President Trump confirmed the death of Khamenei, referring him as “one of the most evil people in history.” Media Reports claim that several members of Khamenei’s family including his daughter, son-in-law, and grandson were killed.
Amid ongoing US and Israeli military operations, the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has come into light. Media Reports claim that several members of Khamenei’s family including his daughter, son-in-law, and grandson were killed.
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been killed following a series of military strikes by the United States and Israel.
President Trump confirmed the death of Khamenei, referring him as “one of the most evil people in history.” The strikes, which occurred during the morning hours in Iran in an operation referred to as “Midnight Hammer.” This reportedly targeted high-level officials.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu then confirmed the reports, stating that the strikes successfully removed several senior Iranian officials. Netanyahu as well warned that the military campaign is not yet finished here, Israel is prepared to hit “thousands of targets” in the coming days.
Domestic and International Reaction
In the United States, Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz defended the strikes as “lawful actions” during a session with the Security Council. However, the move has already drawn criticism, hinting towards the fear of regional “escalation.”
President Trump called the moment the “single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their country.” Despite this, some members of Congress have expressed caution, noting that removing a single leader may not be enough to take apart the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Scenes in Iran
Despite severe internet disruptions, reports and videos have emerged from Iran showing citizens celebrating in the streets. Niloofar Gholami of DW’s Persian service noted that many Iranians view Khamenei’s 36-year rule as one of “nothing but repression.”
The question of succession remains volatile. While Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba, was often considered a potential heir, there are unconfirmed reports that he or other family members may have also been caught in the strikes. Names like Hassan Khomeini and Ali Larijani have been floated as potential successors, though Larijani was also rumored to be among the casualties.
As the U.S. Navy deploys the USS Gerald Ford to the region, the world waits to see if this “historic moment” leads to a democratic opening or further chaos in the Middle East
Khamenei Reportedly Moved to ‘Secure Location’ Before Strike
Middle East has entered a period of unprecedented conflict following a massive, coordinated military strike by the United States and Israel against the Iranian regime. This has been named as “Operation Roaring Lion” by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and “Operation Epic Fury” by the U.S. Department of War.
Reports indicate that the primary targets of the Saturday morning strikes included Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian. While Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported that the leaders were among the intended targets, Iranian officials have claimed that Khamenei was moved to a “secure location” prior to the impact.
The Military Assault
The operation involved over 200 aircraft, including American B-2 stealth bombers and F-35 Lightning fighters. Key targets identified so far include:
- Nuclear Facilities: Strikes have reportedly hit the Fordow and Natanz nuclear sites, with the U.S. utilizing 30,000-pound “bunker buster” bombs to break into the high-security safe.
- Military Command: Several senior Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) commanders and military advisers are feared dead.
- Infrastructure: Explosions have been reported at airports and missile sites in Tehran, Kermanshah, and Hamedan.
As sirens continue to wail across the region, Iran has begun hitting back as an act of revenge for the first attack. These are targeting Israeli cities and U.S. bases in the Gulf. Following it, Israel has declared an immediate state of emergency, closing schools and its national airspace.
