Iranian officials have pledged to avenge the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, announcing fresh missile and drone strikes on U.S. bases in the Gulf and warning of retaliation “with a force that has never been experienced before,” even as U.S. President Donald Trump threatened an unprecedented military response.
President Masoud Pezeshkian described Khamenei’s killing as “a declaration of war against Muslims” and affirmed Iran’s “legitimate duty and right” to strike back at those responsible.
Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, declared: “The brave soldiers and the great nation of Iran will teach an unforgettable lesson to the international oppressors.”
In a post mimicking Trump’s style, Larijani warned: “YESTERDAY IRAN FIRED MISSILES AT THE UNITED STATES AND ISRAEL, AND THEY DID HURT. TODAY WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT THEY HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED BEFORE.”
Explosions rocked northern Tehran on Sunday, with smoke seen rising from a building, according to an AFP journalist. The Israeli military confirmed new strikes in the city center. Blasts were also reported in Jerusalem, Riyadh, Dubai, Doha, and Manama.
Iran’s initial retaliatory wave on Saturday targeted U.S. bases and facilities across Gulf states (excluding Oman, which had tried to mediate). On Sunday, Iran struck Oman’s commercial port of Duqm, injuring a foreign worker, per the Oman News Agency. A tanker off Oman’s coast was also hit.
In Pakistan’s Karachi, at least eight people were killed during pro-Iran protests at the U.S. consulate, most with bullet wounds, according to the Edhi Foundation rescue service.
Iran’s Red Crescent reported 201 deaths and hundreds injured from the initial U.S.-Israeli strikes. The judiciary confirmed the deaths of top adviser Ali Shamkhani and Revolutionary Guards commander General Mohammad Pakpour.
Crowds in Tehran chanted “Death to America!” after state media confirmed Khamenei’s death, while some Iranians reportedly celebrated early unconfirmed reports of his killing.
Authorities declared a 40-day national mourning period for the 86-year-old leader who ruled since 1989.
Trump, on Truth Social, claimed credit: “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.”
He described the killing as a potential turning point for Iran, urging its people to seize power.
The assassination has plunged Iran into deep uncertainty, with speculation over succession and increased influence for the Revolutionary Guards.
Reza Pahlavi, exiled son of the last Shah, declared the Islamic Republic “effectively” finished and positioned himself as a transitional figure toward secular democracy, though he lacks broad opposition backing.
Pezeshkian and two other senior officials will lead during the transition, state television announced.
The conflict has severely disrupted global air travel, with major delays at airports including London Heathrow.
