US President Donald Trump has declared Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, dead.
According to both the BBC and CNN, President Trump confirmed Khamenei’s death following joint strikes by both the US and Israel, describing the operation as decisive and aimed at neutralising Iran’s top leadership and military infrastructure.
Iranian authorities, however, had not issued official confirmation at the time of reporting.
The offensive reportedly targeted strategic military sites, air defence systems and leadership compounds in Tehran and other major cities. Explosions were heard across parts of the capital, with significant damage reported to key facilities.
Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had said there were “growing signs” that Khamenei was killed in the strikes. Trump’s confirmation marks the strongest statement yet from a US leader regarding the outcome of the operation.
Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks against Israeli territory and US-linked assets in the region, prompting heightened security alerts and airspace disruptions across multiple Middle Eastern states.
The United Nations Security Council has convened emergency discussions, with world leaders urging restraint amid fears the crisis could spiral into a broader regional conflict.
As of press time, Tehran had not officially verified the reported death of Ayatollah Khamenei.
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