Who is Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei and why is he a possible target?
#Iran Supreme Leader#Khamenei#US-Iran Conflict#Israel Attacks#Trump Iran#Regime Change#Tehran Attacks#Nuclear Program
📌 Key Takeaways
US and Israel conducted attacks targeting areas linked to Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei in Tehran
Khamenei has held ultimate authority in Iran since 1989 as both political and spiritual leader
Both US and Israeli officials have made direct threats against Khamenei
Trump is urging Iranians to overthrow their government following the attacks
📖 Full Retelling
US President Donald Trump and Israel have conducted a new round of attacks on Iran on February 28, 2026, specifically targeting areas linked to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei in the capital Tehran, amid escalating tensions that have derailed nuclear negotiations and raised questions about efforts to target Iran's leadership apparatus. According to Iranian media, the US-Israeli attacks occurred nationwide, with seven missiles hitting near the presidential palace in Shemiran and near Khamenei's compound, while also striking near his offices in the capital. The attacks come after Trump previously stated Khamenei should be 'very worried' and has been urging Iranians to overthrow their government, claiming this would be their 'only chance for generations.' Iranian sources indicate Khamenei was not in Tehran during the attacks and had been transferred to a secure location. The 86-year-old Islamic scholar has been Iran's Supreme Leader since 1989, holding ultimate authority over all government branches, military, and judiciary while serving as the country's spiritual leader. During his rule, Khamenei has maintained an adversarial relationship with the West, calling the US Iran's 'number one enemy' and relying on the loyalty of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Basij paramilitary forces.
🏷️ Themes
Middle East Conflict, Iran-US Relations, Political Leadership Targeting
Ali Hosseini Khamenei (born 19 April 1939) is an Iranian cleric and politician who has served as the second supreme leader of Iran since 1989. He previously served as the third president of Iran from 1981 to 1989. His tenure as supreme leader, spanning 36 years, makes him the longest-serving head of...
The recent US-Israeli attacks on Iran, targeting areas linked to Supreme Leader Khamenei, signify a heightened risk of escalation in the Middle East. These actions aim to disrupt Iran's nuclear program and weaken its leadership, potentially impacting regional stability and international negotiations.
Context & Background
Khamenei is the Supreme Leader of Iran since 1989, holding ultimate authority in the country.
The US and Israel have long viewed Khamenei and the Iranian regime as a threat.
Recent US-Israeli military actions against Iran follow stalled nuclear negotiations.
What Happens Next
The immediate future will likely involve increased tensions and potential retaliatory actions from Iran. International diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation will be crucial, but their success is uncertain. The effectiveness of the recent attacks on Khamenei and related sites remains to be seen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Supreme Leader's role in Iran?
The Supreme Leader holds ultimate authority over all branches of government, the military, and the judiciary in Iran, as well as acting as the country’s spiritual leader.
Why are the US and Israel targeting Khamenei?
The US and Israel view Khamenei as a key figure in Iran's nuclear program and a threat to regional security. Targeting him is seen as a way to disrupt Iran's nuclear ambitions and weaken the Iranian government.
Where was Khamenei reportedly located during the attacks?
Reports indicate that Khamenei was not in Tehran at the time of the attacks and had been transferred to a secure location.
Original Source
EXPLAINER News | Israel-Iran conflict Who is Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei and why is he a possible target? Trump, who has previously said Khamenei should be ‘very worried’, is urging Iranians to overthrow their government. Listen to this article | 5 mins By Al Jazeera Staff , AFP , AP and Reuters Published On 28 Feb 2026 28 Feb 2026 Click here to share on social media Share Save Add Al Jazeera on Google The United States and Israel have waged a new round of attacks on Iran , again derailing negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme and raising questions about efforts to target the country’s security and leadership apparatus. Among the areas targeted on Saturday in Iran’s capital Tehran were places linked to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Recommended Stories list of 3 items list 1 of 3 Iran’s Khamenei says US will not be able to destroy government list 2 of 3 Iran’s Khamenei maintains tough rhetoric with US despite nuclear talks list 3 of 3 Iranian students rally as universities reopen after nationwide protests end of list Here’s more on Khamenei and why the US and Israel are potentially seeking to “decapitate” the Islamic republic’s leadership: Where did Saturday’s attacks take place? Iranian media report the US-Israeli attacks occurred nationwide , including several areas in the capital, Tehran. Iran’s semiofficial Tasnim news agency reported that seven missiles hit an area near the presidential palace, located in Shemiran to the north of Tehran, as well as near Khamenei’s compound. The Associated Press reported that attacks also struck near Khamenei’s offices in the capital. Where is Khamenei? It is unclear. The Reuters news agency cited a source as saying Khamenei was not in Tehran and had been transferred to a secure location. Who is Khamenei? The 86-year-old Islamic scholar has been Iran’s Supreme Leader since 1989, succeeding the Islamic Republic’s late founder, the charismatic Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who returned from exile and drove Iran’s...
