Tehran Confirms Death of Ali Khamenei Following U.S.-Israel Strikes; 40 Days of Mourning Declared Update 2026
LIVE: Tehran Confirms Death of Ali Khamenei Following U.S.-Israel Strikes; 40 Days of Mourning Declared
Iran enters 40 days of national mourning following the confirmed death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
TEHRAN/WASHINGTON (March 1, 2026) — In a world-shifting development, Iranian state media has officially confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The announcement comes just hours after the United States and Israel launched "Operation Epic Fury," targeting high-level military and leadership infrastructure in the heart of Tehran.
1. 40 Days of National Mourning in Iran
The Iranian cabinet has declared seven days of public holiday and 40 days of national mourning. Sources from the IRGC-affiliated Fars News also report that several members of Khamenei's family were killed in the same precision strike. The streets of Tehran remain largely empty as a near-total internet blackout continues to isolate the country from the outside world.
2. Dubai Airport Hit; U.S. Reports No Casualties
In a ferocious retaliatory wave, Iranian missiles have struck multiple locations across the Persian Gulf. Emirati authorities confirmed that Dubai International Airport was hit, resulting in injuries to four staff members and significant damage to one of the terminals. Despite hundreds of missiles being fired at U.S. bases in Bahrain and Qatar, CENTCOM reports that there have been "no U.S. combat casualties" and damage to American installations remains minimal.
3. "Lion’s Roar": Israel Launches Second Wave
As part of what Israel calls "Operation Lion's Roar," over 200 fighter jets have been deployed in the largest combat sortie in history. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the mission is far from over, with new strikes now targeting Iran's underground ballistic missile arrays and aerial defense systems in 24 out of 31 provinces.
4. Oil Prices and Global Panic
Global energy markets are in a state of shock. Oil prices have jumped over 3% in the last few hours, with Brent crude trading near $75 per barrel. Experts warn that if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed as threatened by the IRGC, prices could skyrocket to $150. Residents in Tel Aviv and surrounding areas are being warned to remain near bomb shelters as the threat of further long-range missile attacks remains "extremely high."
We will continue to bring you live Operation Epic Fury updates as the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East undergoes this historic transformation.
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