Iran has announced a 40-day national mourning period following reports of the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in alleged US-Israel airstrikes, according to Iranian state media on Sunday, reported news agency IANS.
The reports, carried by official outlets, claimed that Khamenei was killed in coordinated strikes. However, independent international confirmation of the development remains limited.
Reports claim family members also killed
Iran’s Fars News Agency, citing sources, reported that four relatives of Khamenei—including his daughter, grandchild, and son-in-law—were also killed in the strikes, reported IANS.
The reported deaths have intensified concerns over a sharp escalation in regional tensions, with global observers closely monitoring developments.
Trump claims responsibility, signals continued strikes
Former US President Donald Trump, in a statement on Truth Social, claimed that Khamenei had been killed in joint US-Israeli operations, describing it as a decisive moment for Iran.
He further indicated that military operations against Iran would continue, stating that bombing campaigns would proceed “as long as necessary” to achieve broader geopolitical objectives.
Trump also reiterated calls for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and security forces to surrender in exchange for immunity.
Israel indicates strike impact, no formal confirmation
Israeli media reports and earlier remarks by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested that Khamenei’s compound had been destroyed, though no formal and detailed confirmation has been issued by Israeli authorities regarding his death, reported IANS.
Global uncertainty, escalation fears rise
If confirmed, the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader would mark a historic and highly volatile turning point in Middle East geopolitics.
The announcement of a mourning period signals the seriousness of the claims within Iran, even as the international community awaits clearer verification and official statements.
Analysts warn that the situation could lead to significant escalation, with potential repercussions across the region and beyond.
Iranians take to streets to mourn killing of Supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei
Meanwhile, thousands in Tehran, Isfahan, and Mashhad gathered to mourn Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in US-Israeli airstrikes on Saturday, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) reported.
Marking 40 days of public mourning, citizens chanted “God is great,” paid tribute at holy sites, and protested the attacks, as Iran braces for a leadership transition and heightened national security.
In the central Iranian city of Isfahan, residents gathered at Imam Square to protest the strikes and to mourn what state media termed the martyrdom of Ayatollah Khamenei. Demonstrators raised slogans including “God is great” as the airstrikes continued.
(With inputs from IANS)