Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been martyr following a major joint military strike by the United States and Israel, according to Iranian state media and multiple international reports. The 86-year-old leader, who ruled Iran since 1989, reportedly died after airstrikes targeted key military and leadership sites in Tehran and other locations.
Iranian authorities confirmed his death early Sunday and announced seven days of public holiday along with 40 days of national mourning. The strike is said to have hit his compound directly, with officials claiming his body was recovered from the rubble. Some reports also state that members of his family were killed in the attack.
The United States president earlier declared that Khamenei had been killed during the joint operation, describing it as justice and warning that further strikes would continue if necessary. Israeli officials similarly said they had evidence indicating the Iranian leader was dead after the strike.
In response, Iran launched waves of retaliatory missiles and drones toward Israeli territory and U.S. military bases across the region, with exchanges of fire continuing overnight. Air-defense systems were reportedly activated in several countries hosting U.S. forces as projectiles were intercepted.
The dramatic killing of Iran’s top authority has created a major power vacuum, raising uncertainty about succession and the future direction of the Islamic Republic. Analysts warn the assassination could intensify regional conflict, especially as Iran vows a devastating response and global leaders urge de-escalation.
Khamenei’s death marks one of the most consequential geopolitical events in decades, potentially reshaping Middle East alliances, security dynamics, and global energy markets as tensions escalate between Iran, Israel, and the United States.
