Attacks on Iran: Netanyahu sees proof of Khamenei’s demise | EUROtoday

As of: February 28, 2026 • 10:08 p.m

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu says Iran’s supreme chief, Ayatollah Khamenei, might have been killed within the assaults on the nation. This has not but been formally confirmed. How the battle will proceed is unclear.

Is Ayatollah Ali Khamenei useless or not? Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mentioned of the whereabouts of Iran’s supreme chief: “We have destroyed Khamenei’s estate. There are many signs that the dictator is no longer alive.” However, there’s at present no official affirmation of the Ayatollah’s demise. Khamenei has not been seen in public for the reason that assaults started this morning. Iranian media say Khamenei “commands the field steadfastly and resolutely.” Hours earlier than Netanyahu’s speech, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi mentioned that Khamenei was alive “as far as I know.”

Israel and the USA attacked Iran within the morning after weeks of preparation – in response to Israeli navy info, it was the most important operation within the historical past of the nation’s air drive. Around 200 fight plane attacked round 500 targets. The assaults have been on a “completely different scale” than these through the 12-day struggle in opposition to Iran final yr. The present operation is “more complex and complicated”.

Reports of greater than 200 deaths

Iranian media, citing the help group Red Crescent, mentioned 201 folks have been killed and 747 injured within the assaults. This info can’t be independently verified. The Israeli navy and the White House haven’t but commented.

According to its personal statements, the USA concentrated the assaults on Iranian Revolutionary Guard amenities, which posed an “immediate danger”. In addition, makes an attempt are being made to destroy the nation’s air protection capabilities and using drones and missiles. Military airfields would even be bombed.

Trump and Netanyahu name on Iranians to overthrow management

As US President Donald Trump did shortly after the assaults started, Netanyahu later known as on Iranians to take to the streets and overthrow their nation’s political management. It is at present tough to evaluate how the Iranian inhabitants will react. The regime in Tehran has as soon as once more blocked the Internet and thus minimize off most communication channels overseas.

Iran responds with counterattacks

The Iranian navy responded with assaults in a number of nations within the Perian Gulf, the place the US has navy bases, but additionally in Syria and Israel. A civilian is alleged to have been killed within the United Arab Emirates. Several accidents have been reported in Dubai and Kuwait. According to authorities, the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet was hit in Bahrain. Explosions have been additionally reported in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. According to the emergency providers, not less than two folks have been injured in Israel.

The US navy says it suffered no casualties within the Iranian counterattacks. In addition, injury to US amenities was minimal and didn’t have an effect on ongoing operations. Independent affirmation of this info is at present not potential.

Iran restricts site visitors throughout Strait of Hormuz

But Iran didn’t solely reply with navy assaults. The Revolutionary Guards are additionally mentioned to have restricted transport site visitors within the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for world commerce. Around a fifth of worldwide oil shipments cross via the strait daily. Any disruption might ship power costs increased and unsettle worldwide markets.

The Yemeni Houthi militia – an ally of Tehran – additionally assured Iran of its solidarity within the present combat and introduced that it could assault ships within the Red Sea.

The Hezbollah militia in Lebanon additionally expressed its solidarity and known as on all nations and folks within the area to oppose the “aggression” of Israel and the USA. The group warned of “devastating consequences” that will have an effect on everybody within the area “without exception.” However, a lot of Iran’s supporters within the Middle East are weakened.

Trump sees a number of choices

US President Trump says he sees a number of choices for ending the battle. He might proceed the operation for a very long time and “take over everything” or finish it in two to a few days, he advised the US information portal Axios. Iran will want years to recuperate from the assault. Tehran was near reaching an settlement, however then backed out. From this he concluded that the management didn’t need an settlement.