Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. ARCHIVE

Iran’s state television confirmed on Sunday (March 1) that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has died, declaring a 40-day national mourning period. Khamenei, 86, had led Iran since 1989 and was the country’s highest authority on military strategy, foreign policy and national security. US President Donald Trump and senior Israeli officials earlier reported that Khamenei was killed in strikes on Tehran. Initial uncertainty about his condition persisted until the state TV confirmation. The confirmation comes amid rising conflict across the Middle East, including multiple Iranian-launched missile and drone attacks on the UAE since February 28, prompting airspace closures and heightened security measures. The US and Israel have launched coordinated strikes against Iran, further escalating the conflict.  US President Donald Trump confirmed “major combat operations” and called for changes in Iran’s leadership. Iranian state media reported casualties, including at a girls’ school, while Iran responded with strikes targeting bases across the Gulf. In the UAE, authorities have intercepted missiles and drones and taken precautionary measures including airspace closures at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports. The General Civil Aviation Authority suspended flights and urged passengers to monitor their airlines for updates. Officials across the region have repeatedly urged residents to rely on official information as tensions and security measures remain in flux. ICA/CAM/Expat Media
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