By: The Trek News Desk
In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Iranian state media has confirmed the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, following large-scale airstrikes reportedly carried out by the United States and Israel.
According to official reports from Tehran, the operation, described as a joint US-Israeli mission under the codename “Operation Epic Fury”, targeted key leadership sites in the Iranian capital during the early hours of Saturday.
Iranian media outlets stated that at least four buildings within the Supreme Leader’s central Tehran compound were struck in the assault. The strikes caused extensive structural damage, and Khamenei was reportedly killed during the attack.
Just hours before the confirmation, sources close to the leadership had insisted that the Supreme Leader was safe and overseeing developments. However, late-night announcements by state broadcasters officially confirmed his death, sending shockwaves across the country.
In response to the unprecedented development, Iranian authorities have declared 40 days of national mourning. Flags have been lowered at government buildings nationwide, and religious gatherings are being organised to honour the late leader.
US President Donald Trump had earlier posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, claiming that Khamenei had been killed in the strikes. Iranian state media later corroborated the report.
Iran’s powerful paramilitary force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has issued a strong warning in the aftermath of the attack. In an official statement, the group pledged to launch what it described as its “most intense offensive operation” yet, targeting Israeli and American positions in the region.
The IRGC warned of “decisive and regret-inducing punishment” against what it called hostile forces.
State news agency reports further claim that IRGC commander Mohammad Pakpour was also killed in the recent wave of airstrikes. He had assumed leadership of the force after his predecessor was killed during a brief 12-day conflict last year.
Khamenei’s death has significantly heightened tensions across the Middle East. Iran has reportedly begun retaliatory missile strikes on Israeli territory and US military bases in the region. The international community is closely monitoring the rapidly evolving situation, amid fears that the conflict could expand into a broader regional war.
As developments continue to unfold, global attention remains fixed on Tehran, Washington, and Jerusalem, with concerns growing over the potential for further escalation.
Source: News Agencies
