Israeli officials have claimed that the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, followed years of intelligence gathering, surveillance and advanced technological monitoring that enabled a precision strike on his location.
According to officials cited by CNN, the operation relied on an integrated intelligence system that combined data from multiple sources, including surveillance cameras across Tehran.
An Israeli source reportedly disclosed that traffic cameras in the Iranian capital played a significant role in tracking movements. The cameras, allegedly compromised years earlier, were said to have provided real-time visuals that helped analysts map the city, study movement patterns and build a detailed operational picture.
The surveillance network was described as feeding data into an artificial intelligence-driven targeting platform referred to by officials as a “target production machine.”
The system reportedly processed various streams of intelligence, including visual feeds, human intelligence, signals intelligence, intercepted communications and satellite imagery. It then generated highly specific grid coordinates used for operational planning.
Officials said the platform had been developed over more than a decade and required teams of technologists, engineers and data analysts to verify strike recommendations produced by the AI system.
During a reported 12-day conflict in June 2025, the Israel Defense Forces allegedly used the same technology in an opening strike that killed senior Iranian military figures, including the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The strike that reportedly killed Khamenei was said to have taken place on February 28, 2026, as part of a joint operation involving Israel and the United States.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz reportedly described Khamenei as having long been considered “untouchable,” noting that he frequently sheltered in underground bunkers and limited his communications.
Ahead of the operation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly held discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump on February 11. CNN reported that the talks focused on potential outcomes if diplomatic negotiations with Iran failed.
At 3:38 p.m. Eastern Time, Trump allegedly authorised the mission. A senior U.S. military officer, Gen. Dan Caine, was quoted as confirming approval of what was referred to as “Operation Epic Fury,” describing it as a daylight strike conducted by Israeli forces with support from the U.S. Intelligence Community.
According to sources, planners relied on surveillance feeds and intercepted communications to determine the moment when Khamenei would be present at his compound. AI-assisted mapping of the compound and surrounding area reportedly identified a perceived security vulnerability.
The strike was said to have been carried out during daylight hours after monitoring communications among senior aides and security personnel.
Within hours, Israeli authorities indicated that the operation had achieved its objective. Confirmation reportedly followed when Iran’s state broadcaster announced that the country’s Supreme Leader had died.