The Islamic Republic of Iran has confirmed the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed during a United States–Israeli attack on Saturday.
Iran’s state broadcaster, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, announced the development on Sunday morning after initially denying reports of his death. According to the broadcaster, the 86-year-old leader was killed alongside his daughter, son-in-law, and grandson.
In a brief and cryptic statement, the state media described Khamenei’s death as martyrdom.
“The Supreme Leader of Iran has reached martyrdom. This great scholar and mujahid (fighter) sacrificed his life to lift Iran… and he is in the grand presence of martyrs above,” the statement read.
Iran has declared 40 days of national mourning following the announcement.
Khamenei had served as Iran’s Supreme Leader since 1989, succeeding the founder of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Khomeini returned from exile to lead the 1979 revolution that overthrew the US-backed Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.
During his more than three decades in power, Khamenei oversaw a period marked by strained relations with the West, including heavy economic sanctions and repeated domestic protests over economic hardship and civil rights issues.
He frequently criticised the United States, labelling it Iran’s “number one enemy,” while also condemning Israel as a principal adversary.
Further details surrounding the reported attack have not yet been independently verified.
