Trump Orders Strikes on Iran, Killing Supreme Leader Khamenei

Military operation comes after months of failed negotiations and a deadly crackdown on Iranian protesters

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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In a dramatic escalation, President Donald Trump ordered a military strike against Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top Iranian officials. The operation came just months after Trump rejected a plan to assassinate Khamenei, citing concerns about regional instability. But Trump's calculus shifted after Iran refused to budge on its nuclear and missile programs, even as its economy crumbled under sanctions. The president now sees this as the "single greatest chance" for the Iranian people to "take back their country."

Why it matters

Trump's decision to target Iran's top leadership marks a major shift in his approach, moving from limited strikes to all-out confrontation. It reflects his growing impatience with Iran's intransigence and his belief that the regime is vulnerable amid domestic unrest. However, the consequences could be far-reaching, potentially destabilizing the region and provoking a dangerous escalation with Iran.

The details

The military operation included targeted strikes on Khamenei, 86, as well as Iran's defense minister and the commander of its Revolutionary Guard. Trump said Iran's "highly sophisticated tracking systems" were unable to stop the attack. The strikes came just two days after Trump's envoys held another round of failed talks with Iranian officials, who refused to budge on their nuclear and missile programs.

  • In June 2025, Trump ordered strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, which he claimed had "obliterated" their program.
  • In January 2026, Trump ordered the killing of top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, one of the most provocative U.S. actions in the Middle East since the Iraq War.
  • On February 25, 2026, Trump dispatched his envoys for another round of talks with Iran, but they were rebuffed.
  • On February 28, 2026, Trump ordered the military strike that killed Khamenei and other top Iranian officials.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who ordered the military strike against Iran.

Benjamin Netanyahu

The Prime Minister of Israel who urged the Trump administration to take action against Iran.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

The 86-year-old Supreme Leader of Iran who was killed in the U.S. military strike.

Steve Witkoff

A special envoy dispatched by Trump to hold talks with Iranian officials.

Jared Kushner

A special envoy dispatched by Trump to hold talks with Iranian officials.

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What they’re saying

“This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (Fortune)

“The consequences are likely to be as far-reaching as they are uncertain: Within the system that has held power for nearly five decades, between the government and a dissatisfied populace, and between Iran and its adversaries.”

— Ali Vaez, Iran project director at the International Crisis Group (Fortune)

“The idea that we're going to be in a Middle Eastern war for years with no end in sight — there is no chance that will happen.”

— JD Vance, Vice President (The Washington Post)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Trump's decision to strike Iran marks a dramatic escalation in his approach, reflecting his growing impatience with Iran's intransigence and his belief that the regime is vulnerable. However, the consequences could be far-reaching, potentially destabilizing the region and provoking a dangerous escalation with Iran.