Israeli Air Force Hits Tehran Regime Sites After Khamenei Kill

March 1, 2026

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) carried out airstrikes in central Tehran, targeting sites linked to the Iranian regime following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint United States-Israel military operation. The strikes were part of a broader offensive aimed at weakening Iran’s military and command infrastructure amid a rapidly escalating conflict.

According to official Israeli statements, the IAF was hitting targets belonging to what it called the Iranian “terror regime” in the heart of the capital, possibly including command and control facilities and security apparatus sites. The strikes followed coordinated attacks by U.S. and Israeli forces that reportedly killed Khamenei and several senior Iranian officials in Tehran.

Context of the Military Offensive

The airstrikes in Tehran came amid the ongoing US-Israel military campaign against Iran, launched on February 28, 2026, in an operation involving hundreds of aircraft and munitions striking hundreds of targets across multiple Iranian cities and military installations. The joint military effort described by Israeli officials as aimed at degrading Iran’s regime and defense capabilities has significantly escalated tensions in the Middle East.

Explosions were widely reported in Tehran and other parts of Iran following the strikes, prompting Tehran to shut down its airspace and declare emergency responses. Satellite imagery and official briefings indicated damage to military, intelligence, and government sites during the campaign.

Regional Fallout and Retaliation

In response to the strikes, Iran has launched missiles and drones toward Israeli territory and U.S. military bases in the Gulf region, including in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE. These retaliatory actions have triggered air raid sirens in Israel, emergency responses in Gulf states, and widespread concern over a broader regional conflict.

The offensive has disrupted civilian life across the Middle East, with airspace closures affecting travel and heightened security alerts in multiple countries. In Iran, hospitals were placed on high alert as state media and government sources reported casualties and widespread damage.

Global Reactions

International reactions have varied, with some nations calling for de-escalation and diplomatic solutions to curb the violence. At the same time, some global powers expressed concern over the potential for wider conflict and urged restraint on all sides. The strikes and subsequent retaliation have drawn emergency diplomatic attention, including discussions at the United Nations Security Council.