Iranian state media have confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following joint US-Israel air strikes. Moreover, a 40-day national mourning period has been announced across the country.
The confirmation ends hours of confusion after earlier reports suggested he remained alive. However, officials have now acknowledged that he was killed at his office during the attacks.
The Khamenei killed in US-Israel strikes development marks a historic shift in Iran’s leadership. Khamenei had ruled since 1989 and held ultimate authority over the military and judiciary.
US President Donald Trump announced the killing earlier on Truth Social.
“He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do,” Trump wrote.
He added, “This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.” Furthermore, he said, “Hopefully, the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) and Police will peacefully merge with the Iranian Patriots.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also claimed there were “growing signs” of Khamenei’s death. In addition, Reuters cited a senior Israeli official who said his body had been located.
Saturday’s strikes reportedly targeted 24 provinces. At least 201 people were killed, according to Iranian media citing the Red Crescent. Moreover, two schools were struck, including a girls’ elementary school in Minab where over 100 deaths were reported.
Meanwhile, Iran launched retaliatory attacks on US and Israeli positions. Air defence systems were activated in Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. The IRGC said additional waves of strikes were ongoing.
The assassination has created fresh uncertainty. Barbara Slavin of the Stimson Center said Iran “has a plan” in place. “There will probably be a council that will be set up to run the country. It may already have been running the country, as far as we know,” she said.
At the United Nations, tensions were high. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned, “Military action carries the risk of igniting a chain of events that no one can control in the most volatile region of the world.” He added, “I call for de-escalation and an immediate cessation of hostilities”.
Iran’s UN ambassador described the attacks as “initiated an unprovoked and premeditated aggression”. He said, “This is not only an act of aggression, it is a war crime, and a crime against humanity.”
However, the US defended its actions. “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” said US ambassador Mike Waltz. “That principle is not a matter of politics. It’s a matter of global security.”
China and Russia also expressed concern and condemnation. Therefore, global diplomatic pressure is mounting.
