Newsletters
Iran’s state television announced that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed during attacks carried out by Israel and the United States. The announcement was made during a live broadcast accompanied by the recitation of the Qur’an.
No details were provided regarding the exact location of the strike. Authorities did not clarify whether Khamenei was directly targeted or present at the site of the attack.
Following the announcement, Iranian media described the development as a historic loss for the country. Coverage across state outlets shifted immediately to mourning programming.
In a statement issued by the Cabinet, the government declared 40 days of national mourning after Khamenei’s death. A seven-day nationwide public holiday was also announced.
Officials said the measures would apply nationwide. State institutions and many public offices are expected to suspend regular operations during the holiday period.
Iranian authorities did not release further details about how or where the strike took place. The circumstances surrounding the attack remain unclear.
State media framed the event as an unprecedented and deeply consequential loss. No additional operational or security information was shared at the time of the announcement.
Further official statements are expected as the country enters a period of national mourning.
The 86-year-old Khamenei led Iran for 35 years after taking power in 1989 following the death of revolutionary founder Ruhollah Khomeini. As supreme leader, he held authority over the judiciary, state media, and all security forces, including the IRGC.
His killing sets off an immediate succession crisis. Under Iran's constitution, a council of clerics is meant to select a new supreme leader, but Israel's strikes also targeted senior IRGC commanders and political leaders, leaving the regime's command structure in disarray.
Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council and the country's acting leader, wrote, X: "Our brave soldiers will teach the shameless Zionist and American criminals an unforgettable lesson."
Netanyahu called on Iranian citizens to "flood the streets and finish the job."
Iran's exiled former crown prince Reza Pahlavi also called for Iranians to take to the streets. Pahlavi urged Iranian security forces, "Join the nation and help ensure a stable and secure transition. Otherwise, you will sink with Khamenei's ship and his crumbling regime."
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
