Chaos in Tehran: Iran Confirms Supreme Leader Khamenei is Alive After "Operation Epic Fury" Strikes

The world held its breath on Saturday, February 28, 2026, as conflicting reports surfaced regarding the fate of Iran’s top leadership. Following a massive joint military offensive by the United States and Israel, rumors intensified that the 86-year-old Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had been killed in a precision strike on his compound. However, in a swift effort to maintain national stability, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi addressed the media to confirm that the Supreme Leader is indeed alive and remains in a secure location.

​The confirmation comes amidst the chaos of "Operation Epic Fury," a multi-front assault that has targeted nuclear sites, military command centers, and government buildings across the Islamic Republic. As smoke continues to rise from the capital, the survival of Khamenei has become the central focus of a psychological war between Tehran and the invading coalition.

​The Fog of War: Did the Airstrikes Hit the "Bunker"?

​Early Saturday morning, Israeli media outlets, including Channel 12, began reporting that the IDF and U.S. forces had successfully targeted the ultra-secure bunker where Khamenei was believed to be hiding. These reports were fueled by satellite imagery showing extensive damage to a high-security complex in central Tehran, traditionally used as a residence and operations hub for the Supreme Leader.

​However, Foreign Minister Araghchi, speaking to NBC News, pushed back against these claims. "All high-ranking officials are alive," he stated. "The situation is under control, and everyone is at their post." While Araghchi admitted that a few military commanders had been martyred in the strikes, he insisted that both the Supreme Leader and President Masoud Pezeshkian were unharmed.

​Where is Khamenei?

​Intelligence sources suggest that the Supreme Leader was relocated days before the attack as tensions reached a breaking point. While the official line from Tehran is that "everything is fine," reports from Reuters indicate that Khamenei has been moved to a fortified underground facility far from the capital to prevent any "decapitation strike" that could collapse the regime's command structure.

​Operation Epic Fury: Targeting the Heart of the Regime

​The joint U.S.-Israeli operation has been described by President Donald Trump as "not a small strike." The mission's objectives extend beyond merely degrading military hardware; it is an attempt to dismantle the very symbols of the Islamic Republic's power.

​Key developments from the first 24 hours of the conflict include:

• ​The "Shield of Judah" Strategy: Israel’s part of the mission, focused on neutralizing Iran’s missile launchers and drone bases.
• ​Cyber Blackout: NetBlocks reported that internet connectivity in Iran dropped to just 4%, as the U.S. launched a massive cyber-offensive to blind the regime’s internal communications.
• ​Leadership Targets: Reports suggest that the offices of the IRGC Intelligence Directorate and the presidential palace were among the primary targets in the first wave of bombings.

​Psychological Warfare and the Succession Question

​The focus on Khamenei’s life is more than just a search for casualties; it is a battle for the narrative. By targeting the Supreme Leader, the U.S. and Israel aim to create a power vacuum that could embolden domestic protesters. President Trump has already called on the Iranian people to "seize control of your destiny," suggesting that the fall of the leadership is the ultimate goal of the 2026 campaign.

​Conversely, the Iranian regime is desperate to project strength. State-run media Al-Alam TV has teased a forthcoming address from the Supreme Leader to prove he is still in command. If Khamenei fails to appear or if the address is seen as pre-recorded, it could trigger a succession crisis, especially following reports that Ali Larijani was recently appointed as a "de facto" leader in case of an emergency.

​Global Reaction: A World on Edge

​The confirmation of Khamenei’s safety has done little to calm global nerves.

• ​The United Nations: The Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting for 4 p.m. EST.
• ​Regional Shutdown: Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the UAE have closed their airspace as Iranian retaliatory missiles begin to strike back at U.S. bases in the Gulf.
• ​Humanitarian Toll: Tragic reports from IRNA claim that an accidental strike hit a girls' school in southern Iran, resulting in dozens of casualties—an incident that is already sparking international condemnation and fueling anti-Western sentiment in the region.

​Conclusion: The Longest Night in Tehran

​As night falls on Tehran this February 28, the situation remains extremely volatile. While the Foreign Minister’s confirmation provides some clarity, the physical destruction of the regime's infrastructure is undeniable. Whether Ayatollah Khamenei is truly "handling the situation" or simply surviving in a bunker will determine the next phase of this war. One thing is certain: the Islamic Republic is facing its greatest existential threat since 1979.