Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Killed in Joint US-Israel Strike, Prompting Fears of Regional Instability
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a major attack by Israel and the United States, Iranian state media confirmed Sunday, throwing the future of the Islamic Republic into doubt and raising the risk of regional instability. The death of the cleric who repressed millions as he sought to exert Iran’s influence in the Middle East and beyond appears likely to plunge the Islamic Republic into the most serious crisis since its establishment.
Trump Confirms Khamenei’s Death
President Donald Trump announced the death hours earlier, stating it gave Iranians their “greatest chance” to “take back” their country [1]. Trump described Khamenei as “one of the most evil people in History” [4] and warned of continued “heavy and pinpoint bombing” [1].
Details of the Attack
State media reported that the 86-year-old Khamenei was killed in an airstrike targeting his compound in downtown Tehran [1]. Satellite photos from Airbus showed the site was heavily bombed [1]. The attack was planned for months and involved coordinated strikes between the U.S. And Israel [1].
Iran’s Response and Threats
Iran responded to the strikes with its own counterassault and warned of retribution, stating that this “great crime will never go unanswered” [1]. The paramilitary Revolutionary Guard threatened to launch its “most intense offensive operation” ever targeting Israeli and American bases [1]. Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, vowed to “stab” America in the heart in retaliation [1].
Leadership Vacuum and Formation of Governing Council
The killing of Khamenei, who had led Iran since 1989, appeared certain to create a leadership vacuum given the absence of a known successor [1]. Iran quickly formed a council to govern the country until a new supreme leader is chosen [1].
Additional Deaths in the Strikes
State media also reported the deaths of the head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and a top security adviser to Khamenei in the airstrikes [1]. Maj. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, the Guard’s top commander, had taken over after his predecessor was killed in a previous conflict. Ali Shamkhani, a long-time figure in Iran’s security establishment, also died in the strikes.
Regional Reactions and Disruptions
The attacks led to disruptions across the Middle East, including flight cancellations and air defense fire over Dubai [1]. Saudi Arabia reported being targeted by Iran, while Bahrain and Kuwait also experienced attacks on their territories.
Political Fallout
Democrats decried Trump’s action as taken without congressional authorization [4], while the White House stated that several Republican and Democratic leaders in Congress had been briefed in advance [4].