Iran foreign minister says Khamenei is alive ‘as far as I know’ after strikes targeted senior leadership

Published February 28, 2026 12:37pm ET



Iranian officials have shunned reports that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the U.S.-Israeli military operation reportedly targeting him and other regime leaders.

Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said that “as far as I know,” both Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, another target of the strikes, are still alive, during an interview with NBC News.

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.