Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been killed in a major airstrike by Israel and the United States, according to Iranian state media. The attack targeted his compound in Tehran early Sunday, raising fears of severe regional instability and uncertainty about Iran’s political future.
US President Donald Trump announced the death hours earlier, calling it a turning point that could allow Iranians to “take back” their country. Satellite images reportedly showed heavy damage to the targeted site following intense bombing.
Iranian state television described Khamenei’s death as occurring while he was fulfilling his duties, portraying him as a leader who remained close to the people. Khamenei, 86, had led Iran since 1989 and was one of the most powerful figures in the Middle East.
Iran responded by launching retaliatory strikes and warning of severe consequences. The country’s paramilitary force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, threatened its “most intense offensive operation” against Israeli and American targets.
