Ali Khamenei has reportedly been killed following coordinated military strikes carried out by Israel and the United States, according to Reuters.
A senior Israeli official cited by Reuters disclosed on Saturday that Khamenei died in the attacks, which targeted Iran’s top leadership and strategic sites. However, there was no immediate confirmation from Iranian authorities as of press time.
The reported development follows large-scale military strikes launched by Israel and the United States against Iranian targets, marking a sharp escalation of tensions across the Middle East.
Donald Trump said the operation was aimed at neutralising what he described as a major security threat to the United States and providing Iranians an opportunity to challenge their leadership.
Satellite images released after the strikes reportedly showed extensive damage and thick plumes of smoke rising from a compound in Tehran believed to be associated with Khamenei.
Khamenei, aged 86, became Iran’s supreme authority in 1989 following the death of Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic.
During his leadership, Iran expanded its regional influence by supporting allied groups across the Middle East, including Hamas and Hezbollah. Israeli officials have long accused Khamenei of playing a destabilising role in the region.
There has been no official statement from Tehran confirming the report, leaving uncertainty over the fate of Iran’s long-serving Supreme Leader.
Reuters
