Iranian state media has confirmed that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been killed in joint US and Israeli strikes on the country. The announcement came early Sunday, hours after US President Donald Trump claimed that Khamenei had been targeted in what he described as “major combat operations” in Iran.
The Iranian government called the killing a “great crime” and declared 40 days of national mourning, along with seven days of public holidays.
Iranian Government Confirms Death of Supreme Leader
In an official statement, Iran’s Cabinet confirmed what it described as the “martyrdom” of Khamenei following what it called US-Israeli terrorist attacks. The statement praised his leadership, saying he had led Iran and the Muslim world for 37 years since the death of Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989.
The government said Khamenei had carried “the flag of Islam with bravery and faith” and called him a symbol of sacrifice and resistance. It offered condolences to the Iranian nation and the wider Islamic world.
“This major crime will not remain unanswered and those behind it will be made to regret their move,” the statement said.
Iranian state media also reported that Khamenei’s daughter, son-in-law, and grandson were killed in the attacks.
President Pezeshkian Vows Strong Response
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the killing and promised retaliation.
“This great crime will never remain unanswered and will turn a new page in the history of the Islamic world and Shiism,” his office said in a statement. “The pure blood of this high ranking leader will eradicate American Zionist oppression and crime.”
He added, “With all our strength and determination, we will make the perpetrators and commanders of this great crime regret it.”
Pezeshkian also confirmed seven days of public holidays in addition to the 40 days of mourning.
Heavy Casualties Reported Across Iran
According to Iran’s Red Crescent, at least 201 people have been killed and more than 700 injured across 24 provinces in US-Israeli strikes. Iranian state media reported that a strike on a girls’ school in southern Iran killed at least 108 people.
Explosions were also reported near key government and military sites in Tehran, including areas close to the Supreme Leader’s offices.
Iran told the United Nations Security Council that hundreds of civilians have been killed or wounded in what it described as aggression against its sovereignty.
Iran Launches Massive Retaliatory Strikes
Following the announcement of Khamenei’s death, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it would begin “the most devastating offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
In a statement published by Fars News Agency, the IRGC said the offensive would target “occupied territories and American terrorist bases” in the region.
Iran has since launched hundreds of drones and missiles toward Israel and US military assets in several Middle East countries, including Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq.
While US officials claimed minimal damage to their bases, reports from the region suggest injuries in Israel due to falling debris from intercepted missiles. One fatality has also been confirmed in Dubai.
Reactions Inside Iran
Iran’s Press TV aired footage from the shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad, showing supporters mourning Khamenei’s death. Several people were seen crying and collapsing in grief.
Region on Edge
Several countries across the Middle East have shut their airspace as the conflict spreads. Airports in Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai have reported major disruptions. Bahrain, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia said they intercepted incoming missiles or drones.
