US and Israel strike Iran; supreme leader confirmed killed; fierce domestic criticism of military action – key US politics stories from 28 February at a glance
The US launched attacks against Iran on Saturday as part of a joint operation with Israel. Hours after the bombs started falling across Iran, Trump claimed the Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed, calling it the “greatest chance” for the Iranian people to “take back” their country. State media in Iran later confirmed his death.
The announcement came after a joint US and Israeli aerial bombardment that targeted Iranian military and governmental sites. Trump said the “heavy and pinpoint bombing” was to continue through the week or as long as necessary. There was no immediate comment from Iran on Khamenei’s status.