US and Israel launch strikes on Iran; Supreme Leader Khamenei killed
The United States and Israel launched large-scale air strikes on Iran on 28 February 2026, and Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the attacks, according to Reuters and AP.
Summary
The United States and Israel launched large-scale air strikes on Iran on 28 February 2026, hitting military, missile and air-defence targets, two days after US–Iran nuclear talks in Geneva ended without a breakthrough. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had led Iran since 1989, was killed; President Donald Trump announced his death and Iranian state media confirmed it early the next day, according to Reuters and the Associated Press. Iran retaliated with missiles and drones against Israel and US bases in Gulf countries, including Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE. In India, the Civil Aviation Minister held a review on 28 February with AAI, DGCA, airlines and airport operators; airlines were told to reroute flights around restricted airspace and airports were put on operational alert.
Key facts
- Date
- 28 February 2026
- Attackers
- United States and Israel
- Khamenei
- Killed; Supreme Leader since 1989 (Reuters, AP)
- Iran's response
- Missiles and drones at Israel and US bases in the Gulf
- Background
- Came two days after US–Iran talks in Geneva
- India
- MoCA review; airlines to reroute; airports on alert
Practice MCQs 4 questions
Which two countries launched air strikes on Iran on 28 February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — United States and Israel
The United States and Israel launched the strikes on Iran on 28 February 2026.
Iran's Supreme Leader killed in the strikes of 28 February 2026 had held the post since which year?
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Correct answer: B — 1989
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had led Iran since 1989, according to Reuters.
Where had US–Iran nuclear talks been held two days before the strikes of 28 February 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Geneva
The strikes came two days after US–Iran nuclear talks in Geneva, mediated by Oman, ended without a breakthrough.
Consider the following statements about India's response on 28 February 2026: 1. The Civil Aviation Ministry reviewed preparedness with AAI, DGCA, airlines and airport operators. 2. Indian airlines were directed to suspend all international flights indefinitely. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. Airlines were told to monitor NOTAMs and reroute or divert flights where needed, not to suspend all international flights.