Tehran, Iran. Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB said on Sunday that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a joint US-Israeli air strike on his official residence in Tehran. The report said the strike took place in the early hours of Saturday.
IRIB confirmation and details of the strike
IRIB said the 86-year-old cleric died “at his place of work” within the leadership compound, and the announcement sought to counter reports that he had been moved to a “safe and secret location” before the attack. The broadcaster reported that Khamenei “reached martyrdom at his office” and said he was performing official duties at the time of what it described as a “cowardly attack.”
Iranian officials cited his presence at the compound as evidence that he stood “fearless and brave at the front line of responsibility.”
Khamenei’s role in Iran’s political system
Khamenei had served as the Islamic Republic’s Supreme Leader since 1989, succeeding Ayatollah Khomeini. As the Rahbar, he held ultimate authority over state matters, the military, the judiciary, and Iran’s nuclear programme.
Regional escalation and reaction from the United States
The strike was reported amid a period of intensified regional escalation and followed a major US and Israeli military build-up. US President Donald Trump confirmed the death in a social media post before the Iranian announcement and called it the “greatest chance” for the Iranian people to reclaim their country.
Reported casualties and mourning period
Reports from various news agencies said several members of Khamenei’s family, including a daughter and grandchild, were also killed in the bombardment. The Iranian government declared 40 days of national mourning and a seven-day public holiday.
Succession process under Iranian law
Under Iranian law, a temporary leadership council made up of the president, the head of the judiciary, and a member of the Guardian Council will manage state affairs until the Assembly of Experts selects a successor.
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