BREAKING: Iran Confirms Khamenei’s Killing in US-Israel Strikes

Tehran | March 1, 2026 | DeccanLive.com

Iran’s state television has officially confirmed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed in recent US and Israeli strikes.

According to Iran’s official news agency Tasnim, Khamenei was killed on Saturday morning while working in his office. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said he died during an attack on his office compound in Tehran.

Satellite images had earlier shown heavy damage to parts of the Leadership House complex, where Khamenei’s office was located. Iranian media said earlier reports claiming that he had gone into hiding were part of what they described as “enemy psychological warfare.”

40 Days of Mourning Announced

Following the confirmation of his death, the Iranian government announced 40 days of national mourning and seven days of public holidays across the country.

State TV channel IRINN is currently broadcasting images of Khamenei along with Quran recitation. A black banner is displayed on the screen as a mark of mourning.

In its official statement, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council blamed the United States and Israel for the attack. The statement described Khamenei’s death as “martyrdom” and said it would mark the beginning of a new phase of resistance against what it called oppressors.

No Successor Announced Yet

So far, Iranian authorities have not announced who will succeed the 86-year-old leader. The official statement did not give further details about the exact nature of the attack or how the strike was carried out.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump had claimed on his social media platform Truth Social that Iran’s Supreme Leader was killed in joint strikes with Israel. Trump wrote that Khamenei was “one of the worst men in history” and said his death would bring justice for Americans and others who suffered due to Iran’s policies.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military has also claimed that Iran’s top defense leadership has been eliminated in the strikes. According to Israeli sources, those reportedly killed include Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, senior security adviser Ali Shamkhani, and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Mohammad Pakpour. However, detailed confirmations from Tehran regarding these officials are still awaited.

The situation in the Middle East remains tense as global leaders closely watch further developments following this major event.