Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei Reportedly Killed in Israeli–US Strikes; Iran Declares 40 Days of Mourning

Iran’s state television has confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed in coordinated Israeli–US strikes carried out in the early hours of Saturday. The Iranian government has announced a 40-day national mourning period following his death.

According to Iranian media outlets, Khamenei’s body was recovered from the rubble of his residential compound in Tehran after the strikes. Earlier reports had indicated that the attack targeted key leadership locations amid escalating regional tensions.

Israel’s Channel 12 reported that a photograph purportedly showing Khamenei’s body was presented to U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, independent verification of these claims remains pending.

In a strongly worded statement, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council described Khamenei’s killing as a catalyst for what it termed a “great uprising against the tyrants,” signaling the possibility of further escalation.

Israel’s public broadcaster Kan reported that senior Israeli officials had been formally informed of Khamenei’s “elimination,” and that his body had been recovered from the debris of his compound in Tehran.

Unconfirmed reports further suggest that several members of Khamenei’s family — including his daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law — were also killed in the strikes.

In addition, Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Mohammad Pakpour are reported to have been killed during the same operation.

The situation remains fluid, with regional and global implications expected as Iran and its allies weigh their response.