“This isn’t bear porn,” insists an online memo that is said to have recently sent the U.S. stock market lower. What follows, of course, is Larry Flynt–level stuff, financially speaking: the porniest bear porn that a bear could ever porn. Artificial intelligence will apparently render much of white-collar work obsolete, leading to mass layoffs, falling spending, widespread defaults, a stock crash, a mortgage crisis, and plunging house values.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader since 1989, has been at the center of global attention following conflicting reports of his death in joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on February 28, 2026. President Donald Trump announced Khamenei was killed, calling it “justice” and the “single greatest chance” for Iranians to reclaim their country. Israeli officials told multiple outlets, including Reuters, The Washington Post and AP, that Khamenei’s body was found after a direct hit on his Tehran compound. However, Iranian state media and officials, including Tasnim, Mehr and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, insist he remains “steadfast and firm in commanding the field,” with no independent confirmation of his fate amid communication blackouts and restricted access.

The 86-year-old cleric has shaped modern Iran for nearly four decades, overseeing its nuclear program, foreign policy and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Here are 10 essential facts about Khamenei amid the ongoing crisis.

1. **Longest-Serving Supreme Leader**
Khamenei became supreme leader on June 4, 1989, following Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s death. He is the second and longest-serving supreme leader since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, holding near-absolute authority over Iran’s military, judiciary and key institutions under the velayat-e faqih system.

2. **Clerical and Revolutionary Roots**
Born July 17, 1939, in Mashhad, Khamenei grew up in a clerical family. He studied theology in Mashhad and Qom under Khomeini, becoming a protégé during the anti-Shah protests of the 1960s. Arrested multiple times by the Shah’s regime, he rose as a key revolutionary figure.

3. **President Before Supreme Leader**
Khamenei served as Iran’s president from 1981 to 1989, surviving a 1981 assassination attempt that left him partially paralyzed in his right arm. He was a close ally of Khomeini, managing the war with Iraq and consolidating power.

4. **Nuclear Program Architect**
Khamenei has overseen Iran’s nuclear ambitions, issuing a fatwa against nuclear weapons while defending enrichment rights. The program became central to Iran’s deterrence strategy, drawing international sanctions and now direct military targeting.

5. **IRGC Empowerment**
He transformed the IRGC into a powerful economic, political and military force, using it to project influence through proxies like Hezbollah and the Houthis while suppressing domestic dissent.

6. **Hardline Stance on West and Israel**
Khamenei has consistently opposed the U.S. and Israel, labeling America the “Great Satan” and Israel a “cancerous tumor.” His rhetoric has shaped Iran’s foreign policy, including support for anti-Western groups.

7. **Succession Uncertainty**
With no clear successor, Khamenei’s potential death could trigger a power struggle within the Assembly of Experts. His son Mojtaba has been mentioned as a possible candidate, though the process remains opaque.

8. **Domestic Control and Protests**
Khamenei has overseen crackdowns on protests, including the 2022 Mahsa Amini uprising. His rule has centralized power, sidelining moderates and leftists while allowing limited pragmatism for regime survival.

9. **Health and Public Appearances**
Khamenei has appeared frail in recent years, with reports of prostate cancer surgery in 2014. His last major public appearance was limited, fueling speculation about his health before the strikes.

10. **Conflicting Fate Reports**
Trump and Israeli sources claim Khamenei died in strikes on his compound. Iranian outlets deny this, asserting he continues to lead. No verified evidence has emerged amid blackouts, leaving his status unconfirmed as the conflict escalates.

Khamenei’s rule has defined Iran’s post-revolution era, blending ideological rigidity with pragmatic survival tactics. If reports of his death prove true, it would mark the most significant shift since 1979, with profound implications for Iran’s future and the Middle East.

Stargazers across much of the world, including South Korea, have a prime opportunity tonight, March 1, 2026, to witness a striking “planetary parade” as six planets — Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune — appear to align in a gentle arc across the evening sky shortly after sunset.

The celestial event, often called a planetary alignment or planet parade, occurs when multiple planets gather in the same region of the sky from Earth’s perspective, following the ecliptic plane of their orbits around the Sun. While true perfect alignments are rare, this configuration offers a rare chance to see nearly half the solar system’s planets in one view, with five visible to the naked eye under good conditions and two requiring optical aid.

Astronomers and outlets including NASA, BBC, National Geographic and EarthSky highlight February 28 into March 1 as the peak viewing window for Northern Hemisphere observers, with March 1 optimal in many Asian locations including Beijing, Seoul and Tokyo. The planets span from low in the west to higher in the southeast, visible in a small post-sunset window before fainter ones set or twilight fades.

Venus shines as the brightest object, easily spotted low in the western sky as the “evening star” soon after sunset. Jupiter, high and brilliant in the southeast near the constellation Gemini, dominates the view and remains visible for hours. Saturn appears fainter but naked-eye visible low in the west, near Venus during twilight. Mercury, the most challenging naked-eye planet, hugs the horizon and requires a clear western view and quick timing, as it sets soon after the Sun.

Uranus and Neptune, too dim for unaided eyes, demand binoculars or a small telescope. Uranus appears as a faint greenish dot near Aries, while Neptune requires careful star-hopping in Aquarius. Clear, dark skies away from city lights greatly improve chances for the fainter worlds.

The alignment has sparked widespread excitement, with social media posts and astronomy groups sharing viewing tips. In South Korea, where clear weather is forecast in many areas including Gyeonggi-do, observers can step outside 30-60 minutes after sunset — roughly 7:00-8:00 PM KST — and look west to southwest for the lower planets, then scan southeast for Jupiter. Apps like Stellarium, SkySafari or Sky Tonight help pinpoint positions based on exact location and time.

Experts stress that such alignments are optical illusions from Earth’s viewpoint; the planets remain millions of miles apart. The event coincides with a waxing gibbous moon near Regulus in Leo tonight, adding extra spectacle though bright moonlight may wash out fainter planets.

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and other agencies note this parade precedes a total lunar eclipse on March 3, when Earth’s shadow darkens the full Snow Moon. The alignment itself is visible over several days around late February and early March, with peak dates varying by latitude.

For optimal viewing:
– Find a spot with unobstructed western and southern horizons.
– Allow eyes to adjust to darkness (avoid phone screens).
– Use binoculars for Uranus/Neptune and enhanced views of Jupiter’s moons or Saturn’s rings.
– Check local weather for clear skies; light pollution reduces visibility of dimmer objects.

Astronomy enthusiasts and casual skywatchers alike are encouraged to step outside tonight for this rare cosmic display — a reminder of the solar system’s dynamic beauty visible from backyard or balcony.

As March unfolds, Venus and Saturn will draw closer for a conjunction on March 7-8, while Jupiter remains prominent. The alignment offers a perfect introduction to naked-eye astronomy before spring’s longer nights.

Iran has reportedly moved to restrict navigation along the world’s most critical oil export route following major U.S. and Israeli strikes, stoking fears of a significant disruption to global energy markets.

A European Union naval mission official told Reuters that vessels in the region are receiving marine radio warnings from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards instructing ships not to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. 

Iran has not formally confirmed the order.

SUPREME LEADER OF IRAN KHAMENEI DEAD FOLLOWING ISRAEL’S STRIKE ON IRAN 

In response to the escalating tensions, several oil companies and trading firms have paused shipments of crude oil and fuel through the waterway, Reuters reported, citing trading sources.

The development follows large-scale strikes launched Saturday by the U.S. and Israel on Iran.

An aerial view of Port of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, in the Strait of Hormuz, on Dec. 10, 2023.  (REUTERS/Stringer / Reuters)

Roughly 20% of the global oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but strategically vital channel linking Gulf producers to global markets.

Major exporters — including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Iran — rely heavily on the route.

OIL RISES ON IRAN FEARS, BUT EXPERT SAYS SUPPLY IS STRONG — WHAT IT MEANS FOR PRICES

Any sustained disruption could send energy prices sharply higher.

Brent crude, one of the main global oil price benchmarks, settled near $73 per barrel on Friday — but analysts warn prices could surge when markets reopen.

Smoke rises from a burning building hit by an Iranian drone strike, after Israel and the U.S. launched strikes on Iran, in Seef district, Manama, Bahrain, on Feb. 28, 2026.  (REUTERS/Stringer / Reuters)

“Should the conflict continue into Sunday, oil prices are likely to respond by increasing by $5-10 above the current $73 baseline, based on Iran’s claim to have closed the Strait of Hormuz and the disruption in tanker traffic,” energy analysts at Eurasia Group told Reuters.

IRAN REGIME ‘ABOUT TO COLLAPSE,’ PRINCE REZA PAHLAVI SAYS AS ECONOMIC CRISIS DEEPENS

Barclays analysts issued an even starker warning.

“Oil markets might have to face their worst fears on Monday,” Barclays analysts told Reuters. “As things stand right now, we think Brent could hit $100 [per barrel], as the market grapples with the threat of a potential supply disruption amid a spiraling security situation in the Middle East.”

Smoke rises after reported Iranian missile attacks, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, in Manama, Bahrain, Feb. 28, 2026. (REUTERS/Stringer / Reuters)

Currency markets may also experience volatility. 

During last June’s brief Iran conflict, the U.S. dollar initially fell about 1% before rebounding. 

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Airlines have already canceled flights across parts of the Middle East, and aviation stocks may come under further strain if airspace closures expand, according to Reuters.

Reuters contributed reporting.