Tehran is gripped by grief and uncertainty after Iranian state media confirmed the martyrdom of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in what it described as US and Israeli attacks.
The announcement has triggered nationwide mourning, military threats of retaliation, and a dangerous escalation across the Middle East.
Iranian state news agencies reported that Ayatollah Khamenei was martyred during joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran. He was declared a “martyr,” and authorities announced a seven-day public holiday along with a 40-day national mourning period.
State media further claimed that Khamenei’s daughter, son-in-law and grandson were also martyred in the attacks.
According to Israeli media, the Supreme Leader had been in an underground bunker when approximately 30 bombs were dropped on his compound. He was reportedly martyred along with dozens of associates.
Senior Israeli officials earlier claimed that his body had been found following the strikes. British media also quoted Israeli officials making similar assertions.
US officials said they believe Khamenei and between five and ten senior Iranian leaders were martyred in the Israeli attack.
Heavy casualties reported in Iran
Iranian authorities said that 201 citizens were martyred and 747 injured in attacks carried out by the US and Israel.
The strikes mark one of the deadliest phases of direct confrontation between the two sides.
Mourners gather in Tehran and Mashhad
Following confirmation of his martyrdom, mourners began gathering in Revolution Square in Tehran. Many were seen holding national flags and chanting in grief.
Footage shared by Press TV showed supporters mourning at the shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad. Several people were seen crying, wailing, and collapsing in sorrow.
However, reports also emerged of celebrations and fireworks in parts of Tehran. Khamenei and his security forces had been blamed by critics for ordering crackdowns on protesters in recent weeks.
Iranian military vows revenge
The Iranian military announced it would avenge the Supreme Leader’s martyrdom. Russian media quoted officials as saying the “aggressor will be severely punished.”
In a statement, the Iranian government declared: “The oppressors will know who the revolutionaries are,” invoking religious language and warning of consequences.
International and regional reactions
Iraqi cleric Muqtada al-Sadr offered condolences and announced three days of mourning in Iraq. Red lights—symbolizing revolution—were lit on holy shrines across Iraq following the announcement.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned what he described as US and Israeli aggression against Iran.
Meanwhile, Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi was appointed as the new commander-in-chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, signaling a swift restructuring of military leadership.
Trump claims responsibility
US President Donald Trump claimed on social media that Khamenei had been martyred. He described it as “justice” for both the Iranian people and the world.
Trump said heavy bombing would continue until objectives were achieved, adding that Iran could not defeat US intelligence and joint operations with Israel.
Earlier, Iran’s Foreign Ministry had insisted that both the Supreme Leader and the country’s president were in good health, accusing enemies of waging psychological warfare.
Fresh strikes across region
Israeli Air Force hits dozens of targets
Israel’s military said it struck more than 30 sites across western and central Iran. The targets reportedly included ballistic missile arrays, air defense systems and military headquarters.
The Israeli military stated that attacks would continue against “regime targets.”
Iran launches missile strikes
Arab media reported that Iran launched a missile attack on Israel’s Ministry of Defense building in Tel Aviv. Several buildings caught fire, 20 people were injured, and vehicles were severely damaged.
Iranian media also reported a missile attack on the US consulate in Erbil, Iraq.
In the UAE, four people were injured in what authorities described as an Iranian missile attack on Dubai airport. The Dubai Media Office confirmed the incident.
The UAE Ministry of Defense said 132 Iranian missiles were destroyed and 195 drones were shot down. Earlier, the UAE Ministry of Interior had issued a mobile security alert urging residents to immediately seek shelter.
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