President Donald J. Trump announced on Saturday that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed in a high-precision military operation conducted by the United States and Israel. The daylight mission, which the Pentagon labelled "Operation Epic Fury", targeted a central compound in Tehran.
"Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead," President Trump declared in a statement released on Truth Social. He characterised the strike as "Justice for the people of Iran" and for the global victims of the regime’s "gang of bloodthirsty THUGS." The President claimed that the 86-year-old leader was tracked via "Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems" and was unable to evade the coordinated assault.
Iranian state media officially confirmed the death early Sunday morning following hours of conflicting reports. In a broadcast from Tehran, state television announced that the Supreme Leader died "while carrying out his official duties" during the airstrikes. The Iranian government has since declared 40 days of national mourning, with flags across the country lowered to half-mast.
Military officials reported that the operation involved nearly 900 strikes within the first 12 hours, targeting command centres, missile sites, and naval assets. Alongside Khamenei, reports indicate that several high-ranking officials were killed, including IRGC Commander-in-Chief Mohammad Pakpour and security advisor Ali Shamkhani. Israel, which referred to the mission as "Operation Lion’s Roar", stated that the strikes were essential to dismantle an "existential" nuclear threat.
The White House has signalled that military operations will continue "as long as necessary" to achieve regional stability. President Trump has called on the Iranian people to "take back their Country," offering immunity to members of the security forces who surrender. Meanwhile, the Iranian Leadership Council has temporarily assumed authority as the nation faces its first leadership transition since 1989.