Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed following a large-scale U.S.-Israeli military operation on Saturday, President Trump announced. Israeli officials, a senior U.S. intelligence source, and later Iranian state media confirmed his death.
“Khamenei, one of the most evil people in history, is dead,” Trump wrote on social media. He added that heavy, targeted bombing would continue “as long as necessary” to achieve what he described as peace in the Middle East. Trump also claimed some members of Iran’s military and security forces were seeking immunity.
Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency confirmed Khamenei’s death but did not specify the cause. Tasnim, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, reported he was killed in the strike. An Israeli broadcaster said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had been shown a photo of Khamenei’s body. CBS News reported celebrations in parts of Tehran.
The Israel Defense Forces said seven senior Iranian officials were killed, including Ali Shamkhani, a close adviser to Khamenei.
Khamenei, 86, had ruled Iran since 1989, succeeding Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. As supreme leader, he held ultimate authority over Iran’s government, military, and judiciary. His successor has not been announced.
During his three-decade rule, Khamenei consolidated power through loyal networks, particularly within the Revolutionary Guard, and oversaw strict suppression of dissent. Though he issued a 2003 religious decree banning weapons of mass destruction, Iran expanded its nuclear capabilities under his leadership, insisting the program was peaceful.
Relations with the United States remained tense throughout his tenure. He opposed U.S. influence, supported the 1979 hostage crisis, and frequently described America as Iran’s main enemy. While skeptical of negotiations, he allowed nuclear talks to proceed, later pointing to U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal as proof Washington could not be trusted.
At home, economic decline and repeated protests eroded public support. Rather than pursue reforms, Khamenei backed crackdowns on demonstrators and blamed unrest on foreign interference. Despite periodic health concerns, he remained in power for nearly 36 years.