Iran confirms that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is killed in airstrikes as four family members, including his grandchild, are also slaughtered
Iran Confirms Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Killed in US-Israel Airstrikes
Iran officially announced the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel targeted his residence in Tehran. The attack occurred during the early hours of Saturday, leaving the 86-year-old leader and four relatives—including his granddaughter—among the casualties.
Family Members Perished in the Strike
State-run media revealed that Khamenei’s daughter, granddaughter, wife, and son-in-law were also killed in the bombardment. The compound, located in the capital, was struck by Israeli jets that deployed 30 bombs, according to reports. Khamenei’s body was recovered from the rubble, with his family reportedly living there at the time.
“To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return,” declared the Iranian news agency during the official announcement.
Iran Launches Retaliatory Attacks
Following the news of Khamenei’s death, Iran initiated its response by launching missile strikes against targets in Dubai and Bahrain. These attacks came after suicide drones had already hit Palm Jumeirah, Dubai International Airport, and residential buildings in the Gulf nation. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the assaults, framing them as part of a historic counteroffensive against the U.S. and Israel.
Trump’s Promises of Escalation
On Sunday, U.S. President Donald Trump vowed to retaliate with unprecedented force. “Iran just stated they are going to hit very hard today, harder than ever before. THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE!” he asserted in a midnight post on Truth Social.
State television anchors were emotional during the broadcast, with one breaking down in tears while announcing Khamenei’s passing. The regime declared a 40-day mourning period and a seven-day national holiday to honor the fallen leader, who had guided the Islamic Republic for nearly 37 years.
Strategic and Religious Significance
Khamenei’s death during Ramadan was highlighted as a symbolic blow to the regime. The National Supreme Council praised him as a venerated Islamic figure, stating his “long dream of martyrdom became true.” The council also emphasized that his demise would inspire resistance against adversaries.
“God is great. God is great. With profound grief, the nation of Iran is informed that Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, was martyred today in a joint criminal assault by the U.S. and Zionist regime,” the anchor stated in a clip shared on X.
Black smoke was observed rising from Erbil International Airport in northern Iraq at sunrise, marking the IRGC’s promise of a fierce retaliation. Trump had previously confirmed Khamenei’s death on Saturday, calling him “one of the most evil people in History” and vowing justice for those killed by his “gang of bloodthirsty THUGS.” The conflict has intensified tensions in the region, with both sides preparing for further escalation.
