Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo confirmed that the recent U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28, 2026, effectively eliminated “multiple layers of leadership” within Iran, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Speaking on Fox News, Pompeo emphasized that the operation has severely disrupted Tehran’s command chain, leaving the country’s military and political hierarchy in disarray.

Iranian state media, including Tasnim News Agency, corroborated the reports of Khamenei’s death along with other top officials, such as Defense Minister Amir Nasirzadeh and IRGC Commander Mohammad Pakpour. In response, Iran has declared a nationwide 40-day mourning period. Analysts suggest that the simultaneous elimination of key leadership figures represents an unprecedented blow to the Islamic Republic’s organizational structure, creating both operational and strategic challenges.

Additional reports indicate that U.S. forces also targeted Iran’s naval assets, sinking nine vessels in coordinated strikes, further weakening Tehran’s regional capabilities. Military observers note that these actions not only degrade Iran’s ability to project power abroad but also signal a decisive message to regional and global adversaries about the consequences of continued hostility.

Pompeo’s remarks and the confirmed Iranian casualties underscore the scale and precision of the U.S.-Israeli campaign, highlighting the integration of intelligence, airpower, and maritime assets. Experts warn that the removal of top officials could trigger internal instability within Iran, complicating diplomatic efforts and heightening the risk of retaliatory actions. As the situation evolves, the international community is closely monitoring Tehran’s response, while U.S. and Israeli forces maintain readiness to address any further escalation.