Trump: Iran's Supreme Leader "Khamenei has died" - Tehran statement is thought-provoking; Bitcoin breaks $67,000, gold and silver rise

The United States and Israel jointly launched a large-scale airstrike operation against Iran, codenamed “Operation Epic Fury.” Earlier, Trump claimed that Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei had been assassinated, while the Iranian official statement is intriguing.

(Background summary: Trump’s State of the Union address covers 16 major topics: border security and immigration, economy and tariffs, healthcare reform, Iran nuclear issues…)

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The U.S. and Israel launched a large-scale airstrike operation against Iran, targeting nuclear facilities, missile programs, and crippling its navy, with the most controversial goal: decapitation.

This morning (1st), two Israeli security officials confirmed to foreign media that Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei was killed in the airstrike. Trump later posted on Truth Social, stating that Khamenei, “one of the most evil figures in history,” has died, and announced, “Intensive and precise bombing will continue nonstop for a week or until Middle East peace is achieved.”

However, the official Iranian response is thought-provoking. Foreign Minister Araghchi claimed that “all senior officials are alive,” but deliberately avoided mentioning “Khamenei” by name. The official Iranian social media accounts only posted symbolic images with no direct evidence.

Later, when ABC News asked Trump, he replied, “We believe that is an accurate statement,” but also admitted that it has not been independently verified.

Cheers on the Streets of Tehran

After the news of Khamenei’s death, celebrations and cheers erupted in parts of Tehran. Videos circulated on X showing large crowds cheering enthusiastically in the streets. Iranian expatriates in Australia also took to the streets to celebrate.

But the lessons of history are harsh: in 2003, when Baghdad fell, there were cheers in Iraqi streets, but everyone remembers what happened next.

If Khamenei is truly dead, Iran will face its first change of Supreme Leader since 1989. Hardliners may consolidate power and escalate retaliatory actions; reformists might seize the chaos to seek negotiations.

🔴BREAKING:

We have the first footage of street parties breaking out in Tehran.

You don’t understand our happiness.

pic.twitter.com/9ZBA7J7dW9

— 𝐍𝐢𝐨𝐡 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐠 🇮🇷 ✡︎ (@NiohBerg) February 28, 2026

Bitcoin Surges Past $67,000, Then Pulls Back

The geopolitical tremors have once again impacted financial markets. Brent crude oil futures soared 11% after the airstrikes, with gold and silver rising in tandem. As of press time, gold is trading at $5,278, reaching its highest in over a month.

In the crypto market, Bitcoin reached a high of $67,750 this morning, and as of press time, is at $66,333. Ethereum is at $1,960, attempting to regain the $2,000 level.