US-Iran conflict: Amid tensions soaring across the Middle East, several media reports emerged on Wednesday, suggesting that Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, the son of Iran’s former supremo, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been elected as the new Supreme Leader of the nation. Notably, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had died in the joint strikes launched on Iran by the US and Israel. 

[caption id="attachment_523" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei[/caption]

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei killed in ‘Operation Epic Fury’

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who led Iran for 36 years, was killed on February 28, 2026 during joint US-Israeli strikes named ‘Operation Epic Fury’. The attack, according to reports, targeted scores of cities in Iran, including the capital, Tehran. The veteran leader was inside his residential compound when the strikes were unleashed. His daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter were also killed in the attack. Days after this, his wife, Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, later succumbed to injuries sustained in the assault.

[caption id="attachment_347" align="aligncenter" width="1014"] Ayatollah Ali Khamenei[/caption]

Reports claimed that as per Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, Khamenei will be buried in the holy city of Mashhad, with a large farewell ceremony planned in Tehran. The burial date is, however, yet to be announced.

3-member interim leadership council was constituted in Iran

It is noteworthy that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had no designated successor, owing to which, a three-member interim Leadership Council was constituted, which comprised Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, President Masoud Pezeshkian and Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei. 

Joint strikes prompt swift retaliation

US-Israel’s joint strikes on Iran drew immediate retaliation. Iran launched missiles towards Gulf regions, while US President Donald Trump warned Tehran it was “too late” to seek talks. When hostilities entered the fourth day, a drone attack set part of the US consulate in Dubai ablaze. However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio maintained that all personnel were safe.  With 700 fatalities reported as of now, the crisis shows almost no signs of abating.