Iran vows retaliation after U.S.–Israel strikes kill Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei

Initial reports from Israeli media, citing official sources, said Khamenei was killed in a strike on his residence in Tehran. Shortly afterward, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that there were “numerous indications” that Iran’s Supreme Leader had not survived.

U.S. President Donald Trump later commented on the incident and called on Iran’s police and members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to side with the public.

Trump added that strikes across Iran would continue in an effort to establish peace in the Middle East.

Tehran confirms death, declares 40 days of mourning

Iranian authorities subsequently confirmed Khamenei’s death. A formal statement announcing his passing was broadcast on state television. The country declared 40 days of national mourning.

According to the statement, Khamenei was at his office, his residence and headquarters in Tehran, at the time of the attack. He was described as a respected Islamic religious figure. The statement emphasized that his long-held wish for martyrdom had been fulfilled and noted that he died during the holy month of Ramadan.

“Iran’s enemies must know that the death of the country’s leader will ignite a great uprising in the struggle against oppressors,” the statement said.

Satellite images showed significant destruction at Khamenei’s residence. Reuters reported that his body had been recovered from beneath the rubble.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also issued a statement, saying that the incident would make Iran even more determined.

Khamenei, along with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, had reportedly been among the primary targets of the Israeli strikes.

What comes next?

Khamenei had served as Iran’s supreme leader since 1989, following the death of Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the 1979 Islamic Revolution that overthrew the monarchy. Over 36 years in power, he held ultimate authority over all branches of government, the armed forces and the judiciary.

During nearly four decades of leadership, Khamenei built Iran into a regional power capable of competing with other states in the Persian Gulf.