Trump declares on Truth Social that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead, amplifying Israeli claims after US-Israel strikes obliterated his Tehran compound.
Presidential Claim
Trump told NBC the reports “appear to be correct,” adding his administration believes “most” top Iranian leaders are “gone,” fueling regime change calls amid unconfirmed body recovery. No verified Truth Social post surfaced yet, but his statements align with satellite imagery showing total destruction at Khamenei’s residence.
Iranian Denial
Foreign Minister Araghchi insisted to NBC: “As far as I know, Khamenei is still alive,” despite communication blackouts and no live address from the 86-year-old cleric. IRGC vows revenge as protests erupt in Tehran streets.
Succession Chaos
Khamenei’s death triggers Assembly of Experts vote among vetted clerics, potentially sparking IRGC power grabs or uprisings. Trump seizes moment: “Surrender now.” Oil spikes, markets tank globally.
66 Missiles Fired at Qatar from Iran
Iran barrages Qatar with 66 missiles targeting Al Udeid US base, but Doha intercepts all three waves, averting disaster while reserving right to strike back.
Attack Breakdown
Tehran’s Operation Glad Tidings of Victory hit the massive airbase hosting 10,000+ US troops, with explosions over Doha as Patriots lit skies; no casualties confirmed. Qatar condemned sovereignty breach, coordinating intercepts amid regional chaos.
Gulf-Wide Volley
Part of broader retaliation hitting UAE (1 dead), Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan bases after US-Israel flattened Iranian nuclear/leadership sites. IRGC claims “powerful blows,” but defenses held.
Doha pledges proportional response; airlines divert, oil soars. Trump eyes regime collapse as proxies mobilize Red Sea shipping threats.
201 Killed, 747 Injured in Iran After US-Israel Strikes
US-Israel strikes on Iran claim 201 lives and injure 747 by day’s end, per Iranian Red Crescent, as Tehran unleashes missile barrages on Israel and Gulf bases in revenge.
Verified Toll
Red Crescent tallied 201 dead, 747 wounded at 17:30 CET on February 28 after hits on Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, and IRGC sites in Operation Roaring Lion/Epic Fury. Schools in Minab and Tehran lost 87 students; commanders like Ali Shamkhani confirmed killed.
Retaliation Hits
Iran targeted US assets in UAE (1 civilian dead), Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Saudi Arabia; Houthis resume Red Sea strikes. Khamenei’s compound wrecked, communication blackouts grip capital.
Regime Stakes
Trump demands IRGC surrender, hints regime change; oil jumps 12%. Protests erupt amid crackdowns as nuclear sites burn, risking wider war.
