IRGC Moves to Appoint New Leader Outside Legal Process Following Reported Death of Khamenei
TEHRAN: Following reports of the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint US-Israeli strikes, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is reportedly pushing to bypass constitutional procedures to appoint a successor immediately. Sources told Iran International that the remaining IRGC command structure aims to finalize a decision by dawn on Sunday, March 1, as the ongoing airstrikes make it impossible to convene the Assembly of Experts.
The leadership transition comes amid reports of deep disarray within the regime’s security and military structures. Disruptions in the chain of command and operational coordination have reportedly led to confusion, with some military personnel allegedly refraining from reporting to their bases due to fears of further strikes. The IRGC is also bracing for potential nationwide protests once daylight breaks on Sunday, following a period of intense domestic unrest and a deadly crackdown earlier this year.
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Reports of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s Death Emerge; Iran Dismisses Claims
TEL AVIV/TEHRAN: Reports from Israeli officials and media outlets, including Channel 12 and Reuters, indicate that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the joint US-Israeli strikes on Saturday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated there are “growing signs” that Khamenei is “no longer with us” after his compound in Tehran was destroyed. However, Iran has not confirmed his death. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the Supreme Leader is alive “as far as I know,” and state media officials accused the opposition of engaging in “mental warfare” to create panic.
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Iran to Continue Retaliation Until Aggression Stops, Says Foreign Minister.
TEHRAN/NEW YORK: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has notified the United Nations that Tehran will persist with its military retaliation until the joint airstrikes by the United States and Israel cease. In a formal letter to the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council, Araghchi described the aerial offensive as a “flagrant violation” of the UN Charter and emphasized Iran’s inherent right to self-defense. He warned that the Iranian armed forces would deploy all necessary resources to deter further hostile actions, declaring that all regional military facilities used by hostile forces are now considered legitimate targets.
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Four Senior Iranian Intelligence Officials Killed in Airstrikes.
TEHRAN: At least four high-ranking officials from Iran’s Intelligence Ministry were killed during airstrikes on Saturday, according to reports from Iran International. The deceased include Javad Pourhossein, head of the foreign intelligence unit; Mohammad-Reza Bajestani, head of the security unit; Ali Kheirandish, head of the counter-terrorism unit; and Saeed Ehya Hamidi, a senior adviser on the conflict with Israel.
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‘Massive’ Explosions Rock Tehran as Joint Strikes Intensify.
TEHRAN: Fresh waves of “massive” explosions have been reported across the Iranian capital, Tehran, on Saturday night. According to NBC News, the blasts were felt throughout the city, with thick plumes of smoke rising from several strategic locations. These strikes are part of the ongoing joint military operation by Israel and the United States, targeting high-level military and government infrastructure. The intensify of the latest blasts has caused widespread panic among residents, with many reportedly attempting to flee the capital as the aerial offensive continues.
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Trump and Netanyahu Discuss Iran Strikes, White House Confirms.
WASHINGTON/JERUSALEM: U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have held a phone conversation to discuss the ongoing strikes against Iran, according to the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Iran. The Israeli Prime Minister’s official X account also confirmed the call, sharing a photo of Netanyahu during the discussion.
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Iran’s Foreign Minister Says Supreme Leader Khamenei Still Alive
TEHRAN: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has dismissed reports of the Supreme Leader’s death, stating that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is still alive “as far as I know”. In an exclusive interview with NBC News on Saturday, Araghchi affirmed that high-ranking officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and the head of the judiciary, have survived the joint Israel-US strikes and remain in their positions.
While confirming the deaths of two military commanders, the foreign minister insisted that the regime’s leadership remains intact and the situation is under control. Araghchi also condemned the military operation, labeling it an act of aggression that occurred despite ongoing progress in nuclear negotiations. Despite his claims, independent verification of the status of Iran’s top leadership is currently unavailable following the strikes on strategic compounds in Tehran.
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IRAN: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has officially closed the Strait of Hormuz following the joint Israel-US strikes on Iranian territory. According to an official from the EU’s naval mission, Operation ASPIDES, vessels in the area have been receiving radio transmissions from the IRGC stating that “no ship is allowed to pass.” This closure of the world’s most vital oil transit route marks a major escalation in the regional conflict.
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DUBAI: A powerful explosion rocked Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah on Saturday as Iran launched retaliatory strikes across the Gulf. Witnesses reported thick black smoke rising from the Fairmont The Palm hotel following the blast. While the cause—whether a direct missile strike or falling debris from an interception—remains unconfirmed, emergency services and ambulances have been dispatched to the scene.
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ISRAEL : Israelis took shelter inside an underground station after an Iranian strike, as sirens sounded and people sought protection.
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KUWAIT CITY: A drone attack targeted Kuwait International Airport on Saturday, causing light injuries to several workers and limited material damage. The state news agency confirmed the incident, which occurred amid heightened regional tensions following the joint Israel-US strikes on Iran.
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