Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Killed in US-Israel Strikes – Tehran Confirms, 40-Day Mourning Declared
Iranian state media has officially confirmed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed at his office during the joint US-Israeli military strikes on Iran that began early Saturday. The announcement ends hours of conflicting reports and speculation following claims by US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the 86-year-old leader had been eliminated.
Iranian authorities declared a 40-day national mourning period for the longtime spiritual and political leader who had held supreme authority since succeeding Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989.
Timeline of Developments
Early Saturday: Israel announced preemptive strikes on Iranian targets to “remove threats.”
US President Trump posted on Truth Social that Khamenei had been killed, stating: “He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems… This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.”
Israeli PM Netanyahu claimed “growing signs” of Khamenei’s death and said senior IRGC commanders and nuclear programme officials were also “eliminated.”
Reuters cited a senior Israeli official confirming Khamenei’s body had been located.
Iranian state media initially denied the reports, with Tasnim and Mehr agencies stating Khamenei remained “steadfast and firm in commanding the field.”
Saturday evening: Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced third and fourth waves of retaliatory strikes on US and Israeli positions were ongoing.
Sunday confirmation: Iranian state television and official channels acknowledged Khamenei’s death, triggering nationwide mourning and emergency succession procedures.
Immediate Aftermath & Succession
Barbara Slavin, a distinguished fellow at the Stimson Centre in Washington, DC, told Al Jazeera that Iran has long maintained contingency plans for such an eventuality:
“There will probably be a council that will be set up to run the country. It may already have been running the country, as far as we know.”
The Assembly of Experts — the body responsible for selecting the Supreme Leader — is expected to convene urgently to appoint a successor or interim leadership structure. No official successor has been named publicly.
Casualties & Damage Reports
Iranian media, citing the Red Crescent, reported at least 201 people killed across 24 provinces targeted in Saturday’s strikes. Among the hardest-hit sites were two schools — Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ elementary school in Minab (southern Iran) and another east of Tehran — where at least 108 people were killed.
International Reactions
UN Secretary-General António Guterres (emergency Security Council meeting): “Military action carries the risk of igniting a chain of events that no one can control… I call for de-escalation and an immediate cessation of hostilities.”
Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani: Described the strikes as “unprovoked and premeditated aggression” and “a war crime, and a crime against humanity.”
US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz: Defended the action as lawful and necessary: “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. That principle is not a matter of politics. It’s a matter of global security.”
China’s UN Ambassador Fu Cong: Expressed “very concerned” over escalation.
Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia: Condemned the strikes and demanded immediate cessation of “aggressive actions” by the US and Israel.
Ongoing Conflict Dynamics
Israel maintains air raid sirens and shelter instructions nationwide, preparing for possible Iranian missile or drone retaliation.
Iranian state media reported continued “retaliatory” operations targeting US and Israeli positions late Saturday.
Oil prices surged on global markets amid fears of supply disruptions in the region.
Mediation efforts supported by Oman remain active, though no breakthrough has been reported.
The killing of Supreme Leader Khamenei — who held ultimate authority over Iran’s government, military, judiciary, and foreign policy — injects profound uncertainty into an already volatile conflict. The coming days will be critical in determining whether Iran opts for escalation, internal consolidation, or a diplomatic off-ramp under new leadership.
The African Union, United Nations, and several world capitals have renewed calls for immediate de-escalation to prevent a wider regional war. We will continue monitoring developments in real time as events unfold rapidly. Stay tuned for verified updates.
