Ayatollah Killed by US...Iran Quickly Retaliates!

28 Feb 2026 · 17 min · 6 chapters

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In short

Episode Summary: Ayatollah Killed by US...Iran Quickly Retaliates!

Podcast Overview Title: The MeidasTouch Podcast Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas Episode Release: Every Tuesday and Friday morning, with daily breaking news updates Episode Format: News coverage, comedy, deep discussions on democracy Episode Link: [MeidasTouch Network](https://meidasplus.com)

Episode Description In this episode, Ben Meiselas covers the breaking news regarding the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei due to joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes. Following his death, Iran has intensified its retaliatory actions, raising questions about the implications of such military actions and the future of the Iranian regime.

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Key Points Discussed

  1. Confirmation of Khamenei's Death
  2. Details of the Strike:
  3. Conducted during Shabbat and Ramadan, catching Khamenei off guard.
  4. Photos of his corpse were shared with Israeli officials.
  • Immediate Impact:
  • The Iranian regime is expected to select a new leader from its existing succession plans.
  • There has been an acceleration of attacks from Iran, not a decrease.
  1. Iran's Retaliation
  2. Intensified Attacks:
  3. Iranian attacks on Gulf states, including bombings in Bahrain, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi.
  4. Reports of missile strikes hitting Tel Aviv, showcasing a direct response to Khamenei's death.
  1. Discussion of U.S. Military Strategy
  2. Operation Epic Fury:
  3. Described by Ben as “Operation Epstein Fury” in a sarcastic tone.
  4. Concerns raised over the nature of U.S. military interventions and the long-term consequences.
  • Donald Trump's Remarks:
  • Trump claimed he could resolve the conflict quickly or extend it indefinitely.
  • His flippant attitude towards such serious matters raised concerns among the hosts.
  1. Ethical Considerations
  2. Complexity of Regime Change:
  3. Discussion on whether supporting regime change wars is morally and politically justifiable.
  4. Highlighted the devastating impact of U.S. military actions, including collateral damage like the bombing of a girl’s elementary school, leading to numerous civilian casualties.
  1. Broader Implications
  2. Economic Consequences:
  3. Potential impacts on global oil supply as shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz face disruptions.
  4. The strategic importance of this waterway for global energy markets.
  • International Reactions:
  • Speculation on how the death of Khamenei and the U.S. military actions will reshape Middle Eastern geopolitics and the Iranian regime's future.

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Key Takeaways

  • Khamenei's death does not equate to the end of the Iranian regime, as there are established succession plans.
  • U.S. intervention in Iran raises significant ethical questions about military actions and their consequences.
  • The conflict has immediate and far-reaching repercussions not only for those directly involved but also for global stability and economies.
  • The podcast emphasizes the importance of critical thinking regarding U.S. foreign policy and military decisions.

Closing Remarks The episode wraps up with a call to action for listeners to subscribe to the podcast and stay informed about the evolving situation in Iran and its implications for democracy and international relations.

---

Additional Resources

  • MeidasTouch Network Podcasts:
  • [MeidasTouch Podcast](https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast)
  • [Legal AF](https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af)
  • [MissTrial](https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial)
  • [The PoliticsGirl Podcast](https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast)
  • [Cult Conversations: The Influence Continuum with Dr. Steve Hassan](https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-influence-continuum-with-dr-steven-hassan)
  • [The Weekend Show](https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show)
  • [The Ken Harbaugh Show](https://meidasnews.com/tag/the-ken-harbaugh-show)
  • [Majority 54](https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54)
  • [On Democracy with FP Wellman](https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman)
  • [Uncovered: MAGA Uncovered](https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered)

Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.

Chapters

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Death of Ayatollah Khomeini

2:17 to 3:21

Discussion on the killing of Ayatollah Khomeini and its implications.

“But folks, there has always been a succession plan in place for the Iran regime.”

Retaliation and Regional Conflict

3:21 to 4:49

Analysis of Iran's retaliatory actions following Khomeini's death.

“If it's not being shut down, it's certainly being impeded right now, which could also have a profound economic impact on our country and the world economy as well.”

Escalating Military Actions

4:49 to 7:35

Updates on Iranian missile strikes and their impact on Israel.

“And reports of a direct, breaking news folks, reports of a direct impact from an Iranian ballistic missile just hit Tel Aviv in central Israel moments ago.”

War Consequences and Ethical Concerns

7:35 to 10:40

Discussion on the ethics of regime change and the humanitarian impact of war.

“a high-rise building hit by Iranian drone is now full on fire in Bahrain.”

Ongoing Violence and Future Implications

10:40 to 14:00

Exploration of the ongoing violence in Iran and its broader implications.

“There's going to be another one that comes in and we already see things escalating even since the killing of the Ayatollah.”

Iran's Response to Ayatollah's Death

14:00 to 14:39

Learn about Iran's retaliation following the death of Ayatollah Khomeini and the implications for US-Israel relations.

“And I'm just showing you some of the tragic images that are surfacing as well.”
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Transcript

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1:48Ben Meiselas:We can now confirm that the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Khomeini, has been killed in the joint United States-Israeli airstrikes. It is official. Ayatollah Khamenei is dead. Photos of his corpse have been shown to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as to Donald Trump. And his death has now been confirmed by multiple credible sources, enough that we can report it here on the Midas Touch Network with a great degree of confidence. But folks, there has always been a succession plan in place for the Iran regime. They're going to be picking a new leader soon through their parliament.

2:27Ben Meiselas:And if anything, they've only accelerated their attacks right now, their retaliatory strikes, that is, on Israel and in the neighboring countries from Bahrain to the United Arab Emirates and Abu Dhabi and Dubai and other surrounding areas. And so for anyone who believes the death of the Ayatollah, of Ayatollah Khomeini, is going to mean a victory in this war, you don't understand the region. When the CIA was briefing Donald Trump and other intelligence services were briefing him about the risks of this war, they talked about the conflagration in the region, as well as the fact that killing Ayatollah Khomeini doesn't just stop the regime.

3:10Ben Meiselas:The regime had a succession plan and there is already, if anything, an acceleration of the attacks by Iran in the region. And as we look, for example, at the Strait of Hermes, there's more information and data being gathered to suggest that ships are being blocked in that Strait of Hermes. If it's not being shut down, it's certainly being impeded right now, which could also have a profound economic impact on our country and the world economy as well. So I want to go through just the data points with you right now. So yes, it has been confirmed that in a strike where Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini's compound was targeted, you can see it right there.

3:59Ben Meiselas:He was one of several senior officials who were killed in this strike. You can see the satellite imagery from the Airbus Defense in Space obtained by the New York Times showing the Ayatollah's home in Tehran that was entirely destroyed. It's believed it was that strike that killed him. The strike occurred during Shabbat and during Ramadan at a time apparently when the Ayatollah didn't expect it was going to take place. That's when the strike took place. He was caught off guard. He was killed right away. in the beginning of this war. But major Iranian attacks on Gulf states is ongoing. That has not stopped.

4:40Ben Meiselas:Iranians bombing Bahrain and Dubai and Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates and nearby countries as well. And reports of a direct, breaking news folks, reports of a direct impact from an Iranian ballistic missile just hit Tel Aviv in central Israel moments ago. We have that footage as well. Let me show you again moments ago as an Iranian ballistic missile has a direct hit in Tel Aviv. And folks, this is happening right now, of course, following the news that Ayatollah Khomeini has been killed in the joint U.S.-Israel strikes that they're calling Operation Epic Fury. But here on the Midas Touch Network, we are referring to it as Operation Epstein Fury or the Jeffrey Epstein war.

5:28Ben Meiselas:Here, play this clip of that Iranian missile that just struck Tel Aviv in Israel moments ago. Let's play this clip. Then the Israelis, I think that's what the calculation now is. Regime, regime preservation. Could you get a more pragmatic figure presiding over this regime? Sure. Aaron, I just want to break in for a moment because we're looking at live pictures in the air over Tel Aviv. And obviously, as many people know, or maybe don't know, there is an Iron Dome that Israel uses as its missile defense system. And we're seeing it working now. But in some places and instances, it does not work.

6:05And I believe this is one missile feasibly that has broken through the Iron Dome.

6:09Ben Meiselas:So Donald Trump moments ago also gave an interview to Axios to Barack Ravid. And he also gave an interview to NBC. Here's what he told Barack Ravid, I can go long and take over the whole thing with regard to Iran or end it in two or three days and tell the Iranians, see you again in a few years if you start rebuilding your nuclear and missile program, Trump told me. He says he now has several off ramps from Operation Epstein Fury, I mean Epic Fury in Iran. Our editor-in-chief, Ron Filipkowski writes, So we're just going to spend billions in bombs, kill the Ayatollah, temporarily degrade their military, then walk away and hope they learn their lesson.

6:58Ben Meiselas:That's the plan. Do you understand how the Iranian Revolutionary Guard works and how their succession plan works? The Ayatollah gets killed. They just find another Ayatollah who's probably more extreme than that. And then also asked who would replace Iran's supreme leader. Donald Trump told NBC, I don't know, but at some point they'll be calling me to ask who I'd like. I'm only being a little bit sarcastic when I say that. So Donald Trump doing jokes thinks this is all funny as America is currently at war. Share this with you as well. a high-rise building hit by Iranian drone is now full on fire in Bahrain.

7:42Ben Meiselas:Here, play this clip.

7:52Ben Meiselas:Now, here's another video of the Iranian Shahid drone striking a high-rise apartment building earlier tonight in Bahrain. This was close to the headquarters of the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet in Joufair that was also struck. Here, play this clip.

8:24Ben Meiselas:And now it also appears that Iran successfully was able to strike the Dubai International Airport. We have footage after the Dubai International Airport was hit by Iran. Here, take a look at this.

8:47Ben Meiselas:And you can see people running away here as they're being evacuated from Dubai International Airport. Let's play it.

9:01Ben Meiselas:And folks, there are videos of the people in Iran celebrating the Ayatollah being killed. And again, our heart goes out to all of the people in Iran. I mean, the Ayatollah and the regime is repressive, authoritarian, despicable regime. And the people in Iran have been treated brutally by this repressive regime for decades and decades and decades. And they do deserve freedom. The same time as the as an American, the question ultimately is, do we support wars of regime change? Do we want our taxpayer dollars going to things like this? where, for example, as part of regime change, our government in Israel blew up a elementary school, a girls' elementary school in Iran and killed perhaps 100 little girls today were killed in the area known as Manab.

10:01Ben Meiselas:Absolutely devastating strikes right there. And so do we support regime change? And this is an unlawful war. It is an unconstitutional war. Trump did not get constitutional authorization from Congress. And so I think that we can hold complex thoughts and say the people of Iran deserve freedom. The people of Iran deserve our thoughts and prayers and attention. But also it's an unlawful war. It's a war that Donald Trump should not have done without seeking explaining to us what the hell is happening. And I don't support regime change wars. Period. Full stop. End of story. We see what happens. So you got rid of the Ayatollah.

10:41Ben Meiselas:There's going to be another one that comes in and we already see things escalating even since the killing of the Ayatollah. But let's listen to some people clapping because they're hopeful. But Donald Trump's message is he may abandon them in a little bit. Then I may just leave and then imagine how that's going to imagine what's going to happen if America just does this and leave. Here, just play the clips of the people clapping let's play

11:54Ben Meiselas:used for that purpose as it relates to Virginia Giuffre stating those facts. And Donald Trump is seen there, the place he hung out with Epstein, monitoring today's strike campaign against Iran, dubbed Operation Epstein Fury, Epic Fury, alongside the Secretary of State Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Dan Raisin Cain, and other senior officials at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida. You see over here, J.D. Vance and Tulsi Gabbard and others right there. It looks like Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent are there. They're watching it over there. Take a look at what DropSite's telling us about the Strait of Hermes.

12:35Ben Meiselas:Tracking data shows dozens of oil and gas tankers are currently halting, idling, or diverting away from the Strait of Hermes to seek refuge in ports in Qatar and the UAE. Bloomberg reports Iran has not yet formally confirmed a complete official closure of the Strait of Hermuse, although the IRGC, the Iranian IRGC has issued warnings to maritime traffic. Some vessels, such as the Desh Abiman, have been observed making U-terms just before reaching the strait's apex. Major shipping firms have officially suspended all transit through the strait until further notice. The Strait of Hermuse is the world's most vital of oil choke points, handling approximately 20 to 30 % of global seaborne oil and nearly a quarter of the global liquefied natural gas LNG.

13:24Ben Meiselas:You can see that right there. As the open source intelligence defender account explains, remember, Khomeini is replaceable and his death does not mean the death of the Islamic Republic. Now going over here, you can see what took place in Manab. That death count is probably closer to 100 right now that the joint attack with Israel on Iran struck a girls elementary school, killing all these little girls. I mean, you can see right here, these tragic images of the backpacks. There were 170 girls inside when the elementary school was hit by the United States military and Israel. And I'm just showing you some of the tragic images that are surfacing as well.

14:07Ben Meiselas:Show those images right there. And we can just play you some of the B-roll so you can see what's going on right there in Manab. But for Donald Trump, he's joking about this. He thinks this is funny. He hasn't addressed the nation as of this recording. And Iran seems undeterred, even with the death of Ayatollah Khomeini, from continuing the attacks that we're talking about and the strikes, the retaliatory strikes in response to the preemptive strikes by the United States and Israel against its country. All right. Hit subscribe. We're on our way to 7 million subscribers. Let's try to get there together soon.

14:45Ben Meiselas:We need to keep growing this very quickly. So hit subscribe. Thank you so much for watching.

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From the publisher

MeidasTouch host Ben Meiselas reports on the breaking news in Iran as the United Stated and Israel have killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Iran has responded by quickly intensifying its retaliation as the Islamic regime remains in power.

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Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts:
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Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af
MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial
The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast
Cult Conversations: The Influence Continuum with Dr. Steve Hassan: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-influence-continuum-with-dr-steven-hassan
The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show
The Ken Harbaugh Show: https://meidasnews.com/tag/the-ken-harbaugh-show
Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54
On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman
Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered
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