Smoke rises following an explosion in Tehran, Iran, March 2, 2026, following Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran and the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Feb. 28. (OSV News/WANA via Reuters/Majid Asgaripour)
U.S. and Israeli forces attacked Iran Feb. 28, 2026. Strikes killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had led the country since 1989.
Pope Leo XIV issued a "forceful appeal" to end increasing violence in the Middle East as the United States, Israel and Iran continue to exchange missile strikes and threats of escalations, warning of the risk of a "tragedy of enormous proportions."
