Iran has officially confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, marking a historic and potentially destabilizing moment for the Islamic Republic amid escalating regional conflict.
Iranian state media announced early Saturday that Khamenei had died and declared a 40-day national mourning period, with memorial ceremonies expected to take place across the country.
The announcement comes just hours after reports of intensified military strikes involving the United States and Israel.
The confirmation follows earlier claims by U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli officials that Khamenei had been killed during coordinated strikes on Iranian targets.
Tehran had initially remained silent on those assertions before issuing today’s formal statement.
Khamenei, who had led Iran since 1989 following the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, was the country’s highest political and religious authority, exercising ultimate control over Iran’s armed forces, judiciary and key state institutions.
His death leaves a significant power vacuum at a time of heightened military tensions and domestic uncertainty.
Under Iran’s constitution, the Assembly of Experts is responsible for appointing a new Supreme Leader.
Until a successor is selected, senior political and religious figures are expected to oversee transitional leadership arrangements.
The Development is likely to have profound consequences for Iran’s internal stability, regional security dynamics and ongoing hostilities with Israel and the United States.
Global leaders are closely monitoring the situation as the Middle East faces one of its most volatile periods in decades.
More details to follow as the story develops
