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
Iran's supreme leader for three decades, killed in US-Israeli air strikes on 28 February 2026.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
New Era
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei likened recent anti-government protests to a 'coup'
“Iran's supreme leader on Sunday likened recent anti-government protests to a "coup", warning that any US attack on the Islamic republic following Washington's military deployments in the Middle East would trigger a regional war.”
Iran’s Khamenei likens protests to coupNew Era
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Americans should know if they start a war, it will be a regional war
“"The Americans should know that if they start a war, this time it will be a regional war," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said, telling Iranians they "should not be scared" of Trump's rhetoric.”
Iran’s Khamenei likens protests to coupThe Namibian
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned any US attack on Iran would spark a regional conflict
“Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned that any attack on his country would spark a regional conflict, as the US continues to build up its forces nearby.”
Iran's supreme leader warns of regional war if US attacksThe Namibian
Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said The Islamic Republic will not back down
“The following day, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said: "The Islamic Republic will not back down."”
‘They just kept killing': Eyewitnesses describe deadly crackdown in IranThe Namibian
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei sleeps uneasily as Iranian supreme leader
“In a world where news of one military defeat, or one outrage, or one obscure and symbolic act can spread instantaneously on social media, men like Putin and Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei sleep uneasily.”
Russia, Iran, and the Perils of Post-AutocracyIran 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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
President Trump claims Tehran has told the US it has "no plan" to execute protesters and will not carry out hangings, though the US has not ruled out military action in response to Iran's violent crackdown on anti-government demonstrators that began in late December. The US and UK are reducing personnel at their military base in Qatar as a precautionary measure, and multiple countries have temporarily closed embassies or advised citizens to avoid Iran amid escalating tensions.
15 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Iranian authorities have violently suppressed widespread protests that began in late December over currency devaluation and escalated into calls to end Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's rule. The US-based Iranian Human Rights Activists News Agency has confirmed at least 2,400 protester deaths, including 12 children, over three weeks, with the deadliest violence occurring last Thursday and Friday as security forces shot demonstrators across all 31 provinces.
15 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Eyewitnesses in Iran describe security forces and paramilitary units opening fire with live ammunition on unarmed protesters, with credible accounts suggesting dozens to hundreds killed across multiple cities. Iran has cut internet access and barred international media from reporting freely, making independent verification difficult, though human rights groups estimate at least 648 deaths including minors.
13 January 2026 · The Namibian →