Iranian state media has confirmed that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead following a major joint attack by Israel and the United States.
According to Iranian state television, the 86-year-old cleric was killed in an airstrike that targeted his compound in downtown Tehran.
Satellite images released by Airbus showed extensive damage at the site, indicating heavy bombardment.
State TV said his death at his office “showed that he consistently stood among the people and at the forefront of his responsibilities, confronting what officials call global arrogance,” describing his final moments as being in service to the nation.
United States President, Donald Trump, had earlier confirmed the killing in a post on Truth Social late Saturday.
ALSO READ: Iran responds to US, Israel attack, targets US assets in Bahrain
“Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS,” Trump said.
He added, “This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.
“We are hearing that many of their IRGC, Military, and other Security and Police Forces, no longer want to fight, and are looking for Immunity from us.”
The confirmation followed earlier claims by Israeli sources that Khamenei had been killed during Saturday’s strikes.
(AP)