Iranian state media reported Sunday that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed, marking a significant development in the country’s political leadership. According to Iranian government television and multiple domestic media outlets, the 86-year-old leader died following explosions reported near his residence in the capital, Tehran.
euters, citing Iranian media sources, also reported that Iranian officials confirmed his death early Sunday. The New York Times, quoting Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency, reported that several members of Khamenei’s family — including his daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law and grandson — were also killed.
Independent verification of those family casualty reports has not been publicly detailed. Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump had publicly claimed that Khamenei had been killed, but Iranian authorities had denied those claims at the time, stating that the Supreme Leader was safe.
Reported Strikes, National Mourning and Regional Implications
Media reports indicate that the United States and Israel carried out joint strikes on Iranian targets early Saturday. Shortly afterward, loud explosions were reported in Tehran, including near the Supreme Leader’s residence.
Videos and images circulating online showed smoke rising from damaged buildings in the area, although the full extent of the damage has not been independently confirmed. Following the announcement of Khamenei’s death, Iranian authorities declared a 40-day period of public mourning, according to Reuters.
Government offices lowered flags to half-staff, and official events were reportedly suspended. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had served as Iran’s Supreme Leader since 1989, overseeing the country’s political, military and religious institutions for more than three decades. His reported death is expected to have significant implications for Iran’s leadership transition and the broader geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.
