Khamenei assumed power following the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989, inheriting a revolutionary state still consolidating itself.

Though some Iranians mourned the death of their supreme leader, others rejoiced. Their celebrations were furtive and short-lived to avoid riot police or other authorities.

By Gram Slattery and Erin Banco March 1 (Reuters) - Following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday, many senior U.S. officials remain skeptical that the U.S. and Israeli military operation against the Islamic Republic will lead to a regime change in the near term.

For many Iranians, the day began with the news they had feared.

The Iranian government has announced 40 days of mourning. The country's supreme leader was killed following an attack launched by the U.S. and Israel on Saturday against Iran.

Ayatollah Khamenei became Iran’s supreme leader in 1989, wielding ultimate religious and political authority over the state and security apparatus.

A banner of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on a street, after he was killed in Israeli and U.S. strikes on Saturday, in Tehran, Iran, March 1, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS

In an exclusive interview with Meet the Press, Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) reacts to the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and criticizes the Trump administration for not having a “strategic plan” after striking Iran.

Some Iranians said on social media that they were privately mourning the supreme leader. But displays of exuberance broke out in cities across the country.

A satellite image shows black smoke rising and heavy damage at Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's compound, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, in Tehran, Iran February 28, 2026. Pleiades Neo (c) Airbus DS 2026/Handout via REUTERS