JTFMax

BREAKING — Supreme Leader Compound Damaged After U.S.–Israel Strikes; Khamenei’s Status Still Unclear

Tehran, February 28, 2026 — Early Saturday, a major air campaign involving the United States and Israel struck multiple sites in Iran, including areas of the supreme leadership complex in northern Tehran, according to satellite imagery and official statements. The operation — described in some Western reports as a coordinated cross-border strike — marks one of the most significant escalations in U.S.–Iran tensions in recent years.

High-resolution satellite photos published by Airbus and shared by international media outlets show extensive damage across large sections of the Beit-e Rahbari (Supreme Leader’s Office) compound. Several buildings appear reduced to rubble, with smoke lingering days after the reported attack. Analysts caution that imagery confirms structural destruction but does not independently verify casualties or the presence of specific political figures at the time of the strikes.

Unlike battlefield reports from open conflicts, no independent verification exists of the deaths of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei or other senior Iranian officials. Iranian state officials have insisted that Khamenei is alive and safe; a spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry told international broadcasters on Saturday, “The supreme leader remains in good health and under protection,” though no recent public appearance has been confirmed by outside news agencies.

Western military sources, speaking unofficially, indicated that leadership nodes, missile facilities, air defense infrastructure, and strategic command centers were among the targets. Israeli defense officials acknowledged strikes within Iranian territory but offered limited detail, refraining from confirming whether the supreme leader was directly targeted.

In the United States, former President Donald Trump, addressing supporters in a video posted on the social platform Truth Social, described the strikes as “major combat operations intended to dismantle Iran’s ability to wage war and terror.” He said the campaign was “aimed at degrading missile capabilities, disrupting nuclear support networks, and neutralizing hostile proxy forces across the region.”

Trump also issued a direct call to the Iranian populace:

“When this is over, Iran’s people should seize this moment and take control of their destiny. This could be the opportunity for generations.”

Independent analysts caution that such commentary — especially calls for regime change — risks inflaming tensions further and could complicate diplomatic efforts underway at the United Nations.

Iranian military officials claim that Iranian air defense systems intercepted portions of the incoming assault. The Islamic Republic’s state media reported retaliatory ballistic and drone launches toward U.S. and Israeli positions in the region, along with heavy air raid sirens in major cities. Internet blackouts and intermittent communications disruptions have been reported within Iran, consistent with explosive events and strategic military operations.

The situation remains highly dynamic. Governments, independent analysts, and international media continue to assess the human toll, leadership implications, and wider geopolitical impact. Official casualty figures and confirmation of impact on Iran’s political hierarchy are still