Story perspectives
Israeli Airstrike Targets Iran's New Leader Amid Chaos
3/17/2026
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Story summary
- Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's new supreme leader, survived an Israeli airstrike on February 28, 2026 that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
- Leaked audio shows Khamenei stepped outside moments before the strike.
- The strike caused casualties, including the military chief, whose remains were barely identifiable.
- The strike is part of Operation Epic Fury, and U.S. President Donald Trump said Khamenei may be severely injured or dead.
