After much speculation, Iran’s state television has confirmed that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the country’s Supreme Leader, has died in the recent US‑Israel strikes on Iran. The announcement came on Sunday.
A state TV presenter shared the news emotionally, saying that Iran will observe 40 days of mourning in honour of its supreme leader.
Iranian state media confirmed that the 86‑year‑old leader had passed away, only hours after US President Donald Trump stated that Khamenei was killed in a joint American‑Israeli military operation targeting key sites in Iran.
Trump’s Statement
In a statement on late Saturday, President Trump said that Khamenei was killed during coordinated US‑Israeli strikes aimed at dismantling Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure. He did not provide operational details but described the action as part of a broader campaign to remove what he called an existential threat.
Details of the Strikes
The United States and Israel reportedly launched large-scale attacks across Iran, targeting command centres of the Revolutionary Guard, missile and drone launch sites, and air defence systems. Areas around Tehran, including locations associated with the Supreme Leader’s offices, were reportedly hit in the first wave of attacks.
Israeli Statements Before Confirmation
Before Iran officially confirmed the news, Israeli officials had indicated that the site where Khamenei was believed to be had been targeted during the strikes.
