Iran Envoy Claims U.S.–Israel Strike Killed Supreme Leader Khamenei, Warns of Imminent Retaliation.

Iran Envoy Claims U.S.–Israel Strike Killed Supreme Leader Khamenei, Warns of Imminent Retaliation.

Dr. Ali Gholampour, Iran’s Ambassador to Kenya, addresses journalists during a press briefing in Nairobi earlier today.

By Jeff Oyugi.

Nairobi - March 2, 2026.

Iran’s Ambassador to Kenya, Dr. Ali Gholampour has accused the United States and Israel of carrying out a coordinated military assault on Iran that he claims killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, a dramatic allegation that, if confirmed, would mark one of the most consequential escalations in the Middle East in decades.

Addressing journalists in Nairobi during what he described as “a critical and sorrowful moment” in his country’s history, Ali said Iranians had woken up two days earlier to what he termed a “nightmare that no nation should ever endure.” Speaking in an emotional tone, the envoy said he stood not only as Tehran’s representative to Kenya but as “a mourner alongside 85 million proud Iranians.”

According to the ambassador, the alleged strikes occurred in the early hours of Saturday during the holy month of Ramadan and on the threshold of Nowruz, the Persian New Year. He claimed that American and Israeli warplanes and missiles targeted defensive infrastructure as well as non-military facilities in several Iranian cities, actions he described as a “flagrant violation” of international law and the sovereignty of his country.

Ali further asserted that the attack resulted in the death of Ayatollah Khamenei, Iran’s highest political and religious authority. “Our beloved Leader, the guiding light of our revolution and the guardian of our unity, has been martyred,” he said, adding that the Supreme Leader had “joined his righteous predecessor,” Ruhollah Khomeini, founder of the Islamic Republic.

There has been no independent confirmation of the alleged strikes or of Khamenei’s reported death, and officials in Washington and Tel Aviv had not publicly responded to the claims at the time of the ambassador’s address. The absence of verification leaves significant uncertainty, though the gravity of the accusations alone has intensified global concern.

Framing the alleged operation as an act of war, Ali cited Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. He urged the United Nations Security Council to convene immediately and take binding action to halt what he called aggression against Iran.

“This is not merely an attack on Iran,” he said. “If such aggression is not met with a firm response from the international community, it will mark the beginning of the end of international institutions and the rule of law. Today it is Iran. Tomorrow, it could be any nation.”

The ambassador also appealed to regional governments, members of the Non-Aligned Movement, and countries of the Islamic world to condemn the alleged assault and support Tehran’s position. He characterised the timing of the strikes during Ramadan and on the eve of Nowruz as evidence of what he termed the attackers’ “moral bankruptcy,” saying the dates carried deep spiritual and cultural significance for Iranians.

Ali claimed the attack came despite Iran’s engagement in diplomatic contacts with the United States. He said Tehran had entered negotiations “in good faith” to demonstrate its commitment to dialogue, even if it harboured mistrust toward Washington. “We were answered with bombs, with missiles, and with the blood of our Leader,” he declared.

Invoking Article 51 of the UN Charter, which affirms the inherent right of self-defence, the envoy warned that Iran would respond. He said the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic would employ “all necessary capabilities and resources” to confront what he described as criminal acts of aggression and to repel hostile actions. While he offered no operational details, he made clear that Tehran considered the United States and Israel fully responsible for any ensuing consequences.

Security analysts note that any confirmed assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader would represent a seismic shift in regional geopolitics. Iran plays a pivotal role in Middle Eastern affairs through its alliances and influence across multiple theatres, and a direct confrontation involving Tehran, Washington and Tel Aviv could have far-reaching implications for global security, energy markets and international diplomacy.

In his remarks, Ali sought to project resilience, invoking Iran’s long history and cultural identity. He referenced the legacy of Cyrus the Great, founder of the ancient Persian Empire, and the enduring symbolism of Imam Hussein, whose martyrdom is central to Shia Islamic tradition. These references underscored his message that Iran would endure and resist external pressure.

“Our Leader has fallen, but our leadership lives on,” Ali said. “Our path is clear. Our cause is just. History bears witness that Iranians have never submitted to foreign aggression, and we will not start today.”

Diplomatic observers in Nairobi said governments were closely monitoring developments, urging restraint and verification amid the rapidly unfolding claims. With no independent confirmation yet available, the international community faces a tense wait for clarity.

Whether the ambassador’s allegations are substantiated or refuted, the statement marks a moment of heightened rhetoric and uncertainty. At stake is not only the stability of a single nation but the fragile balance of power across a region long marked by rivalry and mistrust.