history.” He warns successor appointments lack legitimacy and calls for a stable transition to freedom.
President Donald Trump hails the outcome as justice for Iranians, closing a 37-year era of defiance since succeeding Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
