Iran confirms Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei dead after US-Israeli attacks
Iranian state media have confirmed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed at his office in the Israeli-US attacks on Iran, following earlier reports of his killing by US and Israeli officials.
Authorities announced a 40-day national mourning period, a traditional observance for prominent religious and political figures, as the country prepares for a sensitive leadership transition amid heightened regional tensions.
Initial reports from Iranian outlets had suggested Khamenei remained alive and directing operations, but later official confirmation acknowledged that he had died in the strikes.
US President Donald Trump earlier said Khamenei had been killed during coordinated operations conducted with Israel, describing the mission as the result of advanced intelligence and surveillance. He also suggested the development could create an opportunity for political change inside Iran.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously indicated there were 'increasing signs' that the Iranian leader had been killed.
The strikes were part of a broader military campaign targeting Iranian strategic and military facilities, raising fears of a wider regional conflict involving multiple actors in the Middle East.
Khamenei had served as Iran’s supreme leader since 1989, succeeding Ruhollah Khomeini after the Islamic Revolution. As supreme leader, he exercised ultimate authority over Iran’s armed forces, judiciary and major state institutions.
Iranian authorities had long prepared contingency plans for succession in the event of Khamenei’s death, but analysts say his sudden killing could deepen instability both domestically and across the region.
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