Iranian state television has confirmed the death of the country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, announcing that he died at 5:00 am (0130 GMT). The broadcast aired archival footage of the late leader alongside a black banner, symbolising national mourning.
Khamenei, who was 86, had served as Iran’s Supreme Leader since 1989, making him one of the longest-serving political figures in the country’s modern history.
The announcement came a day after United States President Donald Trump claimed that Khamenei had been killed in air strikes. However, Iranian state media did not specify the cause of death or confirm any attack on his residence in its initial report.
In a series of posts on his Truth Social platform, Trump described Khamenei as a longtime adversary and said his death marked what he called “justice” for victims of Iran’s policies. He also suggested the development could create an opportunity for political change within Iran.
Trump further stated that the United States would continue military operations, saying the strikes were part of efforts to neutralise threats and achieve broader stability in the Middle East.
As of the time of reporting, Iranian authorities had yet to release full details surrounding the circumstances of Khamenei’s death. The development is expected to have significant political and security implications for Iran and the wider region.
