Iran State Media Confirms Death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei After US–Israel Strike

Melbourne, March 1: Iran’s state media has confirmed that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has died following what Tehran described as a coordinated military strike by the United States and Israel. The announcement marks a dramatic turning point for the Islamic Republic and has sharply escalated tensions across the Middle East.

According to Iranian outlet IRNA, “The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution was martyred following an attack by the Zionist regime and the United States on Saturday morning.” Khamenei, 86, had led Iran since 1989 and was the country’s most powerful political and religious authority.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump declared on social media that Khamenei had been killed in coordinated US–Israeli military strikes, describing him as “one of the most evil people in History.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there were “signs” that the “tyrant” had been hit during a “pre-emptive” daylight attack. Reports indicate that more than 200 people have been killed in the strikes so far.

The Israel Defense Forces stated that dozens of military sites across Iran were targeted, following months of joint planning between the two allies. The Israeli military also released the names of seven senior regime leaders who were reportedly killed in the operation.

Multiple explosions were heard across Iranian cities, including Tehran, where the office of the Supreme Leader and the presidential complex were said to have been targeted.

In retaliation, Iran launched strikes against US military bases across the Middle East and against Israeli targets. Explosions were reported in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Dubai and Bahrain. Video footage circulating online appeared to show a missile striking a US Navy base in the region.

The developments have triggered widespread concern of a broader regional conflict, with global leaders closely monitoring the rapidly evolving situation.