Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei Reportedly Killed in Coordinated US-Israel Strikes
Israeli officials have announced that Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been killed in coordinated military attacks carried out by the United States and Israel. The strikes, which occurred on Saturday, specifically targeted Iran's top leadership positions and included calls for the overthrow of the Iranian government.
Netanyahu Claims Signs of Khamenei's Death
Approximately twelve hours after the initial assault began, Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu stated he had observed "many signs" indicating the 86-year-old Iranian leader had been killed. Netanyahu further reported that Khamenei's compound had been completely destroyed during the operation, along with Revolutionary Guard commanders and senior nuclear officials.
Earlier in the day, Iran's Al-Alam television network had announced that Khamenei would deliver a speech, but no such address was broadcast by late Saturday. Iranian authorities have not yet officially confirmed the Supreme Leader's death.
Khamenei's Political History and Netanyahu's Accusations
Ali Khamenei first assumed power in Iran as the country's third president in 1981 before being elected as Supreme Leader in 1989, a position he has held for more than three decades. In a public address, Netanyahu described Khamenei as "a cruel tyrant who has spread terror around the world while oppressing his own people" and reiterated his belief that "this tyrant is no longer alive."
US Involvement and Strategic Objectives
President Donald Trump, who authorized what represents the most significant foreign policy gamble of his administration, explained that the strikes were designed to eliminate security threats and prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The military action targets a nation with which Washington has maintained generational conflicts.
Trump called upon Iranian security forces to surrender their weapons and encouraged Iranian citizens to overthrow their government once the bombing campaign concluded.
Iranian Response and Civilian Impact
Tehran has condemned the strikes, which commenced in the morning hours and hit multiple targets across different regions of the country, labeling them as unprovoked and illegal. In cities throughout Iran, explosions triggered widespread panic as civilian casualties continued to rise.
Residents scrambled to collect children from schools and flee areas potentially marked for targeting. "We are scared, we are terrified. My children are shaking, we have nowhere to go, we will die here," said Minou, a mother of two, capturing the fear gripping civilian populations.
The coordinated attacks represent a dramatic escalation in tensions between Iran and Western powers, with immediate consequences for regional stability and international relations.
