Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in a large-scale US and Israeli military attack that began Saturday and continued into Sunday. Iranian state television confirmed his death early Sunday. He was 86.
US President Donald Trump announced the killing, calling Khamenei “one of the most evil people in history.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Iranians to rise up and overthrow their government.
Witnesses in Tehran reported hearing loud explosions and seeing black smoke rising over the area where Khamenei usually lived. Some people were heard cheering after news of his death spread.
The attack came weeks after Iranian authorities suppressed mass protests, reportedly killing thousands.
Trump said strikes would continue until the Islamic Republic falls. He urged Iranian security forces not to resist, calling this a major chance for Iranians to reclaim their country.
Iran responded with missile and drone attacks across the Middle East. At least two people were killed in Abu Dhabi and one in Tel Aviv. Explosions were also heard in the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain. Smoke was seen rising from US bases in the UAE and Bahrain.
Israel said senior Iranian officials were also killed, including Ali Shamkhani, a top adviser to Khamenei, and Revolutionary Guards chief General Mohammad Pakpour. Iranian media reported that Khamenei’s daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter were also killed.
Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, promised retaliation, saying Iran would teach its enemies an unforgettable lesson.
Question Over Succession
With Khamenei’s death, attention turned to who will succeed him. Many expect the Revolutionary Guards to gain more power.
Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s former shah, said any successor from the current system would be illegitimate. He called on Iranians to stay ready for mass protests. He said the Islamic Republic has effectively ended.
Casualties and Regional Impact
Iran’s Red Crescent said at least 201 people were killed and more than 700 injured in the strikes. Iran’s judiciary said 108 people died in a strike on a southern school, though this could not be independently verified.
In Israel, one woman was killed and about 20 others injured in an Iranian missile strike. Cities in Israel were largely empty as people took shelter.
In Abu Dhabi, two people were killed. Four were injured in Dubai after strikes near The Palm island.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned ships of the possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route.
Unprecedented Operation
Residents in Tehran described panic as strikes began. Communications were later cut.
Israeli military chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said the operation was on a much larger scale than previous conflicts. Israel called it the largest air raid in its history.
Airspace was closed in Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Syria, UAE, and Israel. Many airlines canceled flights.
The strikes came after nuclear talks between US and Iranian officials in Geneva. Oman had been mediating and recently reported progress. However, Trump said Iran did not compromise enough on its nuclear program and made clear that regime change — not a nuclear deal — is now the goal.
Oman called for an immediate ceasefire. Iran requested action from the UN Security Council, which held an emergency meeting.