Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been martyred in massive US-Israel strikes on Iran, according to Iranian state media, dramatically escalating the Middle East conflict and raising fears of a wider regional war.
State-linked agencies Tasnim and Fars confirmed the death of the 86-year-old leader, who had ruled Iran since 1989 and held ultimate authority over the country’s military and political institutions.
Iran’s government has declared 40 days of public mourning following the confirmed death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, state media reported.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei martyred in the largest Israeli Air Campaign
Ali Khamenei was reportedly targeted in coordinated strikes that hit multiple locations across Tehran, including areas near his compound. A senior Israeli official told Reuters that his body had been recovered following the aerial assault.
US President Donald Trump confirmed that Washington worked closely with Israel, stating that intelligence systems tracked Khamenei’s movements before the operation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the assault as Israel’s largest-ever aerial campaign against Iran, involving approximately 200 fighter jets striking missile systems, military command centers, and senior leadership targets. Netanyahu claimed that Khamenei’s compound was destroyed in the operation.
Senior Iranian Officials Also Reported Killed
Iranian media reported that several high-ranking officials were killed in the strikes, including:
- Amir Nasirzadeh
- Mohammad Pakpour
Casualties were also reported among senior advisers and Revolutionary Guards commanders, though independent verification remains limited.
Additionally, Iranian state media reported that Khamenei’s daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law were killed in the strikes.
Also Read: Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh killed in US Israel strike
Iran Retaliates with Missile and Drone Attacks
In response to the US-Israel strike on Iran, Tehran launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks toward Israeli territory and Gulf states hosting US bases.
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed multiple waves of missiles fired from Iran toward Israel. Defense systems were activated, and interception operations were underway.
Missiles were reported over Tel Aviv, while Gulf nations including the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain activated air defense systems. The Pentagon stated that there were no reported US casualties.
Israel’s Home Front Command issued mobile alerts, instructing residents in affected areas to enter protected shelters and remain there until further notice.
Oil Markets on Edge; Strait of Hormuz in Focus
Global oil markets reacted sharply after Iran warned that the Strait of Hormuz—a critical energy corridor—could be closed if the conflict escalates further. Analysts caution that oil prices could surge dramatically if shipping lanes are disrupted.
The strikes come amid stalled nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran. President Trump stated the operation aimed to neutralize imminent threats and reiterated calls for political change within Iran. Critics in the US Congress and at the United Nations questioned the legality and timing of the military campaign, urging an immediate ceasefire.
Regional War Fears Intensify
With missiles still being exchanged and diplomatic channels strained, concerns are mounting that the US-Israel-Iran conflict could spiral into a broader Middle East war.
Explosions across Iranian cities triggered panic among residents, while some gatherings were reported in parts of Tehran following confirmation of Khamenei’s death. However, videos circulating online could not be independently verified.
The geopolitical fallout from the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader is expected to reshape regional power dynamics, energy markets, and global security calculations in the coming days.
