An Iranian state television news anchor broke down in tears on Sunday as he announced the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in air strikes reportedly ordered by US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The anchor, visibly struggling to maintain composure, read a statement declaring that Khamenei had been 'martyred in a joint criminal attack by the United States and the Zionist regime.' He sobbed into his hand and held his head as others in the studio were heard crying.
Khamenei, 86, had led Iran since 1989. The air strikes were justified by the US and Israel on the grounds that Iran was developing nuclear weapons and posed a threat to Europe and regional allies. The broadcast announced a 40-day mourning period and a seven-day holiday.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a statement warning of a 'regret-inducing punishment' and said retaliation would begin 'in just moments,' targeting 'occupied territories and American terrorist bases.' Iran subsequently launched drones and missiles at neighbouring countries hosting US bases or allied with Washington.
