N. Prabhakaran Dubai: Iranian official media has confirmed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a massive joint attack b...
N. Prabhakaran
Dubai: Iranian official media has confirmed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a massive joint attack by the United States and Israel. This follows claims by both countries that Khamenei was killed during a joint airstrike conducted in Tehran.
"The Supreme Leader of Iran has attained martyrdom," the official broadcaster IRIB reported on Sunday morning. Media reports stated that the 86-year-old leader was killed early Saturday while in his office. State television noted that his death in his office signifies that "he always remained with the people, at the forefront of his responsibilities, and confronted the forces referred to by officials as 'Global Arrogance'."
Reuters reported that Iranian Defense Minister Amir Nasirzadeh, Revolutionary Guard Commander Mohammad Pakpour, and Khamenei’s top advisor Ali Shamkhani were also killed in the attack. The Israeli military confirmed the deaths of five senior military commanders, including advisor Ali Shamkhani. Additionally, Iranian media reported that Khamenei’s daughter, grandchild, and son-in-law were also killed.
Trump Announces Khamenei’s Death
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the death of the Iranian leader presents the greatest opportunity for the Iranian people to take back their country. The joint U.S.-Israel airstrikes targeted Iran’s military and government centers. Trump clarified that the U.S. worked with Israel to assassinate the individual who had led Iran since 1989.
Iran described the attack as unprovoked and illegal. In response, Iran launched missile strikes against Israel and seven other countries housing U.S. bases. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been Iran's Supreme Leader since 1989, holding ultimate authority over the government, military, and judiciary. Taking power after the death of the Islamic Republic's founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, he maintained a hardline stance on domestic and foreign policies.
Following the confirmation of Khamenei’s death by state television, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) vowed on Sunday to punish his "killers." "The strongest counter-attack in the history of the Islamic Republic of Iran's armed forces will begin at any moment," the IRGC announced via Telegram.
The confirmation by state TV came hours after President Trump announced the death, describing the 86-year-old Khamenei as "one of the most brutal individuals in history." This attack follows weeks of massive protests in Iran, which authorities had brutally suppressed, resulting in the deaths of thousands.
Powerful explosions were heard in Tehran again early Sunday morning. Trump stated that there would be no let-up in the attacks until the fall of the Islamic Republic. "This is the greatest opportunity for the people of Iran to take back their country," Trump said in a statement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged the Iranian people: "It is time to join hands to secure your future and overthrow the regime."
In response to the assault, Iran launched counter-attacks across the Middle East using missiles and drones. Two people were killed in Abu Dhabi and one in Tel Aviv. Explosions have also been reported in major cities across Gulf countries.
Meanwhile, Ali Larijani, a prominent leader and head of the Supreme National Security Council who survived the attack, declared a retaliatory strike. "Iran's brave soldiers and people will teach the international oppressive forces an unforgettable lesson," he said.
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