Sam Asghari says he is ‘thankful’ to US forces for eliminating Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei

Britney Spear's ex-husband Sam Asghari said Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death was deserved, backed dismantling Iran’s regime and urged minimal casualties
PUBLISHED MAR 1, 2026
Iranian-American actor Sam Asghari, former husband of Britney Spears, spoke on US-Israel strikes and Iran’s regime impact (Getty Images)
Iranian-American actor Sam Asghari, former husband of Britney Spears, spoke on US-Israel strikes and Iran’s regime impact (Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The Iranian‑American actor, Sam Asghari and ex‑husband of singer Britney Spears, recently addressed the ongoing conflict in the Middle East after a major US and Israeli military strike on Iran.

In his comments, Asghari weighed in on the offensive, offered his perspective on freedom and war, and reflected on the impact of the regime in his birth nation of Iran. His statements have drawn attention given his heritage and public profile.

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - APRIL 12:  Honoree Britney Spears (L) and Sam Asghari attend the 29th Annual GLA
Britney Spears and Sam Asghari attend the 29th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on April 12, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California (J Merritt/Getty Images)

Sam Asghari applauds US strike on Iran

Asghari spoke to media following the large‑scale attack by the US and Israel on Iran, expressing gratitude to American military forces for their role in the operation. 

As an Iranian‑born American citizen, he said he was “thankful for the American military personnel for helping free the Iranian people” and added that “your sacrifice protects the freedoms that gave me my life and my opportunities.”

He stated that he is “proud to be an American” in light of the military action. Asghari also acknowledged the severity of war, emphasizing that “war is never a good thing” while praying for a peaceful outcome, protection of innocent lives, and a future where “freedom and peace win.”

White House releases photos showing Donald Trump and national security advisors monitoring Iran strikes during Operation Epic Fury (@WhiteHouse/X)
White House releases photos showing Donald Trump and national security advisors monitoring Iran strikes during Operation Epic Fury (@WhiteHouse/X)

In his comments, Asghari made clear that he believes the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was “deserved,” asserting that Khamenei should have faced even harsher punishment.

He justified the dismantling of the Iranian government, stating that it was necessary “at any cost,” though he also voiced hope that the death toll would remain as low as possible.

People watch as smoke rises on the skyline after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026 (AP Photo)
People watch as smoke rises on the skyline after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, Feb 28, 2026 (AP Photo)

Sam Asghari’s on Khamenei's rule and Iran's retaliation

Asghari reflected on the Iranian regime’s longstanding rule, noting that Khamenei had amassed nearly four decades in power and was widely viewed as a ruthless leader who suppressed dissent, mismanaged the economy, and isolated the Iranian people. 

The actor said that the collapse of the regime was “justified,” citing its history of oppression and negative global impact.

In this photo released by an official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks in a meeting in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP)
In this photo released by an official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks in a meeting in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, Feb 17, 2026 (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP)

Asghari’s remarks came amid a broader military campaign in which the US and Israel launched an offensive aimed at toppling Iran’s leadership after Tehran reportedly began rebuilding its vault of nuclear weapons, which the US claimed had been destroyed the previous year. 

The Iranian government on Saturday confirmed its attacks on several targets, according to the Fars news agency, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, where airbases with US assets are hosted.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed all Israeli and US military targets in the Middle East have been struck “by the powerful blows of Iranian missiles”.

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