Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been killed in a wave of joint US-Israeli airstrikes on Tehran, according to Iranian state media, marking a dramatic escalation in the Middle East crisis.

A tearful presenter on Iranian state television confirmed the 85-year-old cleric’s death, announcing that 40 days of national mourning would be observed across the country. Khamenei, who had ruled the Islamic Republic since 1989, was reportedly found in the rubble of his heavily fortified compound after missiles struck what sources described as a top-security bunker in the capital.

US President Donald Trump confirmed the development on Truth Social, writing: “One of the most evil people in history is dead.” In a further statement, he declared: “This is not only justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans.”

Mr Trump added: “He was unable to avoid our intelligence and highly sophisticated tracking systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do. This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their country.” He warned: “The heavy and pinpoint bombing will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or as long as necessary.”

Iranian state media confirms Ayatollah was k!lled alongside daughter in airstrikes carried out by America and Israel (video)

Israeli officials said the strikes were part of a coordinated operation targeting senior figures within Iran’s military and political leadership. The Israel Defense Forces declared the “elimination” of virtually every senior Iranian defence chief, with reports suggesting up to 40 officials may have been killed.

An Israeli military official said: “The attack was based on an operational plan developed over several months, centered on an intelligence effort to identify an opportunity when senior regime officials would convene. Three sites where gatherings of the Iranian terror regime were taking place were struck simultaneously, and several senior figures essential to the regime’s governance were eliminated.”

Among those reportedly killed were Iran’s defence minister and senior Revolutionary Guard commanders, though Tehran had earlier dismissed claims of Khamenei’s death as “mental warfare”. Iran’s foreign minister had insisted the supreme leader was alive, but he did not appear for a scheduled televised address.

Iranian state media confirms Ayatollah was k!lled alongside daughter in airstrikes carried out by America and Israel (video)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Iranians to “take to the streets en masse” and “get the job done” in a direct appeal to topple the regime.

The US confirmed that more than 200 warplanes, supported by Tomahawk cruise missiles, struck 500 targets in what Israeli sources dubbed Operation Roaring Lion. American F-22 Raptors were believed to have led the assault, with aircraft carriers deployed across the region.

Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes targeting US bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Explosions were reported near key installations, including the Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain and Al-Udeid airbase in Qatar. One person was reported killed in Abu Dhabi, while Israeli emergency services said 89 people suffered minor injuries following interceptions over Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Footage circulating online showed flames rising near the Palm Jumeirah Fairmont hotel in Dubai after an apparent drone strike, sending thousands of British tourists and expatriates scrambling for shelter.

The Islamic Republic, established in 1979, now faces an uncertain future as questions mount over succession and the risk of further regional escalation. Iranian authorities have yet to outline a formal transition plan, while military operations across the region remain ongoing.

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