In an unprecedented military escalation, the United States and Israel have carried out massive air and missile strikes across Iran since February 28, 2026. According to official confirmations from Tehran, the long-time Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in these attacks. The strikes, seen as a 'decapitation strike' against the Islamic Republic's center of power, specifically targeted government buildings, nuclear facilities like those in Isfahan, and military headquarters. In addition to Khamenei, reports indicate that numerous other high-ranking members of the leadership were killed, including Chief of Staff Abdolrahim Mousavi and the Commander of the Revolutionary Guards, Mohammad Pakpour.
The country's political leadership has been temporarily taken over by a three-person transitional council, consisting of President Massoud Pezeshkian, Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje'i, and Alireza Arafi. Amid the military clashes, discussions about a permanent successor to Khamenei have begun. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, is considered a potential favorite and is said to enjoy broad support in conservative and religious circles. At the same time, Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, is emerging as an influential actor who firmly rejects negotiations with the USA at this time.
The effects of the conflict are felt worldwide. While Iran responded with counterattacks on Israel and US bases in the region, international financial markets were thrown into turmoil. The South Korean stock exchange was particularly hard hit, with the benchmark KOSPI index collapsing sharply. Meanwhile, security authorities warn of an increased danger from cyberattacks originating in Iran, which could specifically target the Western financial sector. The humanitarian situation is worsening visibly; according to aid organizations, hundreds of civilians have already fallen victim to the fighting.
