Tehran Announces Interim Leadership Council as IRGC Chief, Senior Officials Also Reportedly Killed; Trump and Netanyahu ReactTehran: Iranian state media on Sunday confirmed that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in his office during joint Israeli-US strikes on Iran, marking a dramatic escalation in the ongoing conflict. The announcement followed earlier claims by US and Israeli officials regarding his death.
State outlets described the 86-year-old leader as “martyred” and reported that he was killed alongside close family members, including his daughter, son-in-law, grandchild and a daughter-in-law. Iran has declared a 40-day national mourning period, with crowds gathering in several cities to pay tribute.
Khamenei had served as Iran’s Supreme Leader since June 1989, succeeding Ruhollah Khomeini, founder of the Islamic Republic. As Supreme Leader, he held ultimate authority over the government, armed forces and judiciary.
Interim Leadership Announced
According to Iranian officials, a temporary leadership team comprising President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Eje'i will oversee state affairs until a new leader is selected by the Assembly of Experts. The arrangement was announced by Mohammad Mokhber, a senior aide to Khamenei.
Iranian media also reported that IRGC Commander General Mohammad Pakpour and Defence Council Secretary Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani were killed in the same wave of attacks.
“The Leader of the Islamic Revolution was martyred in his office,” Iranian state media reported, confirming earlier speculation.
Global Reactions and Escalation Fears
US President Donald Trump claimed responsibility for the strikes in a post on Truth Social, stating that Khamenei “was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems” and describing the operation as coordinated closely with Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier indicated there were “growing signs” that Khamenei had been killed. International news agency Reuters, citing a senior Israeli official, reported that his body had been located.
Iranian media reported that at least 201 people were killed across 24 provinces in Saturday’s strikes, citing the Red Crescent. Among the targets were alleged military facilities and senior leadership positions. Iran’s counterattacks reportedly triggered air defence responses in countries hosting US assets, including Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated through IRNA that retaliatory operations against US and Israeli positions were ongoing.
Analysts warn that Khamenei’s reported assassination could significantly deepen instability in West Asia, raising fears of a broader regional war.
