USA e Israel launched a strong attack against Iran today Saturday (28.2.2026), and the American president, Donald Trumpurged the Iranian population to “take control of their destiny” and rise up against the Islamic leadership that has ruled the nation since 1979.
Israeli officials informed The Associated Press what Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameneidied today Saturday in the missile attack, along with other senior military commanders.
Trump announced the death of Jamenei shortly after on social media, stating that “the greatest opportunity for the Iranian people to recover their country” had come with the death of the ayatollah.
However, even if the Iran’s top leaders were murdered, regime change is not guaranteed.
Who are the political and religious leaders of Iran?
Below is a look at the top political and spiritual leaders of Iran.
Ali Jamenei, supreme leader
In 1989, Jamenei became the supreme leader of iran after the death of Ruhollah Khomeini, founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Jamenei played an important role in the movement that overthrew the monarchy, led by the sha Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, in the islamic revolution of 1979.
86 years old, Jamenei is he commander in chief of iran and has the final say in all matters of politics and religion. The Revolutionary Guardthe paramilitary force of Iran that protects the Islamic Republica, answers him directly.
Jamenei has been in charge during previous crackdowns on protesters in Iran. He recently pointed out that Iran he was ready to retaliate against any American attack.
One of the first attacks today, Saturday, hit near the offices of Jamenei.
Two Israeli officials told the AP that Khamenei diedspeaking on condition of anonymity pending a formal announcement and without offering further details. Trump later confirmed the death of Jamenei in a post on Truth Social.
Masoud Pezeshkian: President of Iran
He president of iran, Masoud Pezeshkianis generally seen as a reformist.
Cardiac excirologist, Pezeshkian He assumed office on July 28, 2024.
The president is the second highest ranking official in Iran and acts like jhead of governmentin charge of daily administration, economic policy and implementing the supreme leader’s decrees.
Iranians elect a president and parliament for four-year terms.
Abbas Araghchi, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Iran’s foreign minister Abas Araghchiis a long-serving diplomat and was a key negotiator of the now defunct 2015 nuclear deal.
A Araghchi He was appointed Foreign Minister of Iran on August 21, 2024.
Days before today’s attack, Saturday (28.2.2026), Araghchi warned that a conflict with USA It will be “a devastating war” and he reiterated the interest of Tehran on a peaceful solution ahead of this week’s high-stakes talks.
Ali Larijani, Khamenei’s public policy adviser
Khamenei’s advisor on public policy, Ali Larijanicomes from one of Iran’s most famous political families.
Former Speaker of Parliament and Chief Policy Advisor, Larinaji was appointed to advise Jamenei on strategy in nuclear talks with the government of Trump.
In January 2026, USA imposed additional sanctions against Iranian officials, including Larijaniwho were accused of suppressing nationwide protests challenging the theocratic government of Iran.
He United States Department of the Treasury accused him of being one of the first officials to call for violence against Iranian protesters.
Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejehi, head of the Judiciary
Hardline prosecutor and conservative jurist, Gholam Mohseni Ejehi es head of the Judiciary since 2021. He is widely considered a loyalist Jamenei.
State media cited Mohsen Ejeh in January 2026 saying there would be “no leniency” for those behind the wave of unrest.
Head of the Assembly of Experts, Mohammad-Ali Movahedi Kermani
The Imam Ayatollah Movahedi-Ali Movahedu Kermani is he head of the clerical body of 88 members responsible for appointing the next supreme leader.
The Assembly of Experts It is the Iranian version of the Vatican College of Cardinals.
Secretary of the Guardian Council, Ahmad Jannati
Ahmad Jannati is he de facto leader of Iran’s Guardian Councila 12-member body that reviews candidates for public office as well as legislation.
Composed of six Islamic theologians and six legal expertshe Advice He also discards people he considers incompatible with Iran’s Islamic theocratic system.
He Advice can disqualify presidential candidates who are perceived not to be aligned with the supreme leader.
Khamenei’s chief of staff, Mohammad Golpayegani
Mohammad Mohammadi Golpayegani is an Islamic cleric and long-time confidant of Jamenei. He heads the Supreme Leader’s cabinet.
Khamenei’s advisor on international affairs, Ali Akbar Velayati
Training doctor, Ali Akbar Velayati He was formerly Iran’s foreign minister and is now a Khamenei’s senior advisor on international affairs.
Velayati participates in the country’s nuclear policy.
Khamenei’s foreign policy advisor Kamal Kharazi
81 years old, Kamal Kharazi it’s a Khamenei’s trusted advisor on foreign policy, especially during the recent nuclear talks with Washington.
Former diplomat and former Foreign Minister, Kharazi previously represented Iran ante United Nations. He has held numerous government, diplomatic and academic positions.
First Vice President, Mohammad Reza Aref
Mohammad Reza Arefon the other hand, es one of the main deputies of the president, Masoud Pezeshkianand leads cabinet meetings when the president is absent.
Aref acts as a liaison between the President and Parliament.
President of Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
General of the Revolutionary Guard and former mayor of Tehran, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf was re-elected President of Parliament on May 27, 2025.
Ghalibaf He is a conservative politician who was linked to crackdowns on students in 1999 and 2003.
Imam of Friday Prayer in Tehran, Ahmad Khatami
The magnet Ahmad Khatami belongs to Guardian Council of Iranwhich has 12 members, and is an influential prayer leader and religious figure loyal to the supreme leader.
Khatami is a member of the Iran Assembly of Experts and has long been known for its hardline stances.
In January 2026, Khatami requested the death penalty for protesters detained in a nationwide crackdown, and described those participating in the riots as “butlers” of Netanyahu and “soldiers of Trump”.
Son of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei
The second son mayor by Ayalota Ali Khamenei, Mojtab Jameneiis a mid-ranking cleric and the supposed successor of the supreme leader.
Mojtaba has close ties with the Iranian Revolutionary Guardserved in the armed forces during the Iran-Iraq war, and is said to exert influence behind the scenes as a gatekeeper to his father.
Iran’s Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh
Aziz Nasirzadeh became Iranian Defense Minister in 2024 after serving in leadership roles in his country’s army and air force.
Nasirzadeh was among Iranian ministers who threatened retaliatory attacks against US bases in the Middle East, even before the June 2025 US-Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Israel reported this Saturday (2/28/2026) that Nasirzadeh He died in the initial attacks of the war, which hit sites where military leaders had gathered.
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