Iranian state television announced early Sunday that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, was martyred in US-Israeli airstrikes targeting the country.
The strikes began Saturday as part of a major joint operation, with US President Donald Trump declaring it a step toward peace in the Middle East.
Confirmation and Immediate Fallout
State media confirmed Khamenei’s death hours after initial reports from Israeli officials and Trump. Iran declared 40 days of national mourning.
A three-member transitional council, including the president and chief justice, will oversee duties until a new supreme leader is chosen.
Iran Vows Revenge
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) called Khamenei’s death martyrdom at the hands of “terrorists” and promised swift, major retaliation.
Tehran has already launched retaliatory missile strikes on Israel and US bases in the region.
Broader Context of the Attack
The operation follows weeks of tension, including Iran’s refusal to abandon ballistic missiles and recent weakening of its regional proxies.
Multiple senior officials, including top generals, were also killed in the strikes hitting Tehran and other sites.
Global Reactions Pour In
Trump described Khamenei as one of history’s most evil figures and warned against Iranian retaliation with overwhelming force.
World leaders expressed concern, with some calling for restraint while others condemned the strikes as escalatory.
The region braces for further conflict as fighting continues into a second day.