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Wednesday, 21 October 2026
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Namibian press · Person

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Also known as: Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei · Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei · supreme leader Ali Khamenei · Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei · Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei · Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei · the elder Khamenei

Iran's supreme leader for three decades who was killed in US-Israeli air strikes on 28 February 2026, age 86.

2022-10-042026-10-21
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News reports

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  1. September 2026

  2. The Namibian

    Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a strike on his residence during US-Israeli joint attack in late February

    Source

    “He then held up a photo of the country's late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a strike on his residence when the US and Israel launched a joint attack in late February.”

    Iran’s president tells Trump it will never ‘bend the knee’
  3. August 2026

  4. The Namibian

    Iran's then Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in first attack

    Source

    “Iran's then Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in that first attack, after which he was succeeded by his son Mojtaba Khamenei.”

    Iran says deal with Oman on Strait of Hormuz is in final stages
  5. July 2026

  6. The Namibian

    Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei died on 28 February at the age of 86

    Source

    “Senior Namibian officials joined global dignitaries in Tehran, Iran, on Saturday to honour Iran's late supreme leader, Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died on 28 February at the age of 86.”

    Last Respects
  7. March 2026

  8. The Namibian

    Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed by US and Israeli strikes on Iran.

    Source

    “US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which began on 28 February, have killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as well as several other top Iranian officials.”

    Iran says its forces ‘waiting' as US troops arrive in region

  9. New Era

    Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed by US-Israeli strikes on February 28

    Source

    “the war on February 28, when US-Israeli strikes killed the previous supreme leader, Mojtaba's father Ali Khamenei.”

    Trump not ready to end Iran war

  10. The Namibian

    Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was Iran's supreme leader whose death led to escalating regional violence

    Source

    “The Middle East is experiencing widespread conflict following military strikes by the United States (US) and Israel on Iran, which led to an escalating regional violence and the death of Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei.”

    Middle East conflict prompts voluntary evacuation of over 100 Namibians, ambassador confirms

  11. The Namibian

    Khamenei was killed in the United States and Israel's attack on Iran on 28 February

    Source

    “Khamenei was killed in the United States and Israel's attack on Iran on 28 February.”

    Swapo secretary general Shaningwa reaffirms ties with Iran, condemns attack on Ayatollah Khamenei

  12. New Era

    Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the US-Israel military operation against Iran

    Source

    “Amongst the first casualties in this attack was Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.”

    Opinion – What’s Trump’s trump card for Iran?

  13. The Namibian

    Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the 28 February US and Israeli joint military operation

    Source

    “Among the casualties of the 28 February attack was Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.”

    Does Trump Have an Endgame ‘Trump Card’ for Iran?

  14. The Namibian

    Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reportedly was killed in military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran

    Source

    “The strikes reportedly killed Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with other national and military leaders and civilians on Saturday.”

    IPC calls for de-escalation, diplomacy in Iran war
World & Region

Iran's president rejects Trump demand, signals openness to talks

The News

At the UN, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected US President Trump's threat to "annihilate" Iran, saying the country will never "bend the knee," but indicated willingness for a diplomatic solution. He demanded any deal must end the US blockade of Iranian ships from the Strait of Hormuz and presented evidence of civilian casualties he attributes to US-Israeli strikes.

24 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 24 September

  1. Iran's president rejects Trump demand, signals openness to talks

    At the UN, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected US President Trump's threat to "annihilate" Iran, saying the country will never "bend the knee," but indicated willingness for a diplomatic solution. He demanded any deal must end the US blockade of Iranian ships from the Strait of Hormuz and presented evidence of civilian casualties he attributes to US-Israeli strikes.

    24 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 6 August

  1. Iran claims near-final deal with Oman on Strait shipping

    Iran says it has reached an agreement with Oman on a shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, though details remain undisclosed. The Iranian foreign ministry cautioned that a deal would not guarantee safe passage, citing the US blockade of Iranian ports as a security threat.

    6 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 6 July

  1. Namibian officials attend Iran's supreme leader funeral

    Senior Namibian officials Charles Mubita and Peya Mushelenga joined global dignitaries in Tehran on Saturday to honour Iran's late supreme leader, Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died on 28 February at age 86. Iran commenced a week-long funeral and memorial schedule, with processions planned to travel from Tehran to holy cities including Qom, Najaf, Karbala, and Mashhad for Khamenei's final burial.

    6 July 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Iran's Supreme Leader son absent from father's funeral

    Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei was absent from his father's funeral on Sunday, with other senior regime figures and three of his brothers in attendance. Mojtaba has not appeared in public since his appointment in early March, amid speculation about his condition following alleged wounds from US-Israel air strikes that killed his father in February.

    6 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 14 May

  1. Iran stages World Cup send-off ceremony for national team

    Iran held a send-off ceremony for its national football team ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The team, coached by Amir Ghalenoei, will face New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt in Group G, opening their campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.

    14 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 7 April

  1. Israeli strike hits Beirut suburbs targeting Hezbollah

    An Israeli airstrike hit Beirut's southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold largely emptied by repeated attacks and evacuation warnings. The strike, which Israel said targeted the militant group, killed at least eight people including civilians in separate strikes across Lebanon.

    7 April 2026 · New Era →

Monday 30 March

  1. Iran warns of retaliation as US deploys additional troops

    Iran's parliament speaker warned that Iranian forces were "waiting for American soldiers" as 3,500 additional US troops arrived in the Middle East, threatening to "rain fire" on any forces attempting to enter Iranian territory. The deployment comes amid reports that the Pentagon is preparing for potential ground operations in Iran, though US officials have not confirmed whether troops will be deployed.

    30 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 18 March

  1. Middle East war widens as Trump seeks allied support

    Explosions struck Tehran following a night of bombing as US President Trump pressed allies to help protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz; the conflict, now in its third week, has spread to Lebanon and Iraq, displaced millions, and driven oil prices up five percent, though major allies including Britain, Germany, Japan, and Australia have refused military involvement.

    18 March 2026 · New Era →

  2. Analysis: US decapitation strategy against Iran faces mounting challenges

    An Electoral Commission commissioner argues that US and Israeli military strategy targeting Iran's leadership has backfired due to Iran's decentralized command structure and the religious significance of slain leaders as martyrs. He suggests Iran is pursuing a war of attrition, leveraging low-cost drone technology to impose unsustainable defense costs on its adversaries.

    18 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 17 March

  1. Israeli military begins ground operations in southern Lebanon

    Israel's military said it has begun "limited and targeted ground operations" against Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon, aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure and protecting northern Israeli residents. The operations follow earlier Israeli air strikes and reflect escalating tension after Hezbollah's recent attacks involving hundreds of daily rocket launches toward Israel.

    17 March 2026 · New Era →

Monday 16 March

  1. Trump refuses Iran deal; US-Israel war continues escalating

    Donald Trump told NBC News he is not ready to seek a deal to end the war with Iran, saying terms are not good enough, while US-Israeli forces continue strikes and Iran's new supreme leader vows to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed. Israel has approved an emergency military budget of $827 million as the conflict enters its third week, with neither side moderating rhetoric despite mounting death toll and economic damage.

    16 March 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 10 March

  1. Iran's untested new supreme leader faces war and internal strife

    Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, has assumed Iran's top position following his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's assassination, taking charge as the Islamic Republic confronts existential conflict. The reclusive cleric, who lost family members in the same strike and has never held public office, now leads a hardline regime while facing threats from the US and Israel, domestic opposition, and economic pressures from escalating Middle Eastern conflict.

    10 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 9 March

  1. Iran assembly selects supreme leader, name not yet disclosed

    Iran's Assembly of Experts has voted to appoint a new supreme leader following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, though the name has not yet been announced. Reports suggest the late leader's son, Mojtaba Khamenei, may be the chosen successor, though the announcement remains pending and the US has objected to his potential selection.

    9 March 2026 · New Era →

  2. Mojtaba Khamenei chosen as Iran's new supreme leader

    Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Iran's Ali Khamenei who was killed in US-Israeli strikes, has been selected as his successor. The 56-year-old has kept a low profile and holds a mid-ranking clerical rank, raising questions about his credibility as supreme leader under Islamic Republic principles that favour religious standing and proven leadership over hereditary succession.

    9 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 6 March

  1. Namibian embassy confirms evacuation of 100+ citizens from Middle East

    Namibia's ambassador to Egypt says more than 100 Namibians are in the Middle East as the Iran-US-Israel conflict intensifies, and the embassy is facilitating voluntary evacuation efforts while prioritizing citizen safety. Some evacuees have criticised the Namibian consulate in Dubai for lack of communication and assistance during the crisis.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 5 March

  1. Swapo condemns US-Israeli strikes, Namibia expresses grave concern

    Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa met with Iran's ambassador to Namibia and condemned the US-backed Israeli military operation against Iran. Namibia's government also issued a statement expressing grave concern about the escalation in the Middle East, citing risks to international peace and security.

    5 March 2026 · New Era →

  2. Swapo reaffirms solidarity with Iran, condemns attack on Khamenei

    Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa met with Iran's ambassador to Namibia to reaffirm ties between the two countries and extended condolences following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on 28 February, which she described as "unjustified aggression and an illegal military operation."

    5 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 4 March

  1. Middle East conflict drives oil prices up, global stock markets down

    Oil prices surged as Middle East tensions widened, with the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed and Iran threatening energy supply disruptions, while global equity markets retreated and analysts warned of potential stagflation if the conflict persists.

    4 March 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 3 March

  1. Opinion: Trump's military strikes on Iran unlikely to achieve stability

    A New Era opinion piece argues that while the Trump administration launched Operation Epic Fury against Iran in February 2026 citing nuclear proliferation and regional instability concerns, killing leadership may not secure the endgame needed for stability—given Iran's deep historical pride, religious identity, ethnic diversity, and powerful Revolutionary Guard unlikely to surrender to American pressure.

    3 March 2026 · New Era →

  2. US-Israel strike on Iran faces uncertain aftermath, analysis suggests

    An opinion piece questions whether the Trump administration has a viable long-term strategy following a joint US-Israel military operation against Iran in February 2026 that killed Iran's supreme leader. The columnist argues that Iran's religious identity, ethnic diversity, and proud historical legacy make regime change and regional stability unlikely outcomes of military intervention.

    3 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. IPC calls for diplomacy, de-escalation in Iran crisis

    Independent Patriots for Change shadow minister Rodney Cloete has called for urgent multilateral mediation and restraint following military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, warning that regional escalation threatens Namibia's cost of living through disrupted shipping lanes and rising fuel and food prices.

    3 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Namibia calls for dialogue to end Middle East escalation

    Namibia's Ministry of International Relations has called for an immediate end to hostilities in the Middle East following recent US and Israeli military actions against Iran, stating that dialogue and diplomatic engagement are the only viable route to lasting peace. The government emphasised its commitment to the principles of sovereignty and non-interference, and aligned itself with the African Union's call for urgent de-escalation.

    3 March 2026 · Informanté →

  5. Namibia urges de-escalation after US-Israel strikes on Iran

    Namibia's Ministry of International Relations and Trade has issued a statement calling for urgent de-escalation in the Middle East following military strikes by the US and Israel against Iran, warning that the escalation risks further destabilising the region and undermining international peace and security. The ministry urged all parties to exercise restraint, cease hostilities, and return to dialogue and diplomatic engagement, emphasising that such tensions threaten global security and small developing states that depend on respect for international norms.

    3 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 2 March

  1. Iran tensions threaten Namibia's fuel imports and economy

    Military escalation between the US, Israel and Iran threatens global oil supplies and raises risks for fuel-importing Namibia, particularly if conflict disrupts the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts urge Namibia to build strategic fuel reserves, diversify suppliers beyond the Gulf region and accelerate renewable energy investment to cushion against price shocks.

    2 March 2026 · New Era →

  2. Iran vows revenge after supreme leader Khamenei killed

    Iranian officials have vowed to avenge Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death in US and Israeli strikes, with President Masoud Pezeshkian calling it a "declaration of war against Muslims" and pledging Iran's "legitimate duty" to punish those responsible. Across the region, pro-Iran groups and militias have launched or threatened attacks on US bases, while Iraq—caught between US and Iranian influence—announced a three-day mourning period and urged restraint amid escalating military tensions.

    2 March 2026 · New Era →

Sunday 1 March

  1. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei killed in US-Israeli strikes

    Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, who ruled Iran for three decades, has been killed during the first day of massive US and Israeli air strikes on Iran, as announced by US President Donald Trump and confirmed by Iranian state TV. His death marks a significant and uncertain turning point for Iran and the wider region.

    1 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 12 February

  1. Iran's president rejects nuclear demands after US talks resume

    Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran would "not yield to excessive demands" on its nuclear programme after Tehran resumed negotiations with the United States for the first time since last June's conflict. Pezeshkian insisted Iran's nuclear programme is peaceful and said the country was ready for verification, though he emphasized Iran will not compromise on its sovereignty.

    12 February 2026 · New Era →

Friday 6 February

  1. US and Iran begin direct talks amid escalating military tensions

    Senior US and Iranian officials are meeting in Oman for direct negotiations as military tension rises following Iran's violent suppression of anti-government protests and a significant US military buildup in the Middle East. The talks, brokered by regional mediators, aim to de-escalate conflict, though the two countries remain divided on key issues including Iran's nuclear programme, ballistic missiles, and regional proxies.

    6 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 2 February

  1. Iran's Khamenei calls protests a "coup", warns of regional war

    Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei characterized recent anti-government protests as a "coup" and warned that any US military attack would trigger a regional war. The IRGC has faced designations as a terrorist organization by the European Union and United States, prompting Iranian lawmakers to retaliate by labeling European armies as terrorist groups.

    2 February 2026 · New Era →

  2. Iran's leader warns of regional war over US military buildup

    Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that any American attack would spark a regional conflict as the US deployed forces nearby, while Iran's Foreign Minister expressed confidence in nuclear negotiations despite distrust of the US as a negotiating partner. The tensions follow a deadly crackdown on anti-government protests and concerns over Iran's nuclear programme.

    2 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute