On February 28, U.S. President Trump claimed via social media that Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei has died, indicating that U.S. and Israeli forces were responsible for his assassination. This revelation followed assertions from Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who noted that there were significant signs suggesting Khamenei's demise. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif denied the reports, asserting to NBC that, to his knowledge, Khamenei was still alive.

Trump further elaborated on a phone interview with NBC, contending that a substantial number of Iran's leadership had been killed in the alleged preemptive strike, which would constitute a severe blow to Iran and raise questions about the legality of the U.S. and Israeli actions under international law. This incident carries implications for the stability of Iran's regime, which has been in place since the 1979 Islamic revolution, and indicates a potentially significant power vacuum.

The military operation launched by the U.S. and Israel on the same day targets Iran's nuclear and missile development programs, with Trump urging the Iranian populace to seize the moment for regime change once the military actions concluded. In his address, Netanyahu claimed that they had destroyed Khamenei's base in central Tehran, asserting that there were numerous signs that the Supreme Leader was no longer in power. This situation adds to the escalating tensions in the Middle East, raising concerns about wider conflicts and the future of Iran's governance under these circumstances.