Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Killed in US-Israeli Strikes, Iran Confirms

Iran has confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following joint strikes by the United States and Israel, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions. The confirmation came via Iranian state television, which announced a 40-day mourning period for the longtime leader Al Jazeera.

Details of the Attack

The strikes, which began early Saturday, targeted Khamenei’s office in Tehran. U.S. President Donald Trump announced Khamenei’s death on his Truth Social platform, stating that the 86-year-ancient leader “was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems” Al Jazeera. Trump also indicated that around 40 senior Iranian officials were killed in the operation ABC News.

According to Israeli officials, the operation was “precise, large-scale” and based on intelligence gathered by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) ABC News. The CIA tracked Khamenei’s routines and determined he would be meeting with top officials in Tehran on Saturday, leading to the timing of the attack ABC News.

Reaction and Aftermath

News of Khamenei’s death has prompted both mourning and celebration within Iran. Thousands gathered in Tehran on Sunday to mourn the Supreme Leader and call for revenge ABC News. Videos also surfaced showing some Iranians celebrating his death ABC News.

Trump expressed hope that the Iranian people would “take back their Country” and that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and police would “peacefully merge with the Iranian Patriots” Al Jazeera.

Khamenei’s Leadership

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been the Supreme Leader of Iran for nearly four decades CNN. His death marks a pivotal moment in Iranian history, with uncertainty surrounding the succession and the future direction of the country AP News.