Iranian authorities have confirmed the death of Ali Khamenei, the country’s supreme leader, following coordinated missile strikes reportedly carried out by Israel and the United States on Saturday.
According to official reports, several members of his family, including his daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law and son-in-law, also lost their lives during the operation.
Speculation had circulated globally about whether Khamenei was among those killed, with Benjamin Netanyahu stating there were strong indications that Iran’s supreme leader was no longer alive. Confirmation later came from Iranian state television, which announced that Khamenei had “reached martyrdom.”
Tributes from state-affiliated outlets described him as a devoted religious scholar and fighter who dedicated his life to the nation. Khamenei, 86, had led Iran since 1989, serving as the country’s highest political and religious authority.
In response to his death, Iran declared a 40-day national mourning period.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump publicly confirmed the killing in a social media post, describing it as justice for victims he accused Khamenei of harming. Trump also reiterated his stance on pursuing regime change in Iran and called on Iranians to reclaim control of their country.
Reports indicated that the strike occurred while the supreme leader was meeting with senior aides inside a targeted building.
Following the attack, Iran reportedly launched retaliatory drone strikes across parts of the Gulf region. Airports and commercial centers in Dubai were affected, while the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait temporarily shut their airspace amid concerns over escalating military actions targeting US assets in the Middle East.
