Iran's state media has confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following joint US-Israeli missile strikes. The confirmation came hours after Donald Trump announced the killing on Truth Social, describing Khamenei as 'one of the most evil people in history'. Satellite imagery showed Khamenei's secure compound was heavily damaged in the initial barrage on Saturday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there were 'many signs' Khamenei was no longer alive, and Israeli officials briefed media that his body had been recovered. Iranian media reported that Khamenei's daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter were also killed. The semi-official Fars news agency, linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), confirmed the deaths.
The US and Israel launched the war with the stated goal of regime change. Trump said the military campaign, which began on Saturday, was 'the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country'. Netanyahu called on Iranians to 'flood the streets and finish the job'. Early on Sunday, Israel launched another wave of strikes against Iran's ballistic missile and air defence systems.
Iran retaliated with strikes targeting US military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, and there were reports of explosions in the UAE. Shrapnel from an Iranian missile killed one person in Abu Dhabi, and debris caused fires in Dubai. In Israel, a 50-year-old woman was killed when a missile struck Tel Aviv, the first fatality in Israel since the war began. Around 120 people have been injured in Israel.
Iranian media reported 201 people killed and 747 injured in the initial US-Israeli attacks. The deaths also include IRGC chief General Mohammad Pakpour and another top security adviser. Netanyahu said Israeli strikes had killed 'several leaders' involved in the Iranian nuclear programme. Iran's assembly of experts is expected to convene to select a new supreme leader, though analysts suggest the IRGC may consolidate power.
