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Tehran, March 1: The conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran intensified sharply on its second day, with Iranian media reporting the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in joint US–Israeli airstrikes, even as the death toll in the bombing of a school in Minab rose to 165.
Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency and Fars News Agency said Khamenei was killed in the large-scale strikes launched early Saturday. The reports followed earlier claims by US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which Tehran had initially denied.
Following the reported killing, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched retaliatory attacks, further escalating tensions across the region.
Massive Airstrikes Across Iran
The United States and Israel carried out extensive air raids targeting hundreds of military and strategic sites, including air defence systems, missile launch facilities, and bases linked to the IRGC. Explosions were reported in the capital Tehran and major cities such as Qom, Isfahan, Kermanshah, and Karaj.
Civilian casualties have been reported on both sides. Several Gulf nations heightened security after intercepting projectiles, while airspace closures disrupted flights across parts of the Middle East. The United Nations and global leaders called for restraint and a return to diplomatic negotiations.
Minab School Bombing
The Iranian Ministry of Education confirmed that the death toll in the bombing of an elementary school in Minab has reached 165, up from an earlier figure of 153. The school was reportedly among the first targets in the coordinated strikes.
Leaders’ Statements
President Donald Trump claimed on Truth Social that nine Iranian naval ships had been destroyed and sunk, and that Iranian naval headquarters had been “completely destroyed.” In an interview with The Atlantic, he said he had received positive signals from “new Iranian leaders who are eager to talk,” though no timeline for talks was announced.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a video message, said Israel’s military campaign had not yet reached its “full strength” and warned, “We will strike at the heart of Tehran with intense power.”
Meanwhile, Dutch airline KLM suspended flights to Dubai, Riyadh, and Dammam until March 5, citing the deteriorating security situation.
As military exchanges continue, fears are mounting of a wider regional conflict, even as diplomatic efforts seek to prevent further escalation.:
