Iran’s state television confirmed early Sunday that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has died, ending more than three decades of leadership that shaped the country’s political and religious direction.
The announcement was made at approximately 5:00 a.m. local time.
The broadcast featured archive footage of the late leader accompanied by a black banner across the screen, a traditional sign of mourning.
The station did not mention reports of a massive attack by the United States and Israel on his residence.
Khamenei, 86, had served as Iran’s supreme leader since 1989, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in the Middle East.
He assumed the position following the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and oversaw a period marked by regional tensions, international sanctions, and internal political unrest.
On Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Khamenei had been killed in air strikes.
Prior to the official confirmation from Tehran, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that the Iranian leader was dead.
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“Khamenei, one of the most evil people in history, is dead,” Trump wrote, describing the development as justice for Americans and others around the world.
Trump said Khamenei was unable to evade U.S. intelligence and advanced tracking systems. He added that the moment presents Iranians with their “greatest chance” to reclaim their country.
According to Trump, some members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and other security forces may be unwilling to continue fighting and could seek immunity.
He further stated that heavy and targeted bombing would continue throughout the week, or as long as necessary, to achieve what he described as peace in the Middle East and beyond.
Officials in Tehran have yet to provide further details surrounding the circumstances of Khamenei’s death. More information is expected as reactions continue to emerge from Iranian authorities and world leaders.
